I really respect your comparison of 3x to 5x. That says a lot for your understanding of anchoring geometry. 3:1 is typical minimum for the geometry of the anchor. 5:1 increases weight, overcomes tide and waves, and facilitates resetting after a shift. In optimum conditions 3:1 will hold. 4:1 to 5:1 overcomes typical issues. 3:1 isn't bad for lake sailors. Ocean sailors should use 5:1.
For anybody thinking to buy one, say you have a 45ft, 10T displacement yacht you'll need the 27kg version, at € 2,300.00, plus swivel of € 300.00. Safety is priceless, sure, but these babies are expensive! Great video though, learned a thing or two, thanks!
Many thanks for your work. I have a Spade on my Lagoon 42 in Croatia, and we do find that it has a habit of ending up on its back, my wife calls it 'beetle mode', once set though it has worked very well, and we have had some serious wind shifts as thunderstorms have passed overhead. We normally anchor, rather than go into a marina (very expensive with just two of us onboard a cat), or harbour, we like being 'off grid' and make use of our solar and water maker to allow us to enjoy quiet bays. However, I need to replace my chain, and the galvanisation on the Spade is showing some wear and tear and I have been considering an Ultra, and watching this has convinced me that, despite being expensive, it is an excellent investment for us to make.
Anchor opinions! Everybody that owns a boat certainly has one. Me, being as how I built my Herreshoff Marco Polo in the early 80's, went with a 'first generation anchor'....my 75# CQR with 1/2" chain kept us where we intended through about 50K miles of cruising, including being on the hook through a couple hurricanes. 120+ winds (Tahiti in 82) The trick is to have an anchor that is good for any sort of holding, the CQR may not be the very best in soft mud, but once in, it's in. No matter which a person chooses....an open roadstead is still something that gets one up several times during the night. -Veteran '66-68 ex-Schooner Valkyrie.
just purchased a CQR for a 18.5 ft cabin cruiser, never knew a lot about the anchor system. I have truly learned something today. thanks for the great video.. I will be watching your channel thanks 🙂
Great review, the under water footage clearly shows the anchors performance and must give you the confidence you can sleep peacefully in the knowledge that your yacht is secure.
I've spent a lot of time in nasty blows in all sorts of bottom conditions with Bruce, Fortress, CQR, Rocnas and Danforth. If I ever get another sailboat, it'll have a Rocna as the main anchor and a danforth for a stern/secondary anchor for sure.
Hmm. My personal findings from cruising in a variety of global conditions is that it's generally less about the anchor model and much more about anchoring technique, chain scope etc. And yes, Im one of THOSE people with a Rocna and I haven't encountered the criticisms you cite about roll bars - I do however have direct experience of it holding in sand and weed through two named storms at 60 knots.
Yes I agree anchoring is as much about technique as equipment, I say pretty much that in the first line of the Anchoring 101 video. I also say in this video that Rocna’s aren’t short of holding power. The reset problem is a thing though, it’s rare so you would be very unlucky for it to happen to you. That doesn’t get over the inherent weakness with a roll bar anchor though, it’s just a fact documented by insurance companies and people it has happened to.
So many boats here in Turkey use the Ultra as they are made in Turkey. Our buddy boat Acheron upgraded to one recently and is very happy with the setting and holding. We still love our huge Mantus, with the roll bar, which has never let us down. 👍
Who are you kidding Baz, we all know you've only got that Mantis so we can have an episode where your dragging towards the shore at 3am and you have to dive down and remove the rock that's stuck in your roll bar and save the ship! No seriously of all the roll bar anchors I like the Mantus most as it's so bloody big (especially yours) you're very unlikely to get something jammed in there.
Ha! no I just know you Aussies you're not happy unless there's been a near death experience, I reckon you guys breed the poisonous spiders and great white sharks on purpose just to make life more interesting!
I have an ultra and swivel for 3 yrs very good anchor, good set no dragging, because it s stainless i recommend a stainless chain to minimize rust on galvanized chain caused by having 2 different metals, I have experienced rust on the first 2 links so much so that I have to cut the links every 8 month to prevent rust stains on foredeck
Everyone I know who get a Rockna is very happy. Never heard the problem with mud, maybe in some places. We had an way undersize one (mistake) but it never never dragged.
@@mykeharris8651 It's not. We bought one that was way to small by mistake for our boat, but the Rockna was so good that even undersize we prefered it to all the other bigger models we had on board. The pointy tip digged easily in most soil and stayed there.
I have a 1975 Aquasport 170. I use my boat in the Tampa Bay area where the bottom is nearly all sand or grasses and I use a Danforth thats made for a boat up to 26', 8' of chain and 200' of 3/8" nylon line. Lol pretty simple for a pretty simple boat. I also have a second, smaller Danforth for the stern or whatever, really, when needed.
Great review and I looked into the Ultra and really like its performance. I personally will be getting a 20 or 25kg Rocna as the 20kg is around $800 New Zealand, the 25kg is a little under $1200 New Zealand and the 20kg Ultra without the swivel is a little over $3600 New Zealand. So while I think the Ultra is better resetting and less prone to fouling the Rocna has been well proven in extreme conditions and is very popular here in NZ. For those that can afford the Ultra I have not heard anything bad about them and your anchor is some of the best insurance you can get for your boat.
Frankly, any of the good Anchors are fine, and we'll up to the job once they are properly Set. and sometimes in the right place at the right time, they need to be able to fail, y breaking out sideways, as that really an Save the Boat, like happened when that First Tornado clobbered my boat, and the port side deck was going under, the Delta popped out sideways and the boat shot back upright. Believe it or not, but there is such a ting as being Overbuilt. Years ago, when we got hit in Britain by that Hurricane, the local guy with the house on top of an exposed hilltop, had been really huffed at how strong he had built,t his roof. however, when the Hurricane hit it, there was no area of the roof weak enough to reduce the pressure, no windows in it he could open even. and the Complete Roof lifted pff the wallpaper, flipped upside down, and landed in the front garden - thankfully nobody hurt, other than pride . So a Genuine to spec Lewmar Delta, tested in a pretty nasty Tornado Storm passed with flying Colours as far as I'm concerned. Talk about Confidence building that isn't misplaced. Still, ever forget, circumstances can arise that can defeat pretty much everything, and it pays to have a ba kup plan. Mine will be a Mantus 2 ready to assemble in a Locker, plus a suitably oversized inboard diesel, with a bloody good prop to get out of trouble with. Not really kidding, but I'm of the Top Fuel Dunny Car Dragster engine Philosophy when it comes to the power needed to exit stage left, With Style, but screw the elegance when you need to be Gone. There's people putting 10hp electric motors on 40 plus foot boats ffs ! what on Earth are these idiots Smoking ? Frankly, they are Influencing others to think that somehow this is an OK way to think ! What happens when shit gets really serious ? And it Will Get Really Serious at Sea, it is never IF, it is always WHEN. Anchors an be too secure, resulting in even Chains snapping. See examples when a bad storm hit the Scilly Isles off Cornwall UK, when the yacht Vagabond went in the rocks. One boat fired up its inboard diesel, and was able to exit stage left at a rate of knots. That wasn't 10hp of Diesel, or of Electric. Yet people seem to think I'm taking the piss when I tell them to forget pipsqueek electric motors, and make damned sure you don't have an undersized inboard diesel My next boat is 44ft, and It has either an 80hp or 85hp inboard Djesel as Standard. That'll do fine. There'll be a lots of grunt at low rpm Flexofold prop going on it as well. It'll hit the 8.27 knots Hull speed, with no problem, as Doing a Brave Sir Robin (Holy Brail , Monty Python) and Boldly Running Away, Frequently, is the only Plan B That Can Work. Being Stubborn, and hanging in there too long, and you end up like the Black Knight, getting your legs chopped off. There are very good Anchors out there, Pick one, and make it work, then have a Backup. Then make sure you have Very good chain. all I saw in Chandlers in the USA, was awful Chinese Crap made with poor steel, and the Galvanising was worse. I bought American Steel triple Galvanised made for the American Trucking industry, and it was drop dead gorgeous, and a fraction of the price of the Chinese Crap. A little more for regulated for use with a Windlass, but not much more. . So £3000+ anchor - how many of them end up on the end of rubbish Chain ? 🤔
PS. To me, a Real McCoy genuine Lewmar Delta (if you can find one ) is a Rocna Anchor without the Hoop ? Like with Every Anchor, make sure it is set and things should be good. I'll be backing my next one up with a Mantus 2 as they seem to set well in weed and Sea grass covered bottoms. If you have a ear for good steel that's been properly Hardened and Tempered, make it ring, and you can tell if it's a good one by the tone. Teulu Channel got a good one I knew as soon as I heard it ring, that Lewmar Delta has held in 50 plus knots now, no issues. 👍 Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob in Wales. ⛵️✨️✨️✨️
I'm sure the Ultra is a great bit of kit but having just checked Jimmy Green Marine, the cost to replace my 20kg Rocna and 65m of 8mm chain would be over £3000 - far in excess of what many could realistically afford. My outlay for tackle that's kept my boat secure in 45+kts on more than one occasion in a variety of places was barely £800. Unless you're lucky enough to have a magic wallet, everything about cruising is a compromise based on experience, competence and what you can actually afford - even safety-critical items. If I wasn't confident that my anchor would hold in any given situation then I'd either not anchor or I'd maintain a watch. I was certainly impressed with your review of the Ultra which was fair, although it's clear it would never fit on my boat without substantial alterations to the bow rollers, adding yet more expense. Perhaps the reason why there's not many reviews of the Ultra is because so few people can afford one!
A thoughtful and well reasoned response. In particular this "If I wasn't confident that my anchor would hold in any given situation then I'd either not anchor or I'd maintain a watch." Sadly far too many do not do this. Heck just watching their _Anchoring 101_ video with that one boat that had simply dropped their Delta anchor down and was sitting practically under the bow, and never backed down to set it, so Delta was just sitting on top of the surface is far too common. And you do have a pretty decent anchor to begin with in the Rocna. So for you and your actions, I can fully understand your reasoning. However in case others read this and think that can apply to everyone. Once again far too many do not stop and think that spending money to ensure they have decent holding, especially for cruisers that live on the boat all the time it is money well spent. Far less to spend good amount on anchor and save the cost of replacing whole boat in bad situation. Kinda like oh it is going to take $10k to replace the roof on my house, and not many can afford that so I will just let it go .... not. People will make an exception and find w/e way they can to make it a priority as soon as they can.
@@kevinfisher1345 I got talked into trying a Lewmar Dekta Oversized Anchor, by the Boatyard Owner where I had a lot of Work Done on my last Sailboat, after Purchasing it, and having ordered very high quality triple Galvanised Chain, as my Visitors Visa in the USA was running out, I was starting to Panic, and Peter said I can get a Delta shipped here overnight, you can have it tomorrow, and if you don't like it, come back once the Visa has reset, and I'll give you your money back, adding, we've never had a problem with them. Fair enough, I went with it, and tbh, was really surprised just how good a Genuine Lewmar Delta Anchor was. Problem - so many Counterfeits around, but Peter sources Genuine ones. I'll have to Sail up the East Coast to his Yard, unless the Boatbuilder has access to Genuine ones as well (tbh, pretty likely ), and I'll pick up an oversized Mantus 2 in Texas, as a backup Anchor anyway (actually Island Packet likely will be able to get one of those for me as well - disassembled, they are great to have in a Locker, not taking up much space. Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob in Wales. 👍⛵️✨️✨️✨️
My boat came with an Ultra and its the best i have ever used but yes very expensive to buy. I notice that HR seem to spec it as standard so thats a great recommendation.
Hi Keith. Ultra anchors do indeed look good on HRs, but they are not standard. They are offered as optional extras on the models I've looked at. Perhaps that's what you meant; they're the standard option, if an anchor is included in the buyer's specification. You know, HR are a bit funny like this, with some of their options and with some of their standard inclusions. A teak deck is optional, but try to buy an HR without one! You'll hear multiple reasons why it won't work. And on the HR44, slab reefing is standard, but try to buy one with that. The first guy that did had all sorts of trouble, as HR were not geared up to deliver it. Funny. :-)
Another good video Steve, I'm a Rocna man myself on the Scottish West Coast by night, and a small Hydrobubble for lunch. That thing is way to posh for my boat, fur coat on a tramp my mate Niall would say.
my dad use to drag a fare bit on the west cost off scotland, he had a cutless 27, he had a cqr with full chain, he ended up getting a 35kg bruce never moved once with that haha now trying to lift it was a diferant story!! still got it somewhere, one time it draged was a good point it did as a couple in a dinghy were hanging on to a mooring for there lifes as they coudnt row agenst the tide to get to there boat we only seen them when we moved the boat ferther up the bay to reset the anker!!
Thankyou for going through the anchor types with clear reasoning as to the good , bad and the ugly. Up to date my preference and from all I had read I was of the view that the Sarca was possibly the best out there. However, watching/listening to your description re the Ultra I can see why perhaps not so. It’s always good to learn from others experience. I was never a fan of the Rocna, despite plenty of others saying they are great. Likewise seeing the Ultra swivel it certainly looks like it’s a decent bit of kit. Checking the prices on line for the Ultra and given it’s stainless as well, it sure looks like decent value for money and one’s peace of mind.
Awesome video Captain. Never too much opinions in this matter. I have the Bruce model for sand and it performs great. I love your boat, it is realy beautiful I must say! Greeting from a floating caravan captain here! Cheers
Since I have an Ultra I doubt I will change! I also have the ultra anchor ring. They are not only beautiful, they are the best that money can buy. And, I had a rocna that I sold, I wished good luck to who bought it...
Nice review. We use a 60 kg Ultra w/ 100 m 12mm G70 on our 56' -- same weight but more windage -- and we _love_ it. Yes it looks expensive at first sight but it's just so good.
We have a 60kg on our 62' 28 ton sailboat which is the recommended size from Ultra for our our size and weight. It was a hard pill to swallow price wise but beats not being able to sleep at anchor!
Thank you so much for sharing I was totally looking for a good anchor I have a 30 foot Pearson I live in Miami and I am totally happy with your video thank you so much good job sailor👍
Appreciate the info. Our spade has served us well over the last 8 years from the Atlantic to pacific. Only drawback…bit of rust now that the galvanized coating has worn off.
Very well done. I did a circumnavigation about 20 years ago with the anchors you immediately dismissed--the Bruce (bower anchor), CQR, and Danforth, which I don't believe you mentioned. We only used the Danforth for a stern anchor. I have no experience with the modern anchors you mentioned. But all three of the above have saved my bacon enough times that I would not tempt the gods by disparaging them. I have dragged exactly one time in my sailing career. It was with the Bruce, after a windshift in about 25 k, in weed. Fortunately, my crew was aboard and awake. I have had difficulty getting the Bruce to set a couple of times, the worst of which was in Mykonos. But when we finally found a good spot, we stuck through a gale and were one of the very few boats that didn't move an inch. I of course have nothing to offer in the way of criticism at all, and am only speaking from my own experience. But my impression is that 90% of anchoring failures fall into three categories. In order of frequency they are 1) Poor anchoring technique. 2) Completely inadequate holding ground. This of course should be discovered during anchoring, and if moving isn't an option, a proper 24-hour anchor watch should be maintained. 3) Gear failure, which can be obviously avoided by proper maintenance. Again, well done, thanks for the report, and fair winds.
20 years ago you had the best anchors available, comparing what I know about first gen anchors and modern anchors I'm glad I have the easy life now! I agree totally about your number one point, I would be interested in your feed back on the anchoring technique video i did : ruclips.net/video/2g6Is6sf6Vw/видео.html one thing about anchoring with 1st gen anchors is your technique HAS to be good!
@@svfairisle OK, I watched the technique video, which was very thorough. I have no important differences with you, although I have no experience with stainless ground tackle. Happy to take your word on it. But a couple of comments: 1) A kellet or sentinel is, I agree, of little use in preventing dragging. However, I sail in the San Francisco Bay area where we have forceful currents that change every six hours. If you don't have all chain, and most local sailors don't, the rode can absolutely get wrapped around the keel and this is a very serious problem, as the anchor is now tasked with holding the boat when it is beam-to the current...which isn't going to happen. Don't ask how I know. 2) When backing down on the anchor, I teach students to look perpendicular to the boat and find a range. With power applied as you suggest, this is a very good way of testing if the anchor is holding, and it requires no other person's judgment. 3) You may want to mention an anchor watch. Every once in awhile you may have to ride out a gale in an anchorage with dodgy holding. We always kept a 24-hour watch, but this can also be done electronically by setting the alarm on GPS, depthsounder, or radar, or better still, all three. I never trusted that method, though, as I had doubts about waking up!! Beautiful boat, by the way, and again, very well done!
Thanks for that excellent analysis, I agree with every word. I do however have more faith in GPS anchor alarms. I wouldn't rely on one in a blow with a lee shore, but I can testify to the fact my ipad gps anchor alarm warned me I was dragging well before I was aware of the fact while sitting in the cockpit observing one evening this summer, they are VERY good!
I circumnavigated in the 1970s. I had a hawse pipe so the anchor was either going to fit or we had to keep it on deck and put it overboard every time we wanted to anchor. I survived very nicely with a Danforth and a 200# Luke on all charin The Luke has flukes that have as much frontal area as most of the second-generation anchors 25% of it's weight. The only drawback is it can't hold in very soft mud. When we wanted a lunch hook we had a 45 # Northhill which had a predictable "popout" when the wind hit 45 knots. Because I have to pick an anchor that will fit in a hawse pipe i will probably continue to use the Danforth. For those who still use ithe Danforth it is important to understand that it was designed to be a light weight anchor with extraordinary holding power for it's weight and was the anchor for landing craft basically to be used in a sand bottom. straight into the beach and then straight back out. it's weakness is that if it is well set the stock can bend and it can get choked up with a rock or piece of wood, eel grass or hard bottom and fail to reset. I've dropped mine on a lobster trap and in Corsica on the springs from a queen-sized bed. I dragged with it last week after a 180-degree wind shift when I brought it to the surface the hard clay bottom was stuffed into the flukes and the anchor could never have reset. The boat next to us with a plow dragged at every major wind shift and their lack of success became predictable and embarrassing to watch. They had a plow and it did not like the hard bottom. These are just the musings of an old fart with a Danforth in the hawse. Another thing that I notice is that people don't paint their anchors white. On most bottoms a bright white anchor stands out and whether it s set or not can often be observed from the surface.
@@svfairisle All of the alarms--radar, depthsounder, and GPS, are reliable. What I have no reason to count on is that I would wake up, especially when asleep after a difficult passage.
Kudos on some very impressive camera work! Very interesting to see your anchor setting so quickly. I have been using a Rochna very successfully for the past five or so years. Yes, I’ve heard more impressive comments regarding spades, mantis and other anchors but nothing enough to make me want to buy another anchor. In more than 100 anchorages over the past few years, I’ve only dragged twice and in both instances I am convinced that no anchor would have held. In 50+ years of cruising in North America, Europe, the Caribbean and northern Africa, I’ve never locked my boat and have never lost anything other than one anchor! I would seriously lose sleep over your beautiful stainless steel anchor if it was perched on my bow in plain view. I am guessing your stainless steel anchor chain combined with your anchor and swivel makes the total cost of these items comparable to the entire cost of your beautiful yacht! But there is something certainly said for peace of mind sleeping at night in a precarious anchorage. Another point worth mentioning. On at least two occasions I have anchored in 70 feet of water. Naturally a 5 to 1 scope is impractical. But no doubt due to the tremendous weight of the chain, a 3 to 1 scope held us in fairly brisk conditions. I would have loved to see a video of the anchor in that situation, but my guess is that all that chain hung vertical from the boat and then was flat against the seabed to the anchor.
Yes as I said at the beginning of the video, if the anchor you have is working for you then you're probably okay. We didn't have any problems with the Delta in Holland or the UK and if that was my cruising ground i may have stuck with it as it seemed to cope with that sort of mud well. It was hopeless in the Scilly Isles though and several other places and I never really trusted it. And that's actually pretty important to your own wellbeing, i definitely sleep much better at anchor with the Ultra than I did with the Delta because i trust it! There are some formulas that people use for scope taking in to consideration the depth, but fair to say the deeper the water you're anchoring the less scope you need. 3:1 is usually plenty in deep water. If we leave Fair isle somewhere I will be locking the anchor to the bow sprit!
@@atxsailor452 You must be that one cruiser in this millennium to have never stopped in a marina overnight! When my Delta was stolen it was our first night in a marina in several weeks as we ducked in an unfamiliar inlet in Central Florida and couldn’t find a comfortable anchorage before quickly fading light in the late fall. We were bow-to and our anchor was conveniently (for the theft!) over the dock. We were soundly asleep and never heard anything, At the time (2001) Deltas were the rage. In addition to seizing wire, I used to tighten the shackle with a 10” wrench, so the thief was equipped. My backup was a Danforth and I had a Fortress stowed away, but I visited a local used marine equipment store for piece of mind and reluctantly bought a Chinese knock-off CQR that set after 5+ tries and dragged with astounding regularity!
@@atxsailor452 Additionally, for what it’s worth, I have altered my technique slightly in the hopes of thwarting a thief. Now, once the anchor is up, I over tension the anchor in the bow roller using the windless. Now getting the pin out of the shackle is considerably more difficult. Also, the swivel I use requires a large Allen key. I’ve filled the Allen key hole with silicone sealer in the hope to frustrate a would-be thief operating in darkness. I know all these measures are probably irrelevant to a determined thief, but at least I get the satisfaction of knowing I make his task more challenging. I am always reminded of a friend who despite 24/7 security and video surveillance at his factory is unable to stop the loss of 20 foot fiberglass extension ladders from his facility over the years. Unfortunately, a determined thief can always defeat the best protections.
Another great informational video again! Thanks Steve. It’s nice to see real-time and actual events while using this anchor. Well done on the underwater/setting perspective! All the best Richard
Great review, certainly got me thinking of what I should now be using. Been following your channel from the very start, keep up the good work and stay safe out there.
Good video , i found very interesting , thank you. I have CQR anchors on both my boats. Just have to say , like i do to most people these days 😂. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ' momentum is not inertia ' . To try and keep it simple. 'Momentum must be overcome to stop an object thats moving ' ,,,,,,,,,,,where as . 'Inertia must be overcome to start an object moving' . Similarly both according to mass .
Glad to see you went with an Ultra. I was torn between Ultra and Spade as you probably remember from previous comments of mine. My neighbor has an Ultra and absolutely loves it. My Spade has just started to loose the yellow surprising after a year. I suspected it would be more gone by now. I went with a 55lb anchor which when we set off full time cruising will become a spare anchor as we will likely go up to a 77lb or 100lb anchor as a primary. Whats interesting is the Ultra sizing guide is telling me for my boat (17ton 42 footer mono) I should run their 77lb anchor while Spade is saying the 55lb is fine. I suspect side by side comparison, Ultra will hold better in higher winds due to higher weight and size. It would be interesting to get both anchors and run them in a side by side, weight for weight test. Great to see you post this video, I think people tend to under estimate the importance of a good anchor and anchoring system. It's one of those functions that people tend to cheap out. Reduce budgets in other areas to get an anchoring system that is the best is better than one that is "okay in most cases"
I think the general consensus is that Spade underestimate the sizes. I think they went quite strong on not having to rely on weight with modern anchors the way you did with older models as an advertising line, but somewhat overdid it! maybe to prove a point, who knows.
In the California delta most anchorage’s are mud bottoms with grass. I had a 43’ fiberglass houseboat that had a lot of sail area. I had three anchors. A Fortress aluminum “Danforth”, an original Bruce, and a Lewmar delta. Danforth was next to worthless as an anchor unless it was deep beyond sea growth otherwise it was great at hauling up a “salad ball”. The Bruce was very good and would quickly punch through the grass but if it did pull out it needed to be de-weeded before a reset. The Lewmar delta is inexpensive and dependable. Nothing fussy, just lower and back away. It was the most likely to reset if it got yanked over. I always set at least two anchors (didn’t have to re-aim the TV rabbit ears).
Regarding the Ultra, you can always just use 2 shackles if you don't like the swivel. One small nitpick is that on some boats, water pools in the ultra anchor on the pulpit, and then it corrodes because it is like a dish holding water. There was a 70something Princess on our dock that i would walk by the Ultra every day going to my boat, and there was always corrosion and pooled water in it.
I found you video useful giving feedback on the delta and brugel. Im a small yacht 6 m kingfisher 20.I carry plenty chain 100 feet 6mm plus 50 feet 8mm with 100 foot warp or 170 feet 8mm with 100 ft 6mm. I have 7.5 kg bruce on 6mm which holds fine up to F 6 plus. 22lb Thames anchor on 8mm, and double up a 20 lb fisherman in tandem with bruce in kelp or weed. But im looking for additional anchor that works better in weed or rock and good reset so thought about the delta or brugel both realistic priced. You given me confidence in them , cheers!
I remember years ago with a danford in 60+ Knots on a 30 foot try (Yes you heard that right ) Offshore wind lifting the yacht completely out of the water in the gust , getting hit by penny sized pebbles from the shore 150 meters away (took off the paint & some antifoul forard). We had a smaller CQR & a fisherman out either side of the our main pick the danford . After the blow , 36 hrs, the fisherman was straightened out , The CQR was OK But the Danfords shank had stretched a third more of its original size - Sold the try next week .
The Ultra anchor does look impressive, but it also looks very expensive. I now Googled. These anchors are almost $2000 for a modest-sized sailboat. But then I think if I weren't retired. So funny that he starts not being impressed by shiny anchors, but then it is a shiny anchor that he ultimately picks, albeit one that actually performs.
Great review, but I would say that as I was about to start this sentence with "snap!". Around the marina there are a lot of die-hards that won't listen to anything and would rebuke your 5:1 scope. Me, I'm in total agreement, and if it's that crowded move away. The chain is as important as the anchor and we found an auto aligning and rotating swivel which is priceless in preserving the front of the boat. Now where's my magnet! A review of secondary anchors would be very welcome.
Rocks are always a lottery with any anchor. We’ve only had pebbles once I think, out in the North Atlantic, and it penetrates well, it’s the plow anchors that tend to skip over the top of pebbles
Excellent presentation with a combination of clear thought supported by good video. I am currently evaluating my choice of anchor. I've really leaned toward two bow anchors specializing in different seabeds. But with an 80 to 90 # anchor and 100m of 10 mm chain, the second anchor loads 500+ pounds at the extreme of the bow. That's fine at anchor. But under sail, performance will suffer even in a moderately heavy boat. I will be studying the Ultra a bit more. I am amazed that people don't value their anchors as highly as their diesels and their props. You fail a tack near a lee shore. At that point, you may value your anchor a bit more. Or maybe you are in soft sand just windward of a reef when the night becomes uncomfortable as winds reach 45 kts and the calm bay kicks up 6 foot waves.
Yes anchors are important for everyone and for cruisers like us who anchor out every night much more so. I would shy away from twin bow anchors. With an anchor like the ultra the only anchor are liable to want to put down in preference to it is a fisherman’s anchor if you happen to be in thick kelp but no one is going to carry a fisherman’s anchor on their bow! When we fitted the nest as chain I put the old chain on our secondary anchor, it was too much weight in the bow. We are 26 tons but as you say that sort of weight will even affect a heavy boat. We were starts to get some hobby horsing. I changed to 30m chain and 70m rode and it improved but for the Atlantic crossing I took the anchor off and stored in in the sail locker. That meant I could pull the chain right back to the secondary anchor locker which is further aft as well. I’ve left it this way in the Caribbean. So it could all be refitted quite quickly if we wanted to ride out a storm in mangroves or something but we sail better without it.
Great video full of valuable information. I watched Steve's video but one thing I didn't like about it was instead of using the swivel designed to work with this anchor he used a janky two shackle setup. It was easy to see that, that definitely didn't help the Ultra's performance. Your video on the other hand uses the proper over engineered swivel and showcases just how well the Ultra Anchors handle resetting. I know that when I finally get my vessel one of the first purchases will be an Ultra with their swivel and chain because I do so enjoy a good nights sleep...
Definitely a nice looking anchor. It's also interesting that Rocna's new anchor is somewhat similar in shape to the Ultra and lacks the hoop of the original rocna. Always nice to see actual testing being done rather than just purely anecdotal testimony (though the sheer popularity of the rocna does suggest it's at least a decent anchor). I am shocked just how little product testing happens in boating. It seems like any actual testing and comparison between different options is always at least a decade old. Surprising since one of the standard things you hear about buying a boat is "never buy a boat without testing it", lol.
There's no question the Rocna is a decent anchor and yes I think their new offering the Vulcan is even better, surprisingly hasn't generated the Rocna following, strange. Maybe Peter Smith is just too much of a salesman, who knows. I definitely think he pushed too hard on the 'independent' testing with sponsored magazines with the Rocna, people start to see through that. One of the things I like with Ultra is they positively encourage external testing. very rare..
Love the video and the effort testin and footage. New yacht so was looking hard at the Rocna now I gotta evaluate the ultra. In any case getting 2 anchors. All things being equal if you got the ultra as one, which would be your secondary anchor ? It’s a 40x21 Cat.
If you get the Ultra you will find you won’t use any other anchor. It’s good to have a back up anchor of course, but I would get something as big as possible that you are able to store. Spade are good as they break down and are great anchors. If you don’t have a fortress type anchor as a kedge then get that first
Great video. I love to learn new things about boating although we motor boat. We have a delta anchor and I just hate it. I used to anchor over night but just don’t do it now as I don’t trust the delta to re-set. The ultra anchor looks superb. I will take a look on line to see the different sizes available. As I say great video but I missed Judy this time.
Steve.... excellent review... Hooked from the beginning! 🙄 Was looking at a chain and anchor swap will look at this little combo closely ... I doubt cheap but there again a drag into the rocks would dwarf the bill if you had a boat left....
Interesting to see the degree of chain lift at 5:1 and on 3/4 throttle. Makes the point for 7:1 and more in a real blow. _Excellent_ shots BTW, the manage to get camera, anchor, boat etc. all so nicely positioned in-frame 👍
Yes there’s certainly an advantage with 7:1 against 5:1 but it becomes pretty negligible after that. I’ve done some further testing, there will be a part 2 to the Anchoring 101 video at some point.
I've been on 9:1 in some Meltemi blows @@svfairisle 😲 I've also had a well set and dug-in Delta drag more than once, so these findings are really helpful. Thank you 🙂
Quite agree @@KeepItSimpleSailor. Swinging is the issue, although can be limited somewhat with a kellet, as of course are others laying across your chain not realising the scope and then lifting your anchor or sitting over it when you come to leave
The weight of an anchor on the bow and its effect upon sailing performance is another factor. The excellent holding performance of the Ultra for its size (along with the Spade, which I've chosen because I'm not as rich as Steve) means that good holding can be had without increased pendulum motion when sailing. I keep seeing folks choose heavy Rocnas, when a lighter Spade (or Ultra for rich people ;-) ) would dig deeper and bobble less.
Yes very good point, weight on the bow is key for a lot of boats (and all Cats) at 26tons Fair Isle isn't that sensitive to it & she's designed to have two anchors on the bow but it's still an issue it we ant to sail well. The other factor is of course the anchor chain. It's definitely not a good idea to lessen the weight of your anchor because of balance issues, much better to go down a size in chain but up a grade in strength. i.e from 12mm to 10mm switching up one grade in this list from standard-to-G40-to-G70-to-Cromox doing that will save about 33% of the weight of the chain (for the same strength) which will be more that the weight of a whole anchor. Of course strong chain comes at a price. I just think the price is worth it. I do love it that you think price is no object to us but I assure you it is. It's just a question of priorities, our generator has died for instance, we don't have money for a new one so its candles and the wind-up radio this season! ... while we're securely anchored!!
@@svfairisle I also think the price is worth it. I was once asked, without warning, to explain the concept of value for money to a room full of air force officers and replied with, 'It's whatever we say it is. But in the end, what is more important is affordability.' I assess the Ultra anchor as representing excellent value for money. However, in the mix of things I need to spend money on to get a boat built and going, it wasn't affordable. The Spade was affordable and is good enough. :-) I will replace it with an Ultra Mk II one day.
Incidentally… I understand comments on cost barrier to these things sometimes but perhaps applying the same analogy one should to your life raft :- The day you climb into your life raft with your family you will not be celebrating how much money you saved buying the cheap one!
Too true! I was thinking of the cost of the anchor vs the cost of your boat as that is what is ultimately at stake. You would not put retreads on a Porsche!
You’re equipment is also essential but again, spending more money is not an alternative to proper technique and knowing what you’re doing. In the case of the life raft analogy, you’ll get a better, bigger, safer raft if you spend more, however imo with this anchor vs, say a galvanized rocna, (they make them without roll bars btw, look up Vulcan) the difference can’t be enough to justify the expenditure. One could quite literally buy four rocnas of the same weight.
Excellent video and very interesting. Given that you anchor in most locations I can totally see why you have gone for the best! Now I’m looking forward to the Kedge review! ⛵️
Hard sand is the best holding bottom, all the anchor hook well on this. A good test should be done in nasty ground like rolling stones, soft mud, grass.
This wasnt 'hard sand' it was more like concrete I couldnt bang a sharpened metal pole into it with a club hammer! I know with absolute certainty that my Delta wouldn't touch it we would have just towed it around the anchorage as we have on other occasions! It would have been interesting to see how anchors like the Spade and Rocna would cope with it, i think they would have dug in just maybe not as quickly.
for the price and design aesthetic of them, Ultra should really supply one actual anchor and another shiny polished replica to enjoy as a display piece on the coffee table :)
If we ever sell Fair Isle and move ashore the Ultra is coming with us for exactly that purpose, thats why I'm never anchoring in rock... Don't want to scratch it!
Sailingfairisle. you really are top notch. I loved the objectivity and quality of this video to the point I am considering buying a real ultra for the dream boat in my mind. You didn’t even mention how fabulous it would look on the bow roller of any yacht...present or future.
Hi Steve In 2008 I sailed from NZ to Chile with Pete Smith The developer of the Rocna and over the 28 or so days of sailing learnt a lot about his motivation and philosophy on anchoring. For our boat a Bruce Roberts 44 steel ketch have used a rocna25kg it has only let go once and that was my fault not setting it at all. In 2019 we changed to a Sarca Excel 30 for doing a circuit around NZ, it let us down on numerous occasions, so went back to the Rocna25kg. So in regard to your Steve on anchor test, have little faith in his test. Your choice of the Ulta is good, but coming back to your discussion on stainless chain , is it made of the correct grade for world wide use? and although one needs an up to the task ground tackle the price of the Ultra is out of our budget and I think I would go for the Rocna Vulcan, no role bar. Cheers Kevin
I bought a rocna, looked at an Ultra, but like that Bentley I saw that one time... $3,500 canadian....ouch but ya real nice anchors. Now there are a lot of comments about "it's worth the insurance" and while I believe that is absolutely true the Ultra is something I simply dont have the money for... so we can say how great it is, and it is, not everyone in life has enough disposable income to buy one, period.
If you want to sleep well, stick with Ultra. Best anchor in the world.
I don't have a boat, nor do I live near any appreciable body of water, but now I want an Ultra anchor.
You buy this anchor and boat owner might give you a lifetime ride. You'll each be contributing half.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I really respect your comparison of 3x to 5x. That says a lot for your understanding of anchoring geometry. 3:1 is typical minimum for the geometry of the anchor. 5:1 increases weight, overcomes tide and waves, and facilitates resetting after a shift. In optimum conditions 3:1 will hold. 4:1 to 5:1 overcomes typical issues. 3:1 isn't bad for lake sailors. Ocean sailors should use 5:1.
We have an Ultra and never had an issue with it in all kinds of conditions. What amazing footage of it setting and resetting.
For anybody thinking to buy one, say you have a 45ft, 10T displacement yacht you'll need the 27kg version, at € 2,300.00, plus swivel of € 300.00. Safety is priceless, sure, but these babies are expensive! Great video though, learned a thing or two, thanks!
Many thanks for your work.
I have a Spade on my Lagoon 42 in Croatia, and we do find that it has a habit of ending up on its back, my wife calls it 'beetle mode', once set though it has worked very well, and we have had some serious wind shifts as thunderstorms have passed overhead.
We normally anchor, rather than go into a marina (very expensive with just two of us onboard a cat), or harbour, we like being 'off grid' and make use of our solar and water maker to allow us to enjoy quiet bays.
However, I need to replace my chain, and the galvanisation on the Spade is showing some wear and tear and I have been considering an Ultra, and watching this has convinced me that, despite being expensive, it is an excellent investment for us to make.
Anchor opinions! Everybody that owns a boat certainly has one. Me, being as how I built my Herreshoff Marco Polo in the early 80's, went with a 'first generation anchor'....my 75# CQR with 1/2" chain kept us where we intended through about 50K miles of cruising, including being on the hook through a couple hurricanes. 120+ winds (Tahiti in 82) The trick is to have an anchor that is good for any sort of holding, the CQR may not be the very best in soft mud, but once in, it's in. No matter which a person chooses....an open roadstead is still something that gets one up several times during the night.
-Veteran '66-68 ex-Schooner Valkyrie.
Love my Ultra. Great to see it in action. Always sleep soundly on it and you can even shave in it when you pull it up in the morning!
Steve's videos are excellent and extremely helpful in choosing an anchor.
just purchased a CQR for a 18.5 ft cabin cruiser, never knew a lot about the anchor system. I have truly learned something today. thanks for the great video.. I will be watching your channel thanks 🙂
Great review, the under water footage clearly shows the anchors performance and must give you the confidence you can sleep peacefully in the knowledge that your yacht is secure.
I've spent a lot of time in nasty blows in all sorts of bottom conditions with Bruce, Fortress, CQR, Rocnas and Danforth. If I ever get another sailboat, it'll have a Rocna as the main anchor and a danforth for a stern/secondary anchor for sure.
Hmm. My personal findings from cruising in a variety of global conditions is that it's generally less about the anchor model and much more about anchoring technique, chain scope etc. And yes, Im one of THOSE people with a Rocna and I haven't encountered the criticisms you cite about roll bars - I do however have direct experience of it holding in sand and weed through two named storms at 60 knots.
Yes I agree anchoring is as much about technique as equipment, I say pretty much that in the first line of the Anchoring 101 video. I also say in this video that Rocna’s aren’t short of holding power. The reset problem is a thing though, it’s rare so you would be very unlucky for it to happen to you. That doesn’t get over the inherent weakness with a roll bar anchor though, it’s just a fact documented by insurance companies and people it has happened to.
Unless you had a CQR! 😂
So many boats here in Turkey use the Ultra as they are made in Turkey. Our buddy boat Acheron upgraded to one recently and is very happy with the setting and holding. We still love our huge Mantus, with the roll bar, which has never let us down. 👍
Who are you kidding Baz, we all know you've only got that Mantis so we can have an episode where your dragging towards the shore at 3am and you have to dive down and remove the rock that's stuck in your roll bar and save the ship! No seriously of all the roll bar anchors I like the Mantus most as it's so bloody big (especially yours) you're very unlikely to get something jammed in there.
😂 Have you been hacking into our hard drive and spying on our upcoming episodes? 😀
Ha! no I just know you Aussies you're not happy unless there's been a near death experience, I reckon you guys breed the poisonous spiders and great white sharks on purpose just to make life more interesting!
I have an ultra and swivel for 3 yrs very good anchor, good set no dragging, because it s stainless i recommend a stainless chain to minimize rust on galvanized chain caused by having 2 different metals, I have experienced rust on the first 2 links so much so that I have to cut the links every 8 month to prevent rust stains on foredeck
Everyone I know who get a Rockna is very happy. Never heard the problem with mud, maybe in some places.
We had an way undersize one (mistake) but it never never dragged.
How over sized was it? Why was the oversized one a mistake?
@@mykeharris8651 It's not. We bought one that was way to small by mistake for our boat, but the Rockna was so good that even undersize we prefered it to all the other bigger models we had on board.
The pointy tip digged easily in most soil and stayed there.
Thank you so much. The resetting is impressively documented and I am sure getting it on video take much effort. Appreciated.
I have a 1975 Aquasport 170. I use my boat in the Tampa Bay area where the bottom is nearly all sand or grasses and I use a Danforth thats made for a boat up to 26', 8' of chain and 200' of 3/8" nylon line.
Lol pretty simple for a pretty simple boat. I also have a second, smaller Danforth for the stern or whatever, really, when needed.
Great review and I looked into the Ultra and really like its performance. I personally will be getting a 20 or 25kg Rocna as the 20kg is around $800 New Zealand, the 25kg is a little under $1200 New Zealand and the 20kg Ultra without the swivel is a little over $3600 New Zealand. So while I think the Ultra is better resetting and less prone to fouling the Rocna has been well proven in extreme conditions and is very popular here in NZ. For those that can afford the Ultra I have not heard anything bad about them and your anchor is some of the best insurance you can get for your boat.
Frankly, any of the good Anchors are fine, and we'll up to the job once they are properly Set. and sometimes in the right place at the right time, they need to be able to fail, y breaking out sideways, as that really an Save the Boat, like happened when that First Tornado clobbered my boat, and the port side deck was going under, the Delta popped out sideways and the boat shot back upright. Believe it or not, but there is such a ting as being Overbuilt. Years ago, when we got hit in Britain by that Hurricane, the local guy with the house on top of an exposed hilltop, had been really huffed at how strong he had built,t his roof. however, when the Hurricane hit it, there was no area of the roof weak enough to reduce the pressure, no windows in it he could open even. and the Complete Roof lifted pff the wallpaper, flipped upside down, and landed in the front garden - thankfully nobody hurt, other than pride . So a Genuine to spec Lewmar Delta, tested in a pretty nasty Tornado Storm passed with flying Colours as far as I'm concerned. Talk about Confidence building that isn't misplaced. Still, ever forget, circumstances can arise that can defeat pretty much everything, and it pays to have a ba kup plan. Mine will be a Mantus 2 ready to assemble in a Locker, plus a suitably oversized inboard diesel, with a bloody good prop to get out of trouble with. Not really kidding, but I'm of the Top Fuel Dunny Car Dragster engine Philosophy when it comes to the power needed to exit stage left, With Style, but screw the elegance when you need to be Gone. There's people putting 10hp electric motors on 40 plus foot boats ffs ! what on Earth are these idiots Smoking ? Frankly, they are Influencing others to think that somehow this is an OK way to think ! What happens when shit gets really serious ? And it Will Get Really Serious at Sea, it is never IF, it is always WHEN. Anchors an be too secure, resulting in even Chains snapping. See examples when a bad storm hit the Scilly Isles off Cornwall UK, when the yacht Vagabond went in the rocks. One boat fired up its inboard diesel, and was able to exit stage left at a rate of knots. That wasn't 10hp of Diesel, or of Electric. Yet people seem to think I'm taking the piss when I tell them to forget pipsqueek electric motors, and make damned sure you don't have an undersized inboard diesel My next boat is 44ft, and It has either an 80hp or 85hp inboard Djesel as Standard. That'll do fine. There'll be a lots of grunt at low rpm Flexofold prop going on it as well. It'll hit the 8.27 knots Hull speed, with no problem, as Doing a Brave Sir Robin (Holy Brail , Monty Python) and Boldly Running Away, Frequently, is the only Plan B That Can Work. Being Stubborn, and hanging in there too long, and you end up like the Black Knight, getting your legs chopped off. There are very good Anchors out there, Pick one, and make it work, then have a Backup. Then make sure you have Very good chain. all I saw in Chandlers in the USA, was awful Chinese Crap made with poor steel, and the Galvanising was worse. I bought American Steel triple Galvanised made for the American Trucking industry, and it was drop dead gorgeous, and a fraction of the price of the Chinese Crap. A little more for regulated for use with a Windlass, but not much more. . So £3000+ anchor - how many of them end up on the end of rubbish Chain ? 🤔
PS. To me, a Real McCoy genuine Lewmar Delta (if you can find one ) is a Rocna Anchor without the Hoop ? Like with Every Anchor, make sure it is set and things should be good. I'll be backing my next one up with a Mantus 2 as they seem to set well in weed and Sea grass covered bottoms. If you have a ear for good steel that's been properly Hardened and Tempered, make it ring, and you can tell if it's a good one by the tone. Teulu Channel got a good one I knew as soon as I heard it ring, that Lewmar Delta has held in 50 plus knots now, no issues. 👍 Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob in Wales. ⛵️✨️✨️✨️
thwvulcan made by rockna seems very similar
I find your technical parts to your channel great. Can't wait for more
Really appreciate this comprehensive video Steve thanks 🙂
WOW! The upside-down Delta pic is crazy. 03:35 Thx for the great video!
I got a 40 pound bruce and 26 foot of 3/16 on 26 foot sailboat on a huricane sally it was rocky but it hold in place rock solid
I have a small Spade anchor on my 7 mtr which came with the boat so was pleased to see your views. 😀
I'm sure the Ultra is a great bit of kit but having just checked Jimmy Green Marine, the cost to replace my 20kg Rocna and 65m of 8mm chain would be over £3000 - far in excess of what many could realistically afford. My outlay for tackle that's kept my boat secure in 45+kts on more than one occasion in a variety of places was barely £800. Unless you're lucky enough to have a magic wallet, everything about cruising is a compromise based on experience, competence and what you can actually afford - even safety-critical items. If I wasn't confident that my anchor would hold in any given situation then I'd either not anchor or I'd maintain a watch. I was certainly impressed with your review of the Ultra which was fair, although it's clear it would never fit on my boat without substantial alterations to the bow rollers, adding yet more expense. Perhaps the reason why there's not many reviews of the Ultra is because so few people can afford one!
A thoughtful and well reasoned response. In particular this "If I wasn't confident that my anchor would hold in any given situation then I'd either not anchor or I'd maintain a watch." Sadly far too many do not do this. Heck just watching their _Anchoring 101_ video with that one boat that had simply dropped their Delta anchor down and was sitting practically under the bow, and never backed down to set it, so Delta was just sitting on top of the surface is far too common. And you do have a pretty decent anchor to begin with in the Rocna. So for you and your actions, I can fully understand your reasoning.
However in case others read this and think that can apply to everyone. Once again far too many do not stop and think that spending money to ensure they have decent holding, especially for cruisers that live on the boat all the time it is money well spent. Far less to spend good amount on anchor and save the cost of replacing whole boat in bad situation. Kinda like oh it is going to take $10k to replace the roof on my house, and not many can afford that so I will just let it go .... not. People will make an exception and find w/e way they can to make it a priority as soon as they can.
Lots in Turkey
Sig Sauer, what kind of boat do you have? I'm looking at a 20kg Rocna with 8mm chain for my 36-foot sloop, 6+ tons.
@@kevinfisher1345 I got talked into trying a Lewmar Dekta Oversized Anchor, by the Boatyard Owner where I had a lot of Work Done on my last Sailboat, after Purchasing it, and having ordered very high quality triple Galvanised Chain, as my Visitors Visa in the USA was running out, I was starting to Panic, and Peter said I can get a Delta shipped here overnight, you can have it tomorrow, and if you don't like it, come back once the Visa has reset, and I'll give you your money back, adding, we've never had a problem with them. Fair enough, I went with it, and tbh, was really surprised just how good a Genuine Lewmar Delta Anchor was. Problem - so many Counterfeits around, but Peter sources Genuine ones. I'll have to Sail up the East Coast to his Yard, unless the Boatbuilder has access to Genuine ones as well (tbh, pretty likely ), and I'll pick up an oversized Mantus 2 in Texas, as a backup Anchor anyway (actually Island Packet likely will be able to get one of those for me as well - disassembled, they are great to have in a Locker, not taking up much space. Best Wishes and Fair Winds. Bob in Wales. 👍⛵️✨️✨️✨️
My boat came with an Ultra and its the best i have ever used but yes very expensive to buy. I notice that HR seem to spec it as standard so thats a great recommendation.
Hi Keith. Ultra anchors do indeed look good on HRs, but they are not standard. They are offered as optional extras on the models I've looked at. Perhaps that's what you meant; they're the standard option, if an anchor is included in the buyer's specification.
You know, HR are a bit funny like this, with some of their options and with some of their standard inclusions. A teak deck is optional, but try to buy an HR without one! You'll hear multiple reasons why it won't work. And on the HR44, slab reefing is standard, but try to buy one with that. The first guy that did had all sorts of trouble, as HR were not geared up to deliver it. Funny. :-)
Another good video Steve, I'm a Rocna man myself on the Scottish West Coast by night, and a small Hydrobubble for lunch. That thing is way to posh for my boat, fur coat on a tramp my mate Niall would say.
Thanks for testing ULTRA and the swivel. Romain "Sales Manager France" for ULTRA MARINE
Pure joy to watch my friend! This is what I am striving for in my videos!
my dad use to drag a fare bit on the west cost off scotland, he had a cutless 27, he had a cqr with full chain, he ended up getting a 35kg bruce never moved once with that haha now trying to lift it was a diferant story!! still got it somewhere, one time it draged was a good point it did as a couple in a dinghy were hanging on to a mooring for there lifes as they coudnt row agenst the tide to get to there boat we only seen them when we moved the boat ferther up the bay to reset the anker!!
I recognize those Santa Eulalia’s great views 😉
Thank you for sharing your experience
Another fantastic video on sailing knowledge, skill and ability. Well done.
Thankyou for going through the anchor types with clear reasoning as to the good , bad and the ugly. Up to date my preference and from all I had read I was of the view that the Sarca was possibly the best out there. However, watching/listening to your description re the Ultra I can see why perhaps not so. It’s always good to learn from others experience. I was never a fan of the Rocna, despite plenty of others saying they are great. Likewise seeing the Ultra swivel it certainly looks like it’s a decent bit of kit. Checking the prices on line for the Ultra and given it’s stainless as well, it sure looks like decent value for money and one’s peace of mind.
Very informative and fantastic vid of the set and reset. Excellent, thanks
Alright, I have two choices.
📌First: Ultra Marine Anchor
📌Second: Mantus M1 model
Awesome video Captain. Never too much opinions in this matter. I have the Bruce model for sand and it performs great. I love your boat, it is realy beautiful I must say! Greeting from a floating caravan captain here! Cheers
This Sarca Excel has been rock solid for me. Second to none.
Since I have an Ultra I doubt I will change! I also have the ultra anchor ring. They are not only beautiful, they are the best that money can buy. And, I had a rocna that I sold, I wished good luck to who bought it...
I totally agree! Ultra all dah way!
Simply clear and excellent. Thanks. (25kg Rocna user, that doesnt always set in hard sand - thats Kastos in Greece)
Nice review. We use a 60 kg Ultra w/ 100 m 12mm G70 on our 56' -- same weight but more windage -- and we _love_ it. Yes it looks expensive at first sight but it's just so good.
60kg's! wow you're not going anywhere!
We have a 60kg on our 62' 28 ton sailboat which is the recommended size from Ultra for our our size and weight. It was a hard pill to swallow price wise but beats not being able to sleep at anchor!
Thank you so much for sharing I was totally looking for a good anchor I have a 30 foot Pearson I live in Miami and I am totally happy with your video thank you so much good job sailor👍
Thank you! This was really helpful!
Appreciate the info. Our spade has served us well over the last 8 years from the Atlantic to pacific. Only drawback…bit of rust now that the galvanized coating has worn off.
Very well done. I did a circumnavigation about 20 years ago with the anchors you immediately dismissed--the Bruce (bower anchor), CQR, and Danforth, which I don't believe you mentioned. We only used the Danforth for a stern anchor. I have no experience with the modern anchors you mentioned. But all three of the above have saved my bacon enough times that I would not tempt the gods by disparaging them. I have dragged exactly one time in my sailing career. It was with the Bruce, after a windshift in about 25 k, in weed. Fortunately, my crew was aboard and awake. I have had difficulty getting the Bruce to set a couple of times, the worst of which was in Mykonos. But when we finally found a good spot, we stuck through a gale and were one of the very few boats that didn't move an inch.
I of course have nothing to offer in the way of criticism at all, and am only speaking from my own experience. But my impression is that 90% of anchoring failures fall into three categories. In order of frequency they are 1) Poor anchoring technique. 2) Completely inadequate holding ground. This of course should be discovered during anchoring, and if moving isn't an option, a proper 24-hour anchor watch should be maintained. 3) Gear failure, which can be obviously avoided by proper maintenance.
Again, well done, thanks for the report, and fair winds.
20 years ago you had the best anchors available, comparing what I know about first gen anchors and modern anchors I'm glad I have the easy life now! I agree totally about your number one point, I would be interested in your feed back on the anchoring technique video i did : ruclips.net/video/2g6Is6sf6Vw/видео.html one thing about anchoring with 1st gen anchors is your technique HAS to be good!
@@svfairisle OK, I watched the technique video, which was very thorough. I have no important differences with you, although I have no experience with stainless ground tackle. Happy to take your word on it. But a couple of comments:
1) A kellet or sentinel is, I agree, of little use in preventing dragging. However, I sail in the San Francisco Bay area where we have forceful currents that change every six hours. If you don't have all chain, and most local sailors don't, the rode can absolutely get wrapped around the keel and this is a very serious problem, as the anchor is now tasked with holding the boat when it is beam-to the current...which isn't going to happen. Don't ask how I know.
2) When backing down on the anchor, I teach students to look perpendicular to the boat and find a range. With power applied as you suggest, this is a very good way of testing if the anchor is holding, and it requires no other person's judgment.
3) You may want to mention an anchor watch. Every once in awhile you may have to ride out a gale in an anchorage with dodgy holding. We always kept a 24-hour watch, but this can also be done electronically by setting the alarm on GPS, depthsounder, or radar, or better still, all three. I never trusted that method, though, as I had doubts about waking up!!
Beautiful boat, by the way, and again, very well done!
Thanks for that excellent analysis, I agree with every word. I do however have more faith in GPS anchor alarms. I wouldn't rely on one in a blow with a lee shore, but I can testify to the fact my ipad gps anchor alarm warned me I was dragging well before I was aware of the fact while sitting in the cockpit observing one evening this summer, they are VERY good!
I circumnavigated in the 1970s. I had a hawse pipe so the anchor was either going to fit or we had to keep it on deck and put it overboard every time we wanted to anchor. I survived very nicely with a Danforth and a 200# Luke on all charin The Luke has flukes that have as much frontal area as most of the second-generation anchors 25% of it's weight. The only drawback is it can't hold in very soft mud. When we wanted a lunch hook we had a 45 # Northhill which had a predictable "popout" when the wind hit 45 knots. Because I have to pick an anchor that will fit in a hawse pipe i will probably continue to use the Danforth. For those who still use ithe Danforth it is important to understand that it was designed to be a light weight anchor with extraordinary holding power for it's weight and was the anchor for landing craft basically to be used in a sand bottom. straight into the beach and then straight back out. it's weakness is that if it is well set the stock can bend and it can get choked up with a rock or piece of wood, eel grass or hard bottom and fail to reset. I've dropped mine on a lobster trap and in Corsica on the springs from a queen-sized bed. I dragged with it last week after a 180-degree wind shift when I brought it to the surface the hard clay bottom was stuffed into the flukes and the anchor could never have reset. The boat next to us with a plow dragged at every major wind shift and their lack of success became predictable and embarrassing to watch. They had a plow and it did not like the hard bottom. These are just the musings of an old fart with a Danforth in the hawse. Another thing that I notice is that people don't paint their anchors white. On most bottoms a bright white anchor stands out and whether it s set or not can often be observed from the surface.
@@svfairisle All of the alarms--radar, depthsounder, and GPS, are reliable. What I have no reason to count on is that I would wake up, especially when asleep after a difficult passage.
Kudos on some very impressive camera work! Very interesting to see your anchor setting so quickly.
I have been using a Rochna very successfully for the past five or so years. Yes, I’ve heard more impressive comments regarding spades, mantis and other anchors but nothing enough to make me want to buy another anchor. In more than 100 anchorages over the past few years, I’ve only dragged twice and in both instances I am convinced that no anchor would have held.
In 50+ years of cruising in North America, Europe, the Caribbean and northern Africa, I’ve never locked my boat and have never lost anything other than one anchor! I would seriously lose sleep over your beautiful stainless steel anchor if it was perched on my bow in plain view. I am guessing your stainless steel anchor chain combined with your anchor and swivel makes the total cost of these items comparable to the entire cost of your beautiful yacht! But there is something certainly said for peace of mind sleeping at night in a precarious anchorage.
Another point worth mentioning. On at least two occasions I have anchored in 70 feet of water. Naturally a 5 to 1 scope is impractical. But no doubt due to the tremendous weight of the chain, a 3 to 1 scope held us in fairly brisk conditions. I would have loved to see a video of the anchor in that situation, but my guess is that all that chain hung vertical from the boat and then was flat against the seabed to the anchor.
Yes as I said at the beginning of the video, if the anchor you have is working for you then you're probably okay. We didn't have any problems with the Delta in Holland or the UK and if that was my cruising ground i may have stuck with it as it seemed to cope with that sort of mud well. It was hopeless in the Scilly Isles though and several other places and I never really trusted it. And that's actually pretty important to your own wellbeing, i definitely sleep much better at anchor with the Ultra than I did with the Delta because i trust it!
There are some formulas that people use for scope taking in to consideration the depth, but fair to say the deeper the water you're anchoring the less scope you need. 3:1 is usually plenty in deep water.
If we leave Fair isle somewhere I will be locking the anchor to the bow sprit!
@@svfairisle and somewhere that doesn't sell cordless angle grinders.........
If our Ultra anchor is up we are on the move so good luck steeling it!
@@atxsailor452 You must be that one cruiser in this millennium to have never stopped in a marina overnight! When my Delta was stolen it was our first night in a marina in several weeks as we ducked in an unfamiliar inlet in Central Florida and couldn’t find a comfortable anchorage before quickly fading light in the late fall. We were bow-to and our anchor was conveniently (for the theft!) over the dock. We were soundly asleep and never heard anything, At the time (2001) Deltas were the rage. In addition to seizing wire, I used to tighten the shackle with a 10” wrench, so the thief was equipped. My backup was a Danforth and I had a Fortress stowed away, but I visited a local used marine equipment store for piece of mind and reluctantly bought a Chinese knock-off CQR that set after 5+ tries and dragged with astounding regularity!
@@atxsailor452 Additionally, for what it’s worth, I have altered my technique slightly in the hopes of thwarting a thief. Now, once the anchor is up, I over tension the anchor in the bow roller using the windless. Now getting the pin out of the shackle is considerably more difficult. Also, the swivel I use requires a large Allen key. I’ve filled the Allen key hole with silicone sealer in the hope to frustrate a would-be thief operating in darkness. I know all these measures are probably irrelevant to a determined thief, but at least I get the satisfaction of knowing I make his task more challenging. I am always reminded of a friend who despite 24/7 security and video surveillance at his factory is unable to stop the loss of 20 foot fiberglass extension ladders from his facility over the years. Unfortunately, a determined thief can always defeat the best protections.
Another great informational video again! Thanks Steve. It’s nice to see real-time and actual events while using this anchor. Well done on the underwater/setting perspective! All the best Richard
Great review, certainly got me thinking of what I should now be using. Been following your channel from the very start, keep up the good work and stay safe out there.
If I ever retire, this will be useful information!
Remortgaging to buy one is the problem!
Good video , i found very interesting , thank you. I have CQR anchors on both my boats. Just have to say , like i do to most people these days 😂. ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ' momentum is not inertia ' . To try and keep it simple. 'Momentum must be overcome to stop an object thats moving ' ,,,,,,,,,,,where as . 'Inertia must be overcome to start an object moving' . Similarly both according to mass .
Danforth for a hard sand free bottom and a big Bruce for everything else!!
Glad to see you went with an Ultra. I was torn between Ultra and Spade as you probably remember from previous comments of mine. My neighbor has an Ultra and absolutely loves it. My Spade has just started to loose the yellow surprising after a year. I suspected it would be more gone by now. I went with a 55lb anchor which when we set off full time cruising will become a spare anchor as we will likely go up to a 77lb or 100lb anchor as a primary.
Whats interesting is the Ultra sizing guide is telling me for my boat (17ton 42 footer mono) I should run their 77lb anchor while Spade is saying the 55lb is fine. I suspect side by side comparison, Ultra will hold better in higher winds due to higher weight and size. It would be interesting to get both anchors and run them in a side by side, weight for weight test.
Great to see you post this video, I think people tend to under estimate the importance of a good anchor and anchoring system. It's one of those functions that people tend to cheap out. Reduce budgets in other areas to get an anchoring system that is the best is better than one that is "okay in most cases"
I think the general consensus is that Spade underestimate the sizes. I think they went quite strong on not having to rely on weight with modern anchors the way you did with older models as an advertising line, but somewhat overdid it! maybe to prove a point, who knows.
@@svfairisle Agreed! I think Steve needs to expand his testing and do side by side of weight to weight tests!
In the California delta most anchorage’s are mud bottoms with grass. I had a 43’ fiberglass houseboat that had a lot of sail area. I had three anchors. A Fortress aluminum “Danforth”, an original Bruce, and a Lewmar delta. Danforth was next to worthless as an anchor unless it was deep beyond sea growth otherwise it was great at hauling up a “salad ball”. The Bruce was very good and would quickly punch through the grass but if it did pull out it needed to be de-weeded before a reset. The Lewmar delta is inexpensive and dependable. Nothing fussy, just lower and back away. It was the most likely to reset if it got yanked over. I always set at least two anchors (didn’t have to re-aim the TV rabbit ears).
Great video, thanks very much for the post. xx
Regarding the Ultra, you can always just use 2 shackles if you don't like the swivel. One small nitpick is that on some boats, water pools in the ultra anchor on the pulpit, and then it corrodes because it is like a dish holding water. There was a 70something Princess on our dock that i would walk by the Ultra every day going to my boat, and there was always corrosion and pooled water in it.
I found you video useful giving feedback on the delta and brugel.
Im a small yacht 6 m kingfisher 20.I carry plenty chain 100 feet 6mm plus 50 feet 8mm with 100 foot warp or 170 feet 8mm with 100 ft 6mm. I have 7.5 kg bruce on 6mm which holds fine up to F 6 plus. 22lb Thames anchor on 8mm, and double up a 20 lb fisherman in tandem with bruce in kelp or weed. But im looking for additional anchor that works better in weed or rock and good reset so thought about the delta or brugel both realistic priced. You given me confidence in them , cheers!
great choice! appears to be top of the pack after all the reviews and testing.
Good info, well presented. Grazie.
I remember years ago with a danford in 60+ Knots on a 30 foot try (Yes you heard that right ) Offshore wind lifting the yacht completely out of the water in the gust , getting hit by penny sized pebbles from the shore 150 meters away (took off the paint & some antifoul forard). We had a smaller CQR & a fisherman out either side of the our main pick the danford . After the blow , 36 hrs, the fisherman was straightened out , The CQR was OK But the Danfords shank had stretched a third more of its original size - Sold the try next week .
The Ultra anchor does look impressive, but it also looks very expensive. I now Googled. These anchors are almost $2000 for a modest-sized sailboat. But then I think if I weren't retired. So funny that he starts not being impressed by shiny anchors, but then it is a shiny anchor that he ultimately picks, albeit one that actually performs.
Beautiful anchor
Great review, but I would say that as I was about to start this sentence with "snap!". Around the marina there are a lot of die-hards that won't listen to anything and would rebuke your 5:1 scope. Me, I'm in total agreement, and if it's that crowded move away. The chain is as important as the anchor and we found an auto aligning and rotating swivel which is priceless in preserving the front of the boat. Now where's my magnet! A review of secondary anchors would be very welcome.
Excellent video as usual; thanks.
Definitely a superb anchor.
GREAT stuff!!! Another good vid! CHEERS from CANADA!!!
If i was the manufacturer i would send you your money back for that superb review
Excellent video. Thank you.
Thanks for the great video. Just wondering how the holding of the Ultra is in pebble rocky bottom. Thanks
Rocks are always a lottery with any anchor. We’ve only had pebbles once I think, out in the North Atlantic, and it penetrates well, it’s the plow anchors that tend to skip over the top of pebbles
The Rocna Vulcan anchor does away with the roll bar and has new geometry. It has been excellent for us .
Excellent presentation with a combination of clear thought supported by good video. I am currently evaluating my choice of anchor. I've really leaned toward two bow anchors specializing in different seabeds. But with an 80 to 90 # anchor and 100m of 10 mm chain, the second anchor loads 500+ pounds at the extreme of the bow. That's fine at anchor. But under sail, performance will suffer even in a moderately heavy boat. I will be studying the Ultra a bit more. I am amazed that people don't value their anchors as highly as their diesels and their props. You fail a tack near a lee shore. At that point, you may value your anchor a bit more. Or maybe you are in soft sand just windward of a reef when the night becomes uncomfortable as winds reach 45 kts and the calm bay kicks up 6 foot waves.
Yes anchors are important for everyone and for cruisers like us who anchor out every night much more so. I would shy away from twin bow anchors. With an anchor like the ultra the only anchor are liable to want to put down in preference to it is a fisherman’s anchor if you happen to be in thick kelp but no one is going to carry a fisherman’s anchor on their bow! When we fitted the nest as chain I put the old chain on our secondary anchor, it was too much weight in the bow. We are 26 tons but as you say that sort of weight will even affect a heavy boat. We were starts to get some hobby horsing. I changed to 30m chain and 70m rode and it improved but for the Atlantic crossing I took the anchor off and stored in in the sail locker. That meant I could pull the chain right back to the secondary anchor locker which is further aft as well. I’ve left it this way in the Caribbean. So it could all be refitted quite quickly if we wanted to ride out a storm in mangroves or something but we sail better without it.
Very helpful ... Very well done video
Thanks Todd
Great video full of valuable information. I watched Steve's video but one thing I didn't like about it was instead of using the swivel designed to work with this anchor he used a janky two shackle setup. It was easy to see that, that definitely didn't help the Ultra's performance. Your video on the other hand uses the proper over engineered swivel and showcases just how well the Ultra Anchors handle resetting. I know that when I finally get my vessel one of the first purchases will be an Ultra with their swivel and chain because I do so enjoy a good nights sleep...
Hello, thank you for your trust in our products! Let us know once you have your boat, will help you find the best size :) Take care
why did i enjoy watching the setting of the anchor as much as i did......how sad am I :-)
Definitely a nice looking anchor. It's also interesting that Rocna's new anchor is somewhat similar in shape to the Ultra and lacks the hoop of the original rocna. Always nice to see actual testing being done rather than just purely anecdotal testimony (though the sheer popularity of the rocna does suggest it's at least a decent anchor).
I am shocked just how little product testing happens in boating. It seems like any actual testing and comparison between different options is always at least a decade old. Surprising since one of the standard things you hear about buying a boat is "never buy a boat without testing it", lol.
There's no question the Rocna is a decent anchor and yes I think their new offering the Vulcan is even better, surprisingly hasn't generated the Rocna following, strange. Maybe Peter Smith is just too much of a salesman, who knows. I definitely think he pushed too hard on the 'independent' testing with sponsored magazines with the Rocna, people start to see through that.
One of the things I like with Ultra is they positively encourage external testing. very rare..
@@svfairisle Well, the Ultra is now definitely high on my list to look at when it comes time for me :)
Love the video and the effort testin and footage. New yacht so was looking hard at the Rocna now I gotta evaluate the ultra. In any case getting 2 anchors. All things being equal if you got the ultra as one, which would be your secondary anchor ? It’s a 40x21 Cat.
If you get the Ultra you will find you won’t use any other anchor. It’s good to have a back up anchor of course, but I would get something as big as possible that you are able to store. Spade are good as they break down and are great anchors. If you don’t have a fortress type anchor as a kedge then get that first
Excellent vid, really useful. Cheers ⛵
Thanks God I’ve just bought a Ultramarine too!! 😍
Nice anchor. The money is very nice too!
here in norway almost everyone uses bruce, and it works perfectly
Great video. I love to learn new things about boating although we motor boat. We have a delta anchor and I just hate it. I used to anchor over night but just don’t do it now as I don’t trust the delta to re-set. The ultra anchor looks superb. I will take a look on line to see the different sizes available. As I say great video but I missed Judy this time.
I miss her too:( but she's back on Sunday:)
Steve.... excellent review... Hooked from the beginning! 🙄
Was looking at a chain and anchor swap will look at this little combo closely ... I doubt cheap but there again a drag into the rocks would dwarf the bill if you had a boat left....
Fantastic video, as always!
Great video.
Great video as usual
Interesting to see the degree of chain lift at 5:1 and on 3/4 throttle. Makes the point for 7:1 and more in a real blow. _Excellent_ shots BTW, the manage to get camera, anchor, boat etc. all so nicely positioned in-frame 👍
Yes there’s certainly an advantage with 7:1 against 5:1 but it becomes pretty negligible after that. I’ve done some further testing, there will be a part 2 to the Anchoring 101 video at some point.
I've been on 9:1 in some Meltemi blows @@svfairisle 😲 I've also had a well set and dug-in Delta drag more than once, so these findings are really helpful. Thank you 🙂
Chain isn’t doing anything sitting in the locker - if there’s room I happily go out to 10:1.
Quite agree @@KeepItSimpleSailor. Swinging is the issue, although can be limited somewhat with a kellet, as of course are others laying across your chain not realising the scope and then lifting your anchor or sitting over it when you come to leave
nice informative video.
The weight of an anchor on the bow and its effect upon sailing performance is another factor. The excellent holding performance of the Ultra for its size (along with the Spade, which I've chosen because I'm not as rich as Steve) means that good holding can be had without increased pendulum motion when sailing. I keep seeing folks choose heavy Rocnas, when a lighter Spade (or Ultra for rich people ;-) ) would dig deeper and bobble less.
Yes very good point, weight on the bow is key for a lot of boats (and all Cats) at 26tons Fair Isle isn't that sensitive to it & she's designed to have two anchors on the bow but it's still an issue it we ant to sail well. The other factor is of course the anchor chain. It's definitely not a good idea to lessen the weight of your anchor because of balance issues, much better to go down a size in chain but up a grade in strength. i.e from 12mm to 10mm switching up one grade in this list from standard-to-G40-to-G70-to-Cromox doing that will save about 33% of the weight of the chain (for the same strength) which will be more that the weight of a whole anchor. Of course strong chain comes at a price. I just think the price is worth it. I do love it that you think price is no object to us but I assure you it is. It's just a question of priorities, our generator has died for instance, we don't have money for a new one so its candles and the wind-up radio this season! ... while we're securely anchored!!
@@svfairisle I also think the price is worth it. I was once asked, without warning, to explain the concept of value for money to a room full of air force officers and replied with, 'It's whatever we say it is. But in the end, what is more important is affordability.' I assess the Ultra anchor as representing excellent value for money. However, in the mix of things I need to spend money on to get a boat built and going, it wasn't affordable. The Spade was affordable and is good enough. :-) I will replace it with an Ultra Mk II one day.
Very good summary.
Incidentally… I understand comments on cost barrier to these things sometimes but perhaps applying the same analogy one should to your life raft :-
The day you climb into your life raft with your family you will not be celebrating how much money you saved buying the cheap one!
Too true! I was thinking of the cost of the anchor vs the cost of your boat as that is what is ultimately at stake. You would not put retreads on a Porsche!
You’re equipment is also essential but again, spending more money is not an alternative to proper technique and knowing what you’re doing. In the case of the life raft analogy, you’ll get a better, bigger, safer raft if you spend more, however imo with this anchor vs, say a galvanized rocna, (they make them without roll bars btw, look up Vulcan) the difference can’t be enough to justify the expenditure. One could quite literally buy four rocnas of the same weight.
Excellent video and very interesting. Given that you anchor in most locations I can totally see why you have gone for the best! Now I’m looking forward to the Kedge review! ⛵️
Great video, ultra looks great ...BUT THE PRICE IS INSANE!
Hard sand is the best holding bottom, all the anchor hook well on this. A good test should be done in nasty ground like rolling stones, soft mud, grass.
This wasnt 'hard sand' it was more like concrete I couldnt bang a sharpened metal pole into it with a club hammer! I know with absolute certainty that my Delta wouldn't touch it we would have just towed it around the anchorage as we have on other occasions! It would have been interesting to see how anchors like the Spade and Rocna would cope with it, i think they would have dug in just maybe not as quickly.
Rocna Vulcan. Great performance but with out the bar.
for the price and design aesthetic of them, Ultra should really supply one actual anchor and another shiny polished replica to enjoy as a display piece on the coffee table :)
If we ever sell Fair Isle and move ashore the Ultra is coming with us for exactly that purpose, thats why I'm never anchoring in rock... Don't want to scratch it!
@@svfairisle Who are you, Rodney Dangerfield?
@@ronschwolsky1626 My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.
Hello, only see your comment now but we actually have small replicas, send us a message if you wish to have one ;) really great decoration!
Sailingfairisle. you really are top notch. I loved the objectivity and quality of this video to the point I am considering buying a real ultra for the dream boat in my mind. You didn’t even mention how fabulous it would look on the bow roller of any yacht...present or future.
Rocna is a beast
Big like thanks for the video love from Israel
What is the fisherman anchor benifit is it just a cross sign we always know anchor as this shape. ⚓
Hi Steve
In 2008 I sailed from NZ to Chile with Pete Smith The developer of the Rocna and over the 28 or so days of sailing learnt a lot about his motivation and philosophy on anchoring.
For our boat a Bruce Roberts 44 steel ketch have used a rocna25kg it has only let go once and that was my fault not setting it at all.
In 2019 we changed to a Sarca Excel 30 for doing a circuit around NZ, it let us down on numerous occasions, so went back to the Rocna25kg.
So in regard to your Steve on anchor test, have little faith in his test.
Your choice of the Ulta is good, but coming back to your discussion on stainless chain , is it made of the correct grade for world wide use? and although one needs an up to the task ground tackle the price of the Ultra is out of our budget and I think I would go for the Rocna Vulcan, no role bar. Cheers Kevin
I bought a rocna, looked at an Ultra, but like that Bentley I saw that one time... $3,500 canadian....ouch but ya real nice anchors.
Now there are a lot of comments about "it's worth the insurance" and while I believe that is absolutely true the Ultra is something I simply dont have the money for... so we can say how great it is, and it is, not everyone in life has enough disposable income to buy one, period.
$3500 is cheaper than loosing the boat, especially on a cruising boat.
@@jordandegeus5791
Not by much...
@@aphrodite3216 All relative i guess :D