In Murray's catalog, they have advertised an anchor that folds, so it will fit withing a 4" hatch. Have any of you ever used this kind of anchor and is it effective?
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<br>It sure would be nice to have something that I would not have to keep on the tramp for easy sailing days.
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<br>Thanks in advance,
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<br>Russell Weaver<br><br>

It works in mud sand and rock bottoms. I used it only in a small motorboat in sand and mud bottoms with no problem whatsoever, but I guess it would work the same in a small cat.
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<br>There are some facts worth noting:
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<br>1- since no more then two of the four "claws" (is this the right name?) bury simultaneously, its holding strength/weight ratio is worse then that of the better performing anchors - this is not a major concern, in my opinion.
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<br>2 - for the same reason, there is always the risk that the anchor line gets tangled in the other claws in a wind shift, thus releasing the anchor from the bottom, exactly as with the old traditional anchors. For small craft, in temporary anchoring, this is not a big deal. Also, due to the four claws, it buries itself very fast.
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<br>3-It works in rock bottoms, but it can work too well and become jammed. This is a real possibility and it will not bend to be released as a proper rock bottom anchor.
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<br>Best regards,
<br><br><br>Luiz

I have one of the folding claw anchors and it didn't work at all, just skipping over the bottom (sand). I have since bought a Fortress FX-11 aluminum anchor and it works perfectly, and can also be disassembled for transport (just loosen 2 bolts). I highly recommend these as they are light and very strong, but most importantly they are very reliable. <br><br> I used this anchor in the Newport-to-Ensenada race this year, as well as on a day trip to Anacapa Island where we had to anchor before going ashore. In both instances, the boat was left unmanned, and it was crucial that the anchor be 100% reliable or the boat could be lost.<br><br>Write if you have more questions or want more details on how I did it and lessons learned.<br><br>Sail fast and have fun,<br>Alan Thompson<br>I20 - San Diego<br><br>P.S. My folding claw anchor is for sale really, really cheap....<br><br><br>

While I have not used one of the folding grapnel anchors, I doubt that it can claim nearly the same holding power and versatility as one of the Danforth or Fortress models. (The only bottom type where the grapnel anchor may stick better is rock.)
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<br>The Fortress G-7 or FX-7 each weigh 4 lbs and break down easily so that they can be stored in the hull. They'll cost more than the grapnel anchors ($50 for the G-7 and $85 for the FX-7) but when you consider the consequences of a poorly setting anchor, it's worth the extra bucks. <br><br> Kevin Rose
<br>N6.0na #215
<br>kevin@paddleways.com
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Thanks guys for your replies. Your insight was very helpful and appreciative.
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<br>Russell Weaver
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Take a look at this impressive set of test results
<br>http://www.ussailing.org/safety/Studies/1990_anchor_test.htm
<br>and you will understand. <br><br>GARY

nm<br><br>Luiz

...also has a lot of information on anchor design, anchoring tests, and a very good section on safe anchoring. Check it out at: http://www.fortressanchors.com/<br><br>Alan Thompson<br>I20 + FX-11<br>San Diego<br><br>

nm<br><br>Luiz