Best anchor for sandy bottoms?

[waternutt]

Looking at getting a new anchor. Primary use is in the fine sand along the panhandle of the Florida Gulf Coast. Have heard great things about all three. What's your thoughts?

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Can't go wrong with a Fortress. Make sure you use a chain rhode and pay out the proper amount of line when anchoring. I love my Fortress' and will take them to my grave!

 

[mraz72]

Murf, which Fortress, the fx-7? Is that 4lbs? I have a '24 foot and I am going to give it a try, the box anchor is too heavy. What lbs would hold a 24'?

 

[Chillypilot]

I second the fortress FX-7.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Yes, the FX-7 is what you want. Great company, BTW, if you ever mess up a piece of the anchor, they'll ship a free replacement part to you as long as you pay postage.

http://m.fortressanchors.com/fx-7

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I don't like box anchors either. They have their place but sandy Florida is not one of them.

 

[Speedling]

I don't like box anchors either. They have their place but sandy Florida is not one of them.

I thought the box was mainly for a sandy or mucky bottom? I know I am building mine to slightly beefier specs than oem but Lake Michigan is a fine sand and would slide out the top as it heaps up, AND, the waves on lake Michigan, well, are big and choppy. Especially as the big boats come out!

 

[Murf'n'surf]

I thought the box was mainly for a sandy or mucky bottom? I know I am building mine to slightly beefier specs than oem but Lake Michigan is a fine sand and would slide out the top as it heaps up, AND, the waves on lake Michigan, well, are big and choppy. Especially as the big boats come out!

You might be right but nothing beats a Fortress! I've anchored a 106' yacht with a Fortress. They set easy and hold like a champ if done right. They are light and easily collapse if space is needed. Box anchors are bulky and heavy for small boats.

 

[hobineros]

Does the FX-7 fit in the anchor locker on a 242?

 

[jdonalds]

I would agree that the FX-7 is a great anchor for a sandy or mud bottom. But forget it in most rocky bottoms; it simply won't grab. Over my boating lifetime I've had more trouble with fluke anchors, like the FX-7, than most other types.

Tha Mantus is the current hot choice of many boaters.

I've used a 25# Richter for several years and I'm quite pleased with it.

 

[Wayloncle]

I used my box anchor in The panhandle sand and it worked great.
I liked the no chain and not much rode aspect of it.

 

[Speedling]

Ok, but one thing comes to mind. When you are on a sandy bottom, chances are you're getting in! I am always a little leery of the box/slide anchor from the thought of kids stepping on it and such. But the same goes with any style anchor. Any thoughts on that with the sandy bottom anchors?

 

[mraz72]

the fx-7 fits in the anchor locker once you trim 1/8" off of each side of the rod holder thing (whatever its called).

 

[Wayloncle]

Ok, but one thing comes to mind. When you are on a sandy bottom, chances are you're getting in! I am always a little leery of the box/slide anchor from the thought of kids stepping on it and such. But the same goes with any style anchor. Any thoughts on that with the sandy bottom anchors?

I very rarely had anyone go in front of the boat while anchored, and usually the anchor was deep enough I wouldn't have to worry about anyone stepping on it.

A few times on the Gulf side of Shell Island it was in shallow enough water that an adult could step on it if they were walking out there. But I was the only adult that was out there, so if I step on my own anchor it's my own dang fault

 

[Speedling]

I very rarely had anyone go in front of the boat while anchored, and usually the anchor was deep enough I wouldn't have to worry about anyone stepping on it.

A few times on the Gulf side of Shell Island it was in shallow enough water that an adult could step on it if they were walking out there. But I was the only adult that was out there, so if I step on my own anchor it's my own dang fault

I guess a hood example would be a sandbar. I know on Lake Michigan there is usually sandbars. Drop anchor, back towards shore,which sets anchor, 3 hours later the kids find a low spot and are on the sandbar.

 

[Julian]

@OUT ON THE REEF made an interesting video on anchor testing:

And water testing:

 

[Bill D]

Excuse the ray swimming through the video. Lol. That's awesome @OUT ON THE REEF!

 

[OUT ON THE REEF]

Excuse the ray swimming through the video. Lol. That's awesome @OUT ON THE REEF!

thanks buddy it was perfect timing

 

[Jgorm]

I've been using the standard fluke anchor in sand and mud for 20+ years without issue. If it drags, you don't have enough line out. A couple weekend ago i anchored in pure sand in a steady 5mph current and it didn't move a bit. Don't over think, or over spend. Line length is way more important than anchor type.

 

[Bruce]

I would agree that the FX-7 is a great anchor for a sandy or mud bottom. But forget it in most rocky bottoms; it simply won't grab. Over my boating lifetime I've had more trouble with fluke anchors, like the FX-7, than most other types.

Tha Mantus is the current hot choice of many boaters.

I've used a 25# Richter for several years and I'm quite pleased with it.

Have you tried a FX-7? I find that it sets quickly and holds better than previous fluke style anchors that I have had. I use it on a rocky (not solid rock) bottomed lake, a silty bottomed lake and in the Bahamas and it works great everywhere.