Boat anchor test. Review of boat anchor holding power. Boat anchors tested: Bulwagga anchor, Claw anchor, CQR anchor, Delta anchor, Fortress anchor, Manson Supreme anchor, Oceane anchor, Rocna anchor, Sarca Anchorlight anchor, Spade anchor, West Marine Performance 20 anchor, Wasi anchor, and the XYZ anchor.

Rocna
The Rocna was designed and manufactured in New Zealand. The 33-pounder looks similar to the Manson, with a roll bar and sharp fluke, but lacks a channel in its shank for an alternate rode attachment. The anchor tended to drag at first but finally set each time and held once to 5,000 pounds.

Rocna
(604) 781-8347

Sarca Anchorlight
Yet another anchor from Oceania, the 33-pound Sarca has a pronounced, hoop-like roll bar and two features for easier retrieval: a channel in its shank so the rode can slide forward and areas cut out of its blade that reportedly allow it to break free from suction generated by the bottom material. The anchor set every time, with its best hold recorded at 1,962 pounds.

Anchor Right
(604) 322-4008

Spade
The Spade has half of its 33 pounds in its business end, a sharp plow that is designed to allow the anchor to dig in deep and hold. It proved to be an excellent performer, as the Spade engaged quickly and held to 5,000 pounds in two nonconsecutive pulls, topping out at 5,236 pounds. The anchor is manufactured in Tunisia and rated for boats up to 65 feet.

Spade
(954) 525-7430