I've a 1980s boat (12m and 8 tonnes) with 1980s anchors: a 20kg Manson plough (with pivoting shank) and a 33lb Bruce claw.

There's a lot of stuff written that suggests anchor design improved significantly in the last 20+ years, with better holding, setting and resetting in more recent designs.

I'm considering updating (ie replacing) at least my primary anchor (tho it'll have to wait until I've saved enough up after Xmas) Two main candidates are the SARCA Excel No 5 and the 21kg Manson Supreme. Not sure the latter with its roll bar will fit on my bow, so leaning towards the Excel. I'm looking at galvanised, not stainless or alloy. It'll be shackled to an all chain rode - 3/8th short link.

Anyone have any good or bad experiences with the Excel or have a view there'll be little improvement over my existing ground tackle?
Particularly interested in long time sailors who've experience of the older anchors and the new.

You are over anchored with either
Can recommend the Manson Supreme
Cruised for years with one on 13m 8t boat. Including tricky bits like NW Tas.
It is currently doing service on a 14m 25t power boat.

Hi, have you seen Steve Goodwins anchor test series, he's up to 154 videos. This is the go to resource if you're in the market for a new anchor in my opinion. ?si=Z2bJ6m9lPPHD5CxP

Fast Forward to his comparison spreadsheet at around 32mins in.

I made a SS copy of the Bruce claw years ago that I used for anchoring my fishing vessel when purse seining. Superb anchor and I was pissed when I lost it one night. I could not afford a real one. Check out how much a new 33 lb galvanised one cost now!
Steer clear of any plough anchors, and stick with the spade type. I made a copy of the Ultra. They are ridiculously expensive new but are good. For cheap go Manson Supreme or if you want just a bit more quality go Rocna. Download the templates for the Rocna and make a ply or cardboard version to see if it fits on the bow.
www.petersmith.net.nz/boat-anchors/manson-supreme-anchor.php
Peter is a little bitter here but he also copied details for the Rocna from the Bugel. The Bugel is still a fine anchor too.

We had a 20kg Manson plough on our 38' Cat when we first got it, it didn't perform very well especially cruising from WA to NSW via SA.
Did a bit of research and settled on the Sarca Excell no 6 due to higher windage and after discussions with Anchoright. We have since done a lap of Australia including Tasmania and have been very happy with its performance. It set in the weed around Tassie very well. No roll bar to block with weed, also convex surface of flukes helps mud to slide off when raising.
No affiliation with them but I also like to support Australian manufacturing when I can.( Sarca might be cheaper than imports from China)

Thanks very much to all for responses. I'm going to mull it over some more while I save up...

Select to expand quote

Quixotic said..
Thanks very much to all for responses. I'm going to mull it over some more while I save up...

Keep the Bruce whatever you do.

Select to expand quote

Ramona said..

Quixotic said..
Thanks very much to all for responses. I'm going to mull it over some more while I save up...

Keep the Bruce whatever you do.

Thanks. I will. It's a genuine Bruce, not a copy.

I have used a Manson Supreme one size over on the last 3 boats in a variety of holding conditions.

Can highly recommend.

Thanks again for all the responses. In the end I have gone with the Excel No 5. It did well in Steve Godwin's anchor tests and a very experienced friend who has one on his 12 ton 40 footer swore by it.
Does anyone know of someone in the Hobart area who could use a 45lb Manson Plough? If so, DM me. Couple of smallish rusty spots on one fluke, but generally in reasonable nick.

45lb Manson plough gone to new home. A chap wanted it as, and I am not kidding, a garden ornament outside his shed! So I've a clear conscience.

I know the decision has been made, but I love our Sarca. Not only does it stick like anything, it comes up clean compared to the old anchor which is a godsend in muddy places we sometimes drop the pick.

Our Fortress Danforth is a bit less reliable but amazing for the weight when it digs in well. It replaced a geniuine Danforth but is incomparably better.

I spent a couple of years living on a CQR but I don't think I'll bother using one of the old-style anchors even as a backup these days.

I've decided to upgrade from an Rocna Mk I to a Mk II. The former has been very good for over 11 years, but I'm a big believer in upgrading to new tech, especially when it is a matter of safety at sea.

The Rocna Mk I has proven to be excellent at resetting over sand, but is hit or miss over weed. Recently, we had an incident when we were anchored over a sandy patch surrounded by weed, but a 90-degree gust dislodged the anchor and it did not have time to reset before it started skidding over the weed.

I'll keep you posted as we head north up the WA coast.

i bought an excel, so i should probably shut up and stand clear, but if you're after a rocna, the Vulcan is actually a rocna, and comes out top of the pops in Steve Goodwin's more recent anchor tests. 2bish put me on to these (thanks) and they're definitely worth a look - see further up the thread. He can only test what he's got, which is a huge range, but doesn't include Manson, unfortunately.

Select to expand quote

Quixotic said..
I've a 1980s boat (12m and 8 tonnes) with 1980s anchors: a 20kg Manson plough (with pivoting shank) and a 33lb Bruce claw.

There's a lot of stuff written that suggests anchor design improved significantly in the last 20+ years, with better holding, setting and resetting in more recent designs.

I'm considering updating (ie replacing) at least my primary anchor (tho it'll have to wait until I've saved enough up after Xmas) Two main candidates are the SARCA Excel No 5 and the 21kg Manson Supreme. Not sure the latter with its roll bar will fit on my bow, so leaning towards the Excel. I'm looking at galvanised, not stainless or alloy. It'll be shackled to an all chain rode - 3/8th short link.

Anyone have any good or bad experiences with the Excel or have a view there'll be little improvement over my existing ground tackle?
Particularly interested in long time sailors who've experience of the older anchors and the new.

Sarca excell holding my boat when up to 40 knots and over blow. I did have Rocna and i drag few times.

Here's the thing. Without a bow roller I'm not sure I can lift and deploy 20kg anchor with one hand - which is basically required given you need the other hand for the boat/chain/etc.

this is the **** you don't realise until you actually own a boat..

G'day, sorry about the late reply but just saw your post.
In 35 years of cruising the 2 worst anchors I have used were the Manson plough and generic claw!! The third was Simpson Lawrence Delta!!
After ditching those I relied on the generic plough from Whitworths. Unfortunately the last one I had developed an aversion to digging in!! (Turned out the tip lead had corroded/fallen out). I replaced it with a no 5 Sarca excell. It has been excellent to date!! Negatives, they are expensive and the gal has worn off quicker than I expected. 11 ton low windage herreshoff 36.