Rocna Anchor

[Kent & Jane Overbeck]

As I mentioned in my previous post, we have just completed the "Great Loop".  It took 13 months and covered around 6500 miles.  Before we left on the trip I was going to buy a new anchor.  The problem was just what it was going to be.  I will not rehash all of the anchor discussion on the forum as it is readily available but just report on what we did.  I liked the Rocna but was concerned about quality.  Shortly before our trip Rocna changed their warranty to cover not just breakage but included bending if the anchor was sized to their recommendations.  That swayed me over.  I purchased a Rocna 15 (33#).  My rode is 50 ' of 5/16 G-4 chain and 250' of 5/8" 8 strand plaited nylon.  I got 250' so I could go back and drop a stern anchor if needed.
We anchored many times in a great variety of conditions and bottoms.  We had hard sand, soft sand, soft and hard mud, clay, grass and some weeds and at times a gravel mix of the above.  We had 6-8' tidal ranges along with the current and reverses that come with the tides, and sustained winds of over 60 MPH three times, conditions that can be very challenging when anchoring.  We never used a second anchor, not even when in strong current reverses.  The Rocna set first time, every time, very quickly and we never moved after that.  There was no problem when we had a wind or current shift as it seemed to reset immediately.  The biggest problem was getting all the mud etc. off.  I was evident the entire anchor was buried as the roll bar was covered. 
I guess it's obvious that I like the anchor.  That being said, I also have a 33# original Bruce that has given good service. I also have a 22# Delta fast set and a Fortress FX 11 that I have used on my Seaward 26 very satisfactorily.  I was in the company of a great variety of boats with various anchors and rarely saw anyone have serious problems they couldn't resolve.
I know there is more than one good anchor, but right now, after this trip, I'm a Rocna fan.
I also want to report that the 8 strand plaited rode was awesome.  It fell easily into the locker with no coiling or twisting and was very easy to handle.  Well worth the extra cost.