Which Rocna or Mantus M1?

[rslifkin]

I'm also happy with my Vulcan. I would have liked a Spade, but $500 cheaper in the size I wanted and no lead to worry about if I ever get it regalvanized made the decision for me. The shank on the Vulcan gives the impression of being quite beefy. Same with the fluke. The general shape strikes me as being a good structural design and not needing to be made from exotic materials to achieve sufficient strength. The Vulcan has slightly more surface area for a given weight as well. The 77 lb Spade is 1600 cm^2, the 73lb Vulcan is listed as 1730 cm^2, meaning once it's set, it may have a little better hold in softer mud.

For me, the Vulcan, Mantus M1 and I think a couple of others stood out by having a fairly short distance from the shank to the toe, which meant I could fit a bigger size before anchor to hull clearance became limiting on my boat (this pushed me away from the Excel and at least 1 other choice). The Mantus M1 was knocked out of the running for 2 reasons: I would have had to mount the windlass further back to accommodate the very long shank (do-able, but it would have been slightly in the way when moving around the foredeck) and my pulpit is a bit too long for the rollbar to come up over the end without some manual assistance (although it would fit over the pulpit just fine).

 

[sunchaser]

I had the Rocna Vulcan--no roll bar. Was a great anchor.
Agree with seeing what will fit best on your pulpit.

+1
Our vessel has the Vulcan. Good fit and works well in all conditions.

 

[Frosty]

Can anyone point to an anchor test that includes set testing the Mantus?

Have you seen sv Panope's youtube channel? He does the same tests for each anchor, filming them. (Uses an actual boat.)

He did quite a few tests around 3 years ago, then there was a gap. Recently, he tested a smaller version of some of the anchors (I forget the exact size, but IIRC something like you'd have on a 25' boat or so) and some of them didn't seem to "scale down" all that well. I hope he does some more repeats with the anchors in the smaller sizes.

He ultimately decided between the Spade and the Mantus M1 as his choices for his boat, and he discusses why.

Note that the Sarca Xcel is one of the recent ones he's tested.

I found them all interesting watching.

 

[Nomad Willy]

Frosty,
I thought he decided the Supreme w the holes on the fluke was the best.

Are you saying he has posted anchor tests after the end of Anchor Setting Video's?

 

[tcoop]

pgitug,
I have the same boat, same year. The PO put on a Rocna 33 Kg with 350' chain and 150' rode. We do have an extended pulpit that has a dual bracket with a second anchor. The second anchor is 45 lb with 40' chain 350' of rode.

The locker has a board to separate the two rodes. I think they also put a board in front of the door to increase the capacity.

 

[RickyD]

I believe you have two good choices and may never find a discernable difference due to lack of perfect comparisons. I have Fortress anchors aboard but wanted to change due to their need for longer scopes. I frequently anchor in over 100 feet. While I have 500' of chain, I don't want to use it all the time. After research, and watching Mantus comparison videos against so many others I decided to try it. I decided to go with the smaller of the recommended sizes as I still have the Fortress 55 should there be a blow scheduled. I haven't felt the hard set until last weekend when I anchored in only 50'. My 55' boat came to an abrupt stop in a mud/sand bottom. I did pull up a fair amount of it when i left. The nuts protruding probably exacerbates that. I think laying out 300-400 feet of chain makes it hard to feel that YANK when setting.

I watched the hard wet sand Mantus video while dragging four other anchors behind a truck. So why not choose to show your stuff in the best possible light. 50% of the weight of the Mantus presses on the set point. We as buyers need to watch with a critical eye. Ok, that said, try to find other manufacturer's comparison videos. I felt that was a plus for Mantus.

Anyone want to buy a Fortress FX37. My lunch hook. I have two.

 

[Frosty]

Frosty,
I thought he decided the Supreme w the holes on the fluke was the best.

Are you saying he has posted anchor tests after the end of Anchor Setting Video's?

The (original?) series I watched was from around 3 years ago. Near the end of that he did a "wrap up" of all the anchors he tested and at the end he was going to choose one for Panope. He narrowed it down to the Mantus 1 and the Spade (based on his testing), and ultimately decided on the Spade because he liked how it looked "sturdier" than the slightly spindly Mantus.

Recently I noticed he was doing some new videos. He tested some smaller versions of the same anchors with a smaller outboard boat; and also IIRC the Sarca... Xcel? on his big boat.

 

[Datenight]

We have a North Pacific 45. Bought the Rocna Vulcan 35 with 3/8 G4 Acco chain. First test was 25+ knots in Cape May. Stuck like glue. Anchored now in Lake Tashmoo, Martha’s Vinyard, MA. No wind. Love the anchor/chain combo.

Rob

 

[BruceK]

The (original?) series I watched was from around 3 years ago. Near the end of that he did a "wrap up" of all the anchors he tested and at the end he was going to choose one for Panope. He narrowed it down to the Mantus 1 and the Spade (based on his testing), and ultimately decided on the Spade because he liked how it looked "sturdier" than the slightly spindly Mantus.

Recently I noticed he was doing some new videos. He tested some smaller versions of the same anchors with a smaller outboard boat; and also IIRC the Sarca... Xcel? on his big boat.

Steve/SV Panope posted a series of anchor tests on TF. These are likely to be the 3yo tests you found, and I recall a "wrap up" review at the end. They seemed to be very fair objective tests covering a range of performance criteria. After that he seemed to be lost to TF, which was a shame, so it`s good to hear he is still actively testing and reporting. Do you have any links of testing the Sarca Excel, and any others?

 

[Peter B]

Here you go, Bruce...
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Steve/SV+Panope,+anchor+testing+videos+on+Youtube&&FORM=VDVVXX
Cheers,

 

[Frosty]

Peter's link is probably to it, but sv Panope has a youtube channel. Once there the "videos" tab will show them in order, newest first.

 

[rslifkin]

Panope is also still active on Cruisersforum.

 

[Peter B]

Peter's link is probably to it, but sv Panope has a youtube channel. Once there the "videos" tab will show them in order, newest first.

The link is to the YouTube series.
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Steve/SV+Panope,+anchor+testing+videos+on+Youtube&&FORM=VDVVXX

 

[Frosty]

Peter,

In case it sounded like I doubted you above, it was just that I wasn't on a machine where I could click an unknown link, so wasn't sure that was what you had linked to. By this point, the Panope channel should have some new watchers -- I really enjoyed seeing the tests and how he set up his camera rig.

 

[Peter B]

Peter,

In case it sounded like I doubted you above, it was just that I wasn't on a machine where I could click an unknown link, so wasn't sure that was what you had linked to. By this point, the Panope channel should have some new watchers -- I really enjoyed seeing the tests and how he set up his camera rig.

That's fine Frosty. No problem. However, I was just clarifying for those not sure, that the link was not to the old TF videos Steve did 3 years ago.

 

[Unclematt]

I am about to upgrade my plow so this thread is of great interest. I am adding one more to the mix. I want to know what you guys think of the Lewmar CQR compared to the Rocna Vulcan and Mantus M1. I was going to order the Ronca then I read about the CQR and it sounds like pound for pound it has great holding ability.

 

[ranger58sb]

Not.

-Chris

 

[HiDHo]

I used a genuine 45 lb. CQR as my main anchor thru 30 year of sailing and trawling. I made the transition to a 44 lb Rocna Vulcan four years ago. Setting the Rocna has been a “ first time set event” so far. I also had one anchored situation when the wind switched directions 180 degrees at night of course, and the Rocna reset flawlessly in a very small anchorage area.

 

[Frosty]

35# and 45# CQR's held our boat through tens of thousands of miles of cruising, anchoring out 99% of the time. So that's great.

But, would I buy one now? No.

Thing is, we took a lot of care in setting the anchor. Typically, we'd anchor and after drifting back (if the bottom was not just right), we'd wait an hour or two before setting with power. That was to let the plow dig itself down a bit before putting pressure on. In perfect bottom conditions, we set right away, but still, by modern standards I'd say we kind of "babied it" during the set.

I still remember the first time I was on a boat setting a big Rocna. It was a delivery, and it just so happened I was on my off-watch, in the bunk, when we arrived at the anchorage. I was half awake, and all the normal sounds and motions were happening: Engine on, then the chain rattling out as we powered lightly in reverse. Then, suddenly it was as if we had hit a wall in a car: Eeeeerrrttttt! I nearly got whiplash. That was the anchor setting so hard and fast. (And we were not reversing very hard.). Whoah - CQR never grabbed like that.

So would a CQR work? Sure, it did, hundreds and hundreds of times. But.... I'd still get a "modern" anchor now if purchasing anew.

(If a boat came to me with a CQR of appropriate size, and I was going to be anchoring in home turf or good holding ground, it might not be at the top of my upgrade list (though it would be on it); but I wouldn't go out and purposely buy one now.)

 

[Simi 60]

35# and 45# CQR's held our boat through tens of thousands of miles of cruising, anchoring out 99% of the time. So that's great.

But, would I buy one now? No.

Thing is, we took a lot of care in setting the anchor. Typically, we'd anchor and after drifting back (if the bottom was not just right), we'd wait an hour or two before setting with power. That was to let the plow dig itself down a bit before putting pressure on. In perfect bottom conditions, we set right away, but still, by modern standards I'd say we kind of "babied it" during the set.

I still remember the first time I was on a boat setting a big Rocna. It was a delivery, and it just so happened I was on my off-watch, in the bunk, when we arrived at the anchorage. I was half awake, and all the normal sounds and motions were happening: Engine on, then the chain rattling out as we powered lightly in reverse. Then, suddenly it was as if we had hit a wall in a car: Eeeeerrrttttt! I nearly got whiplash. That was the anchor setting so hard and fast. (And we were not reversing very hard.). Whoah - CQR never grabbed like that.

So would a CQR work? Sure, it did, hundreds and hundreds of times. But.... I'd still get a "modern" anchor now if purchasing anew.

(If a boat came to me with a CQR of appropriate size, and I was going to be anchoring in home turf or good holding ground, it might not be at the top of my upgrade list (though it would be on it); but I wouldn't go out and purposely buy one now.)

Yep, our experience with the Manson supreme - first upgrade we did was ground tackle.
Thought I was going to break the 20mm snubber or tear out the near telegraph post sized Sampson post first time we backed down on it.
Never again in our 4 years of full time anchoring have we done it again and never dragged.
Simply drop it, run out appropriate chain for conditions, pour an anchor dram and let the anchor do its thing
Sleep like the dead every night.

 

[rslifkin]

I still back down on new gen anchors. Just very slowly coasting back so it doesn't produce a shock load. Then once the rode is tight and I feel it grab go for reverse and power set it.

 

[SoWhat]

My CQR now lives in the lazarette. It's like dropping a barrel filled with concrete over the side. Never had a problem with it but I think the new generation anchors are faster setting and hold better.

 

[ghost]

35# and 45# CQR's held our boat through tens of thousands of miles of cruising, anchoring out 99% of the time. So that's great.

But, would I buy one now? No.

Thing is, we took a lot of care in setting the anchor. Typically, we'd anchor and after drifting back (if the bottom was not just right), we'd wait an hour or two before setting with power. That was to let the plow dig itself down a bit before putting pressure on. In perfect bottom conditions, we set right away, but still, by modern standards I'd say we kind of "babied it" during the set.

I still remember the first time I was on a boat setting a big Rocna. It was a delivery, and it just so happened I was on my off-watch, in the bunk, when we arrived at the anchorage. I was half awake, and all the normal sounds and motions were happening: Engine on, then the chain rattling out as we powered lightly in reverse. Then, suddenly it was as if we had hit a wall in a car: Eeeeerrrttttt! I nearly got whiplash. That was the anchor setting so hard and fast. (And we were not reversing very hard.). Whoah - CQR never grabbed like that.

So would a CQR work? Sure, it did, hundreds and hundreds of times. But.... I'd still get a "modern" anchor now if purchasing anew.

(If a boat came to me with a CQR of appropriate size, and I was going to be anchoring in home turf or good holding ground, it might not be at the top of my upgrade list (though it would be on it); but I wouldn't go out and purposely buy one now.)

You make me want to finally replace my CQR!!! Don’t need to, but I want to.

 

[Frosty]

You make me want to finally replace my CQR!!! Don’t need to, but I want to.

Sorry

(Still, there were all those great anchoring nights with the CQR.)

 

[Peter B]

I am about to upgrade my plow so this thread is of great interest. I am adding one more to the mix. I want to know what you guys think of the Lewmar CQR compared to the Rocna Vulcan and Mantus M1. I was going to order the Ronca then I read about the CQR and it sounds like pound for pound it has great holding ability.

Did all of the above answer your question Unclematt..? For what it's worth, that would have been my advice also, and my boat came with a CQR. Failed often - replaced with a S-Sarca - no regrets.

 

[Nomad Willy]

Ghost,
Will an Excel fit on your boat?
Still have the big Tolly?

 

[RickyD]

I am about to upgrade my plow so this thread is of great interest. I am adding one more to the mix. I want to know what you guys think of the Lewmar CQR compared to the Rocna Vulcan and Mantus M1. I was going to order the Ronca then I read about the CQR and it sounds like pound for pound it has great holding ability.

I had a 47' Lien Hwa that came with a beautiful stainless CQR. Worked flawlessly for the three years I had it. Back down in reverse and it would set hard. I think partially the sharpness of the ss version helped it set. But, when it came time to buy an anchor for my new boat, I researched and bought the Mantus M1. I bought one on the lighter side for my boat as I have a big Fortress storm anchor. It seemed as though my M1 set very softly yet always securely. I have had it two years now. Then a couple weeks ago I anchored in shallow for me water of 55' and it yanked me right away on setting. I think putting out 350' of chain in 100' of water softens the feel. I like the fact that 50% of the weight of the anchor rests on the tip. One reason why it sets so fast. Some have mentioned that the shank is thinner than others and may get bent. Well the shank is also replaceable. I have bent two anchors both Danforths of my sailboat. One was hooked on a rock and it took a lot to bring it up, eventually with a bent fluke. The other time I had bow and stern anchors out, some idiot pulled up my bow anchor in a strong current. I swung like a pendulum towards a rocky point, inches off of a reef I was able to release the stern line, slip past the reef while paying out line. lucky I had 450' of rode on the stern line. Fired up the engine, retrieved and reset everything. My stern Danforth's shank was bent 90 degrees.

 

[Unclematt]

I thank you all for all the answers. Today I will be doing some measuring to see how well each one will fit. The boat currently has a 44# Delta that is fussy to set and will drag in a stiff breeze. I am leaning toward the 44# Rocna Vulcan I am not sure the 45# Mantus M1 will quite fit.

 

[tn6437]

it appears i am in the right place. i have a 35 foot chb senator 35 trawler. lost my old anchor when it became wedged in something during a storm. i had no choice but to cut her loose. i can't dive 30 feet deep to so rather than wait for a miracle i cut the rode. i am now in the market for either a rocna or a mantus. i have watched videos of different tests but still am undecided. fyi, i am beginning the loop this fall so looking for an anchor that will work well, hold fast and reset if needed for the inland waterways, the gulf coast and the icw. what have you all found top work best ? what do you have ? why do you like it ? and what weight do you think is best ?

 

[Pgitug]

it appears i am in the right place. i have a 35 foot chb senator 35 trawler. lost my old anchor when it became wedged in something during a storm. i had no choice but to cut her loose. i can't dive 30 feet deep to so rather than wait for a miracle i cut the rode. i am now in the market for either a rocna or a mantus. i have watched videos of different tests but still am undecided. fyi, i am beginning the loop this fall so looking for an anchor that will work well, hold fast and reset if needed for the inland waterways, the gulf coast and the icw. what have you all found top work best ? what do you have ? why do you like it ? and what weight do you think is best ?

I have been told the weight of your anchor should be the number of feet your boat is plus 10. I am going to purchase the Rocna. Had one on a 39’ Nordic Tug. Worked well. My current boat is a 45’ Sailboat. It has a new 44# Rocna which is too small IMHO. Going to buy a 55 or 73 Rocna, depending on pulpit space.