Anchors Aweigh Page 5

The test team launched, attempted to set, and retrieved each anchor at least four times over two days.I’ve heard of boaters who choose an anchor based upon how good it looks in the roller. But the right anchor should do more than just look sharp. In fact, it should do more than secure your beloved boat to the bottom. When things

By Mike Smith

February 1, 2007

West Marine Performance 20
After witnessing how well the Fortress performed, we expected West Marine’s version of a Danforth to put up comparable numbers. But it never really held for any significant time–only once did it exceed 1,000 pounds. The Performance had duller shanks than the Fortress, which might be the cause of its lesser results.

West Marine
(800) 685-4838

Wasi
This stainless steel, Lloyd’s Register-approved Wasi plow was also equipped with a roll bar. We tested the 30-pound model, and it held immediately, once holding up to 3,356 pounds. It also carries Lloyd’s Register approval for high-holding power. Wasi anchors are made in Germany and imported by San Jose, California-based company Swiss Tech America.

Swiss Tech America
(888) 800-9574

XYZ
At 13.5 pounds, the XYZ was by far the lightest, yet it is rated for boats to 48 feet. Made of galvanized steel, it has a modified-plow design that includes a protrusion off its shank that reportedly rights it and allows it to penetrate the bottom. Unfortunately this was not the case during our tests, as we failed each time to set this anchor. Manufactured in China, the XYZ is also available in stainless steel.

Creative Marine
(800) 824-0355

This article originally appeared in the February 2007 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.