- Joined
- Nov 8, 2012
- Messages
- 2,318
- Location
- Port Orchard, WA
- Vessel Name
- Sandpiper
- Vessel Make
- Bluewater 40 Pilothouse Trawler
I'm sorry to be a bit off subject here, but you really should get rid of the Bruce and get a next gen anchor like a Rocna as your #1 anchor. The Bruce was never designed as a short term anchor, but rather as an anchor to let set for a long period on things like oil rigs.
You'll find that if you have a better (next gen) anchor, you won't need as much scope and therefore you will swing less.
The Bruce may not be "next gen" but is one of the best all around anchors out there. It has been a very popular anchor in the PNW because of it's ability to veer with tide changes.
It sets quickly. It will not trip during 180 degree tide swings. With each 180, the anchor corkscrews into the bottom improving holding.
Good holding in most bottoms. Might not penetrate hard clay and heavy grass as well but most anchors have difficulty with those type bottoms.
It may not have as much absolute holding power as other anchors but that is overcome with a heavier anchor one or two sizes bigger.
The Genuine Bruce have a thinner, sharper edge than the inexpensive Claw, which allows the Bruce to set quicker.
I would not buy a knockoff Bruce. We tested a couple Claws with a hydraulic press when they first came out after the Bruce's went off market. The Claws were easily bent and one shank broke. The Genuine Bruce's are heat treated and survived the tests intact.
We've been using Genuine Bruce anchors since the 70's on every boat owned. We anchor in tidal areas. Current anchor is a 66# Genuine Bruce.
We've never dragged and we've been in some big blows by ourselves and with a 56' Sonship rafted to us.
I would not have any other anchor in the PNW.
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