lightweight, aluminum Danforth-type typified
by the Fortress (Figure 22-12) and Guardian
anchors. Made of aluminum, these anchors
weigh considerably less than standard steel
Danforths of the same dimensions. Since the
holding power of this form of anchor—once
dug in—is largely determined by the area of
the flukes, these aluminum Danforth types
can have much greater holding power per
pound of anchor weight than steel Danforth
types (which were once considered light-
weight anchors themselves).
The problem comes with the qualifier
“once dug in.” Lightweight anchors with
large, flat flukes tend to sail or kite and take
their time to reach the bottom, and they can
take longer to dig in and hold once they reach
the bottom. This will apply again should the
anchor break out when the boat swings or
surges and then has to reset itself. These
anchors are even less reliable in grassy,
rocky, or hard-clay bottoms than standard
steel Danforth types.
In fact, the manufacturers of these
anchors will often claim immense holding
power (backed up by independent testing)Chapter 22:Anchoring Systems, Anchor Types, and Anchor Selection
Figure 22-8.
Assorted stockless
anchors (Courtesy
G. J. Wortelboer Jr.
B.V.)Figure 22-9. Parts of a stockless anchor
Figure 22-10.
A navy stockless
anchor in a
hawsepipe