Greetings. Thank you for the video. I have a 132 lb Ultra on my 53 foot 45,000 lb cat. Cruising in Med, Morocco, Caribbean, US East Coast etc… I set this anchor with 3 to 1 scope, pull back at 2300 RPM, and then add another 30 feet with the bridle. (In very shallow water I use more scope to stop jerking in wind gusts, but not to improve holding). This anchor sets in its own length every time! If it does not set with 3 to 1 scope I re-anchor. The only exception is sloppy mud in the Chesepeake which requires letting the anchor sink into the mud and a little more scope before pulling back. I have anchored all over the world with Delta, and Bruce, and this anchor lives up to the claims.
We have a 60kg Ultra on our 62’ sailboat and 90% of the time are anchoring in 70’ to 90’ of depth. We also have 380’ of 3/8” SS chain and typically just do 3:1/2.5:1 scope and have never had our anchor drag. Have spent more than 450 nights at anchor since 2020 and they have always woken well rested knowing that our Ultra was doing its job!
I've been looking at the Ultra for a couple of years and finally bought one (60 lb) at the Annapolis Sailboat Show (October 2024). I have several friends who swear by them and said they sleep better at night. We primarily cruise on the Chesapeake and our Rocna would "plow" in the mud common to many anchorages, never taking a real set. We have only a few anchoring experiences with the Ultra but in each case the anchor set immediately and never moved. Another bonus (over the Rocna) is the integrated Flip Swivel that properly orients the anchor every time. No more using a boat hook to properly orient an anchor before stowing on the bow roller. The swivel also rotates 360 degrees so doesn't twist/hockle the chain up if the anchor rotates (we experienced this with the Rocna). Yes, they are brutally expensive (we paid $2750 USD for the 60 lb) and that held me off buying one but worth the money and piece of mind.
I have used all sorts of anchors over the past 34 years and can honestly say that the Mantus M1 was one of the best, extremely quick in grabbing and holds very well. I wouldn't hesitate to get another, however, I was a lucky winner of the Ultra Marine giveaway which gave me a deep discount on their anchor, which is probably the only way I could afford one. I bought their 60 Lb. for my 41 foot monohull and have used it now for over two years mostly on the Chesapeake, where the bottom is mostly mush. One thing that sets the Ultra apart from the Mantus is that the Ultra is a diving anchor where the Mantus just buries to the hoop. Both hold exceptionally well but when it comes to pulling up the anchor, the Ultra is noticeably harder to extract from the seabed, which tells me that it holds better. I often have to pull the chain until straight over the anchor, let it sit for a bit then I still need to use a strong forward throttle to break it free.
We have a 46lbs Ultra on our Bene 42cc. Love the confidence it gives us at anchor. Honestly, it gives us so much comfort that I would not buy anything else. We plan to buy a bigger boat soon and if it doesnt come with one, it'll be the first upgrade we do regardless of the price. I simply sleep better!
My working anchor is a 15 lb Rocna, with 200' of chain. I love it, its done me very well as a general purpose anchor over the past fifteen years. Unfortunately space is a little linited on my boat (Catalina 30) so it is all alone uo there. My stern anchor is a 15 lb fortress that gets used infrequently but is set up with 30' of chain and 150' of ½” three strand nylon. While my storm anchor is another fortress an FX 55, which is 30 something pounds and in the hand full of times I've deployed it it has served me very well all the way up to 55 knots sustained. While my dinghy gets a small 5 lb Danforth clone (Hooker i believe but I'm nit sure without checking) it does what I want it to. Overall I like the anchors I carry,
We put a 132lb Ultra on our boat and i can attest that it is an excellent anchor that does set instantly everytime. I was also able to test its reset in pretty extreme conditions. 50-60 knot breeze from an incoming thunderstorm pushed us over our anchor at 3-4 knots with 150ft of chain out ( we are a 30ton sailboat ). when we got to the end of the chain the anchor set so fast the chain went tight and the boat did not move more than a few feet. The next day when we left the anchorage the anchor was set so hard/deep that we had to drive forward on the chain to get the anchor to release from the bottom. Ill also mention that the anchorage we were in is not known for good holding. I agree their web site could use some proof reading but dealing with them in the states has been great, i bought it directly from them and it was an easy and smooth transaction. If you compare the other anchors with good reviews in their stainless offerings the pricing of the ultra is not that far apart and infact i have seen the 121 pound stainless rocna online for $6900 where the 132lb Ultra i bought was $5700 ( $6000 shipped) so you may want to compare apples to apples because the galvanized to stainless is not at all a fair comparison. The stainless mantus is about $4200 but its a bolt together anchor which i think is very overpriced at $4200 because its very easy to manufacture, much less cost involved. so at $1500 more than the mantus i think the ultra is a bargain. We also bought their flip swivel which is a great product.
@@langstonholland9272 is it funny im calling it a Breeze? It was more than a breeze for sure, It lasted about 30-40 min. Breeze probably is understating what it was. I had seen the forecast and there were Tstorms forecast but no warnings about severe weather so i was not overly concerned. When that hit it was pretty scary. We had anchored where we did because we were sheltered from the prevailing wind/waves and this storm from the other direction put us with a lee shore and if we dragged it would have been catastrophic. I do usually let out 7:1 scope if we have room so i was more than the 5:1 and its all 3/8 chain. I sleep well at night knowing the ground tackle is the best we could get and if we held in that then we would hold in just about anything.
I had a delta fitted from the factory, after two seasons diving to check I purchased an Ultra this season. I can honestly say never once has it failed to set. Even in a blow it holds firm. Yes it’s expensive but if your pride and joy is on the other end it’s worth the extra. I had considered a Rocna but it wouldn’t fit under the bowsprit. A happy Ultra owner with a Jeanneau 410.
"the galvanized to stainless is not at all a fair comparison" Well, a galvanized to galvanized comparison can't be made at all. Since this is all we have, it's fair enough.
@@glowingfatedie the other brands offer stainless so compare the their stainless prices. The rocna for example cost more in stainless than the ultra in a similar size anchor. So the comparison he did is not at all fair.
I live on Destin Harbor (FL), and watched from my porch a Hunter 45 with a 60lb Ultra for over a year, through multiple strong gale-force winds and near-miss tropical storms. This boat never dragged once in the sandy bottom of the harbor. I was so impressed that I bought a 47lb Ultra for my Dufour 390, and plan to use it this winter when we cruise the gulf coast to Kemah. I'll let you know how I like it, but to me, the potential for restful sleep is well worth the extra bucks. Plus, it is a freakin' gorgeous anchor.
The Spade held at a 1:1 scope in their tests. The spade CAN bury deep. I often struggle to free mine! It is a rock star, just not a big of a name, but it is what the others copied!
@@sebastiaanhoenderdos7458. I have a doc an and have never had a moments unease with it…. I think the testing this guy does in various bottoms is hard to argue with…
@@sebastiaanhoenderdos7458 yes, ROCK now, Viking, Mantus. I have an ultra on my Hallberg Rassy and although the ultra looks awesome, I did have trouble getting it to grab in some anchorages in the Mediterranean. That may not be because of the anchor itself, but rather the substrate. Because of of the small patches of sand amongst the Posidonia, you definitely need an anchor that’s going to set quick. It may have been because of my own paranoia, but I always felt like other people’s anchors were doing better than mine.
my preference is the Excel. It's saved me several times in extremely nasty conditions. SV Panope has it at #3 now after it was at the top for several years--the Viking also looks interesting
I love our Excel! 47lbs held our 36' overloaded cat in 65kts just a few weeks ago. Not fun but we didn't drag an inch during 30 plus hours of Milton's outer edge
I've been using anchors since the 1970s, they looked different and were more exciting to trust many times back then. Modern anchors are superior but no anchor is best on all bottom types. Generally speaking, the Rocna we have used in recent years is very reliable. Good enough not to consider investing a fortune in an Ultra.
We have a 60KG anchor on our Beneteau 58. It has never thought to even move. We have only owned it 3 years, but it is excellent. We bought it in Turkey via a friend and got it for about 1/4 of the normal price. It is worth every TL
I have had a Rocna and loved it. The Utra is way better. I swapped to the Ultra and swivel a few years ago. (I’ve used the Mantus on charter boats). I’ve also had a few like Lewmar. The Ultra sets fast, sets hard, holds like a demon, and never skips. The Rocna will skip sometimes then sets hard. I’ve also had rocks foul the hoop on other anchors. I don’t tell adults how to spend their money, and don’t listen to people who tell me how to spend mine. My anchor, safety gear, and dinghy are the best I can afford. I’ve toured the Ultra facility in Fort Lauderdale and talked extensively with the guys from Europe. The company seems pretty solid.
I have had such comfort with my Mantus in heavy winds, sketchy bottoms and shorter scope than I would like to have had, that I am convinced that I don't need any more from an anchor than I have. Months on anchor in the Pacific North West, BC and SE Alaska, set first time every time and never dragged once. And if I ever lose it, I'm buying another one.
Yes, our Mantus 35 performs admirably, also in the same PNW / BC waters. The shank bent once when it was caught under something large in 6-foot swell. Mantus replaced it ASAP.
SV Panope reviews find the Roa disaster in the Pacific Northwest bottom that he tested on. I’m in the Pacific Northwest as well - Vancouver area - and I found the Rocna to be OK only, and no better or perhaps not as good as our old Bruce. If you have deep enough pockets, I’d say the Utra could be worth it, and certainly much cheaper than going aground.
I have two. Their performance is unmatched. After sailing (40’ Pearson) and using a plow, then another plow on a 55’ trawler my current boat came with a pair of them. They set fast and hold like glue every where we anchor. Chesapeake mud to Bahamian sand and New England mud. I sleep soundly . 7:1 scope and a Mantus bridle. This on a 65’ Fleming. Great video BTW. Thanks for the post.
I have an Ultra and can only confirm it is amazing. Would never give it up against any other anchor. We use it all the time and it never let us down! Look at it what is the cost of a dragging anchor and a destroyed boat?
We have the 35kg ultra on our 40ft Cat. Its a small investment compared to the boat and happy to sleep well knowing we have good ground tackle. Also we are cruising the med in crowded anchorages so running the shorter scope , and shallow draft if needed sometimes lets us tuck into places we may not be able to, conditions permitting.
Great point, being able to use shorter scope. This is a huge plus especially for cats, which swing differently from monohulls, and especially in the crowded Med. Insurance companies should give discounts for really good anchors.
We have a Spade on our Lagoon 42, which does set well but has a habit of dropping on its back, like a yellow beetle, and in some sea beds will not turn over. As we cruise around Croatia we have some challenging anchorages, so I am swapping over to an Ultra for next season, having talked with some owners who love them. Yes they are expensive, but we prefer to anchor and spent about 60 nights at anchor this season, some in very windy conditions. The cost of an Ultra would equate to staying in a marina for less than 20 nights even in the shoulder months we sail in. Agree with a comment that a lot of sailors, especially charter boat skippers, do not know how to set an anchor correctly, we have seen them simply dump the anchor and put out some chain and make a token move backwards, if any.
True that's the one thing about a spade that's negative. Every anchor has one negative spot except the 20kg Viking. Also watch Panope anchor test, he does it identical all the time so you can really compare amples to apples. And the ultra didn't nit do that well. And yes nobody that put out that huge amount of money for an anchor won't admit they that is better out there then an ultra and much cheaper. The Viking is the only one that worked on all seabed and it doesn't need a swivel which is actually the weak link. The video is just blabla of the marketing doc but 0 real test. Panope did it and the results speaks for itself, good but not what marketing tells you. And Panope is completely neutral and buys the anchors or get it donated from owners.
I did 5 years and many night on my Rocna. I switched boats and now enjoy the Ultra. My new boat did not have space for a rocna roll bar. The ultra coupled with my cortex anchor alarm produces a good night of sleep.
My Axopar 37 came with one, I bought my used boat. I have only set in mud and sand, the anchor just sets where I drop it. I do RC with my boat and I am always impressed with how this anchor sets and deals with changes in wind and tide it holds in .8 to .8 knot tide changes in light air better than I could hope.
77 lb Ultra on our Lagoon 440... sets every time, first attempt, stays set.... holds like crazy... I sleep well... end of story... wouldn't trade it for anything...
Yeah I have had an Ultra for the past 5 years , worth the money , never moved sets instantly . I also use the ultra swivel, these things are great , like your Rocna , I will never part with them . Makes for a great nights sleep .
This anchor, aside from the hollow shank, looks just like a Rocna Vulcan, which has Rocna designed for power boats. The fluke, sharp point, Weighted bulb on the bottom, all are found on the Vulcan. They set readily hold great and a 73 lb Vulcan costs about $1800. In light seas our 30 ton cruiser is secure with a 3:1 scope. We have a high bow and a flybridge, a lot of windage. In heavy seas we let out more chain, sometimes as much as 6:1, but we've never dragged.
Thanks Tim. Another great video, The Mantus is tempting, but at that price it is hard to make the jump given how reliable my Rocna has been. Maybe if I ever go from coastal cruising to full time cruiser in retirement.
We have Ultra 46lbs on our Dufour 38 Classic with 220’ 3/8” chain…it’s like being on a well secured mooring ball…no matter what winds or waves bring you while on anchor…pricy yes but no drama 😊
There are lots of Ultra Anchors in the PNW marinas, I see them replacing the typical Bruce. I think many justify the cost in the PNW because your life may depend on your holding tackle, especially if you are heading into Alaska. We typically have to deal with deep anchorages, so it's common to have all chain and to use short scopes: 4:1. Lastly, due to the large tides you almost always do at least one 180 turn in the night.
Sure, against the Burce every new design anchor shines..don't need a ultra for that, a Viking, Mantus or Rocna is far superior then Burce and also superior to an Ultra...I had the 20kg for test and my 25kg Mantus M2 beats it in every aspect. Definitly not worth the massive price difference...
And don't forget the Ultra Flip Swivel for the 60 lb (27kg) Ultra. It's ... 1879€ so another U$D2000. I'm with you Tim, I have no doubt it's the best. I've watched a lot of anchor test videos. Wow. I can't afford it, but I sure want to rubber neck if I see one on the freeway. I was told that my 45lb is undersized for my 46' Hunter... and it probably is, but my Hunter's been to Tahiti, New Zealand and back to California... and it's still where I last left it... So I guess my Delta anchor is still okay. I do have Rocna dreams.... But, until I have an extra $800, I'll just keep letting out more scope.
We have a 45’ MY with a 60lb ultra. Love it. When the wind is blowing and you are trying to sleep, peace of mind. If you don’t anchor a lot, Maybe you don’t need to spend the money for the peace of mind. If your anchor drags and you end up on a reef, the extra 3k would be worth it
Really interesting proposals from this Ultra anchor; it seems like a truly superior product. However, the SV PANOPE channel, which specializes in anchor tests and seems to conduct very comprehensive and detailed evaluations, does not list this anchor among the best of the best. According to this channel, although the Ultra performs significantly better than the Rocna, it falls short when compared to the Mantus and Viking anchors. Did you happen to see these SV PANOPE tests?
My take on the tests by Steve of SV Panope is the Ultra is the best because it always performs in every seabed. Although it doesn’t have the top holding power. That said , I bought an Excel.
@@gregbrazier209the only anchor tested by Panope that holds in all seabed is the Viking 20, then Mantus, Spade, Rocna...ultra didn't test well at all and is only in the lower midfield of the new design anchors. And Panope test is comparing apple to apples.
I have an Ultra that is just a bit small for my boat. I bet it would hold just fine anyway.. I watched all of Panope's testing. I bought a much larger Rocna Vulcan and heavier chain. I believe the Ultra to be the best but more weight is best too... btw a bigger ultra wont fit through my pulpit
Brace for some heresy... I have a 45lb CQR that I paid £20 (yes twenty pounds) for as it was being used as a garden ornament, complete with white gloss paint. I know these are supposed to be old fashioned and not work, but I've tested it with a 40' 12 ton boat in 50kn of wind and it held tight through three tide changes. The joint is not worn, the tip not blunted, it resets fast. I use it with at least 5:1 scope, in faxt unless I am in a tight space I go 7:1. The CQR replaced a Lewmar Delta which dragged three times on 5:1 or more scope, including once which nearly wrecked my boat. The Delta was brand new, and just doesn't work anywhere near as well as the CQR. There is a YT channel that scientifically tests most anchor designs back to back in relatively controlled tests. Without doing that everyone's opinion of their anchor is just that, an opinion. Bring facts backed up by data and I will listen.
I have used a Spade for 20+ years. It was the first of the modern design anchors. Once set, it never drags. Never. My first boat, a Hunter 410 liked to swing at anchor.. Even so, the Spade stayed put. Like the Ultra, the Spade has an enclosed lead tip to help the set. Unlike the Rocna, with its curved bar higher than the shank, it fits nicely under the sprit on my newer Dehler 38 SQ. I'm still a fan after all those years. If you still have a plow or similar older design anchor, do yourself a favor and upgrade. A Spade for a 25,000 pound boat is under $1,000. If you don't like the Spade, then the Rocna or Mantus have similar design and performance. All of them are better than a plow. Search Practical Sailor archives for actual multiple anchor comparison test results. I miss the days when PS did its own tests instead of reporting on someone else's TH-cam channel.
The Spade anchor does. It actually digs deeper on current shifts as it corkscrews deeper. The Ultra (inferior spade copy) might do the same as well. Look at an older PS anchoring article on this. The Spade came out on top as well
Sure about that? There is a Turkish manufacturer that looks like an Ultra but isn't one, in function as well as price. I only see rocna and mantus and partly viking and spade.
I your are a live aboard and want to leave your boat on anchor while exploring the land the Ultra gives you peace of mind. Having the best and most expensive anchor there is is the best investment you can do.
I have a 55kg Rocna (Nordhavn 47, 46t) and an 7,7kg Mantus M1 (Parker 760, 3t) - both anchors are brilliant in varios sea beads. For "light" anchors, I think the Mantus has advantages and resett faster....but with heavy ones...the Rocna is brilliant, too. To be honest....no need for anything else 🙂 (at least all achors I used beforem M, Bruce, Delta....nothing is as good as the two I use now...)
Oh My Anchor wars I have been anchoring for over 50 years My go to anchor over these years has been the plow genuine cqr and copies .Occasionally I have used a danforth when the bottom is soft mud Mangrove creeks for example Occasionally when conditions have been very bad I have lowered a weight down the anchor warp This increases the holding power immensely. Never got into trouble but have watched others having lots of it.
I have a 10 kg Delta with a lead point on it, sometimes I have drop it few times before it holds, with Bruce very seldom had any problem with that. When Delta is stuck, it holds, no worry, 25 m/s, with Anchor Lite.
How about a review of the Sarca Excel. I have had one for 3 years. Everything from the FL keys to Canada and down the US river system. It has never dragged
I just raise the centreboard & take a run for the beach, then tie up to a tree or whatever. So it's almost midnight on a Saturday, I don't even own an anchor & am thus considering my life choices lol...⚓
🤔 The cost of the anchor should be balanced against the cost of the boat. When looking at the aftermath of hurricanes and gales wreaking havoc in anchorages and the fact that this anchor requires less scope, the expensive solution may be cost effective when viewed thru the lenses of insurance deductibles and total potential damage. It might therefore, make economic sense to get the more expensive anchor based on the potential cost of damage to the boat. In a hurricane scenario the repair work will be at a premium, allocated to the highest bidders. An anchor requiring less scope will reduce the odds of fouling both by bottom features and other dragging boats. On the other hand the beautiful shinny, high demand anchor will be a “thief magnet”, so the Rocna may still be a better choice. …… as always: “The devil (and excellence) are in the details.” 😎
Hard to find and not as "popular" as the Rocna or Mantus but most tests that include a Spade give a performance edge to the Spade. It also has a hollow shaft (the original I think?) but it's welded construction vs cast comes in other than stainless steel. Would like to see a head to head Spade vs. Ultra with Spade a fraction of the cost.
@boondog8504 I spent a month at anchor in a strong tidal current situation and had some days of 40knts Plus winds. My wind generator shut down because the wind was so strong and that happens at about 45knts. My spade, which is not oversized and is the correct size for the boat according to the Spade website, performed fabulously. Never budged an inch despite ingoing/outgoing currents etc. To me that is about as good as it gets!
I just see comments here from owner that upgraded to Ultra from old style inferior anchor but i don't see anyone with a rocna, mantus, viking spade switch to a ultra...panope anchor test tested ultra equal or less good then the 4 which cost a quarter in same size.
I'm surprised you guys don't talk about the Manson Supreme anchor. I've got a story or two about those incredible things, and they are cheaper than Rocna.
On the Manson Supreme webpage is a short review from my father, Tom McCallum giving a brief outline of a night with an undersized Manson Supreme. I was on the boat that night: a Lotus 950, 31 foot 6 ton yacht, muddy seabed, 100 knot winds recorded at the airport, didn't budge an inch.
@greenfeilds...1 the spade is 2 piece. The shank goes all the way through the body of the fluke. more surface area for the shank to put force on, instead of just a weld. A bonus is it is easier to store.
A year ago we replaced our Bruce with a 33kg Vulcan. We looked at the Ultra and appreciated all its features but could not justify the cost. I suspect the Vulcan sets as quickly and holds as well as the Ultra, at a fraction of the cost. In our first season with it we never dragged and rode out a number of gales, some with a pretty big fetch. We have zero regrets in our anchor choice and used the cost savings from NOT buying the Ultra on other upgrades to our Oceanis 473.
I only have an ultra solution. Discarded castings. It came as a delight when I read that aluminum sets best. I'm cheap, but that's not the whole picture. I see the bottom as an endless collection of shopping carts, twisted gas pipes, big rocks set on top of each other, fishing nets.. Your anchor? You use it. You lose it. With everybody driving, running around in riding mowers, even planes discard crankcase halves. Transmissions. An endless changing collection of casting shapes to chose from. Now add a paper clip shaped rod and you have a low cost custom anchor. Who's sets best? Is it a contest? Everybody has their own variation. Aluminum is not going to scratch up your anchor locker as bad, and what if you take it back toward the center of gravity? It doesn't have to curse the bow on a longer trip. Wrap it in rags and rope it down.
I know this is about the "Ultra" anchor but how do you not throw a SPADE Anchor in this list ? Its consistently in the "top anchor" category when testings are done.
I have a controversial view on anchors, I think all the stuff about 'high' holding anchors is just sales talk. My 'anchor test' which I did accidentally, proved to me that 90%of the holding power is in the rode not the anchor. I was trying to haul a boat off that was grounded in a muddy creek so laid the anchor across the creek. When the tide was full I hauled using a bridle and both winches, I swear I got top 'C' on that line but the boat did not shift. When the tide went out I found the anchor had dropped onto a sheet of plywood and was sitting high and dry, I had not even managed to pull the Chain tight. So get a cheap anchor and spend the money on chain.
Yes the Spade is what these knock offs are based on. The Spade is stronger with the shank going through the fluke instead of being welded on. Ultra and rochna are excellent, the Spade is the GOAT, however
@@DirkJacobsz no anchor excels in the weeds. Issue is , with all anchors, getting a false set as the anchor catches in the weeds. Be the same for the ultra and virtually all anchors
Why do people ignore the SARCA Excel in these reviews. It continually tops the tests in SV Panope and having owned and depended on it for 4 years of cruising it never has let me down.
I don't know about 3:18. I've been hearing about that recently but 316 has no business being in saltwater crevice. Corrosion is a thing and 316 does not hold up anyone building an anchor with 368 or even parts of an acre with 316. I highly question
Rockna is good if price is critical but there are much better anchors. The Ultra rates well but not great in the Panope tests. The Spade rates better and is less than 1/3 the price. It has a hollow shank, has excellent tip to weight ratio and retrieves upright every time with OUT a swivel. And holds better. One Third the price. And if you really do want SS Spade has one half the price.
Expensive? Dragging into another boat … that’s expensive. The swivel was offered to us for free. Sure it’s nice to have the best English on a website but personally I couldn’t care less, just want the best anchor. And on our first reach out we had very fast and good service.. You buy a 600k or 10m$ boat but can’t afford anchor? Maybe you have priorities wrong? You buy a 3000$ boat? Maybe just settle for what you can afford, don’t complain there’s something you can’t afford Who wants rusting galvanised crap on their bow ? I strongly advise you have at least good insurance..and whatever anchor you use.. dive it.
I have only used a plow anchor in the early days and now have a 25kg Rocna which if you are aware of its limitations is a really great option. Rocna have also put out a mark 2 version but is twice the price of a mark 1 like mine but is supposedly better in resetting in weed etc
The Ultra is a copy of a Spade. It's almost identical. The Spade has a hollow shaft. The Spade is full of lead. The Spadehas thr little wings on the end as well. The Spade is impossible to lie upsade down.
We can certainly get our Spade to fall upside down and drag quite a distance before it turns over, in some anchorages this means bringing it off the seabed and dropping it again as space is tights, but it normally works second time. Great on mud and sand, not so good on rocky seabeds. But we have slept well, as once set they hold very well. But mine is starting to corrode a bit, scaping the galvanisation off due to use in rocky areas, so I am now looking at an Ultra to replace it.
Horses for courses I guess. It was the one and only thing I spent loads of money on, I'm just too nervous and the piece of mind is priceless. The finish remains after 5 years - i.e. a long term investment.
Sorry mate, but you have got that incorrect. Sure, heaps of people use the good old Rocna and yes, supposedly some are saying that the Ultra is possibly the best anchor out there, but they are very expensive. While sure some favour the Mantus, there is another superb anchor out there which is extremely popular and up there with the Rocna, and that is the Australian designed/made Sarca Excel, which in some respects is better than the Rocna and is way more popular than the Mantus.
I went Rocna and just bought 2 sizes up from what I needed which would make it equal to a correctly sized Ultra but still at a fraction of the price. It's not that I can afford the Ultra but as the video says, if you have a Rocna that never moves then why do you need to spend 4 times as much for something that also never moves ? and don't even think about when you loose the anchor :-(
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Greetings. Thank you for the video. I have a 132 lb Ultra on my 53 foot 45,000 lb cat. Cruising in Med, Morocco, Caribbean, US East Coast etc… I set this anchor with 3 to 1 scope, pull back at 2300 RPM, and then add another 30 feet with the bridle. (In very shallow water I use more scope to stop jerking in wind gusts, but not to improve holding). This anchor sets in its own length every time! If it does not set with 3 to 1 scope I re-anchor. The only exception is sloppy mud in the Chesepeake which requires letting the anchor sink into the mud and a little more scope before pulling back. I have anchored all over the world with Delta, and Bruce, and this anchor lives up to the claims.
We have a 60kg Ultra on our 62’ sailboat and 90% of the time are anchoring in 70’ to 90’ of depth. We also have 380’ of 3/8” SS chain and typically just do 3:1/2.5:1 scope and have never had our anchor drag. Have spent more than 450 nights at anchor since 2020 and they have always woken well rested knowing that our Ultra was doing its job!
Is this across all types of bottom substrate?
@ Short of solid slick rock and bottomless muck, yes.
I've been looking at the Ultra for a couple of years and finally bought one (60 lb) at the Annapolis Sailboat Show (October 2024). I have several friends who swear by them and said they sleep better at night. We primarily cruise on the Chesapeake and our Rocna would "plow" in the mud common to many anchorages, never taking a real set. We have only a few anchoring experiences with the Ultra but in each case the anchor set immediately and never moved. Another bonus (over the Rocna) is the integrated Flip Swivel that properly orients the anchor every time. No more using a boat hook to properly orient an anchor before stowing on the bow roller. The swivel also rotates 360 degrees so doesn't twist/hockle the chain up if the anchor rotates (we experienced this with the Rocna). Yes, they are brutally expensive (we paid $2750 USD for the 60 lb) and that held me off buying one but worth the money and piece of mind.
I have used all sorts of anchors over the past 34 years and can honestly say that the Mantus M1 was one of the best, extremely quick in grabbing and holds very well. I wouldn't hesitate to get another, however, I was a lucky winner of the Ultra Marine giveaway which gave me a deep discount on their anchor, which is probably the only way I could afford one. I bought their 60 Lb. for my 41 foot monohull and have used it now for over two years mostly on the Chesapeake, where the bottom is mostly mush. One thing that sets the Ultra apart from the Mantus is that the Ultra is a diving anchor where the Mantus just buries to the hoop. Both hold exceptionally well but when it comes to pulling up the anchor, the Ultra is noticeably harder to extract from the seabed, which tells me that it holds better. I often have to pull the chain until straight over the anchor, let it sit for a bit then I still need to use a strong forward throttle to break it free.
We have a 46lbs Ultra on our Bene 42cc. Love the confidence it gives us at anchor. Honestly, it gives us so much comfort that I would not buy anything else. We plan to buy a bigger boat soon and if it doesnt come with one, it'll be the first upgrade we do regardless of the price. I simply sleep better!
My working anchor is a 15 lb Rocna, with 200' of chain. I love it, its done me very well as a general purpose anchor over the past fifteen years. Unfortunately space is a little linited on my boat (Catalina 30) so it is all alone uo there.
My stern anchor is a 15 lb fortress that gets used infrequently but is set up with 30' of chain and 150' of ½” three strand nylon.
While my storm anchor is another fortress an FX 55, which is 30 something pounds and in the hand full of times I've deployed it it has served me very well all the way up to 55 knots sustained.
While my dinghy gets a small 5 lb Danforth clone (Hooker i believe but I'm nit sure without checking) it does what I want it to.
Overall I like the anchors I carry,
We have a ultra 35 kg on our boat for nearly 5 year now and we are super happy with it.
We find it on the boat exhibition in Düsseldorf.
I’ve used Ultras for over a decade, they are worth every penny, great setting and best holding!!
We put a 132lb Ultra on our boat and i can attest that it is an excellent anchor that does set instantly everytime. I was also able to test its reset in pretty extreme conditions. 50-60 knot breeze from an incoming thunderstorm pushed us over our anchor at 3-4 knots with 150ft of chain out ( we are a 30ton sailboat ). when we got to the end of the chain the anchor set so fast the chain went tight and the boat did not move more than a few feet. The next day when we left the anchorage the anchor was set so hard/deep that we had to drive forward on the chain to get the anchor to release from the bottom. Ill also mention that the anchorage we were in is not known for good holding. I agree their web site could use some proof reading but dealing with them in the states has been great, i bought it directly from them and it was an easy and smooth transaction. If you compare the other anchors with good reviews in their stainless offerings the pricing of the ultra is not that far apart and infact i have seen the 121 pound stainless rocna online for $6900 where the 132lb Ultra i bought was $5700 ( $6000 shipped) so you may want to compare apples to apples because the galvanized to stainless is not at all a fair comparison. The stainless mantus is about $4200 but its a bolt together anchor which i think is very overpriced at $4200 because its very easy to manufacture, much less cost involved. so at $1500 more than the mantus i think the ultra is a bargain. We also bought their flip swivel which is a great product.
50-60 knot "breeze". Funny. : )
@@langstonholland9272 is it funny im calling it a Breeze? It was more than a breeze for sure, It lasted about 30-40 min. Breeze probably is understating what it was. I had seen the forecast and there were Tstorms forecast but no warnings about severe weather so i was not overly concerned. When that hit it was pretty scary. We had anchored where we did because we were sheltered from the prevailing wind/waves and this storm from the other direction put us with a lee shore and if we dragged it would have been catastrophic. I do usually let out 7:1 scope if we have room so i was more than the 5:1 and its all 3/8 chain. I sleep well at night knowing the ground tackle is the best we could get and if we held in that then we would hold in just about anything.
I had a delta fitted from the factory, after two seasons diving to check I purchased an Ultra this season. I can honestly say never once has it failed to set. Even in a blow it holds firm. Yes it’s expensive but if your pride and joy is on the other end it’s worth the extra. I had considered a Rocna but it wouldn’t fit under the bowsprit. A happy Ultra owner with a Jeanneau 410.
"the galvanized to stainless is not at all a fair comparison" Well, a galvanized to galvanized comparison can't be made at all. Since this is all we have, it's fair enough.
@@glowingfatedie the other brands offer stainless so compare the their stainless prices. The rocna for example cost more in stainless than the ultra in a similar size anchor. So the comparison he did is not at all fair.
2 years now using Ultra. We got strong winds quite a few types and no worries at all.
I live on Destin Harbor (FL), and watched from my porch a Hunter 45 with a 60lb Ultra for over a year, through multiple strong gale-force winds and near-miss tropical storms. This boat never dragged once in the sandy bottom of the harbor. I was so impressed that I bought a 47lb Ultra for my Dufour 390, and plan to use it this winter when we cruise the gulf coast to Kemah. I'll let you know how I like it, but to me, the potential for restful sleep is well worth the extra bucks. Plus, it is a freakin' gorgeous anchor.
SV Panope has the best anchor tests.
The Spade held at a 1:1 scope in their tests. The spade CAN bury deep. I often struggle to free mine! It is a rock star, just not a big of a name, but it is what the others copied!
Those tests seemed to suggest that the Viking was an all-round outstanding hook….
@@windfall35looks like it is, is there other data that suggests otherwise?
I am considering buying a Viking or Rocna
@@sebastiaanhoenderdos7458. I have a doc an and have never had a moments unease with it…. I think the testing this guy does in various bottoms is hard to argue with…
@@sebastiaanhoenderdos7458 yes, ROCK now, Viking, Mantus. I have an ultra on my Hallberg Rassy and although the ultra looks awesome, I did have trouble getting it to grab in some anchorages in the Mediterranean. That may not be because of the anchor itself, but rather the substrate. Because of of the small patches of sand amongst the Posidonia, you definitely need an anchor that’s going to set quick. It may have been because of my own paranoia, but I always felt like other people’s anchors were doing better than mine.
Whatever anchor is best, choosing the right size is important. Doesn’t hurt to go one size larger then needed with a longer length of chain.
my preference is the Excel. It's saved me several times in extremely nasty conditions. SV Panope has it at #3 now after it was at the top for several years--the Viking also looks interesting
I love our Excel! 47lbs held our 36' overloaded cat in 65kts just a few weeks ago. Not fun but we didn't drag an inch during 30 plus hours of Milton's outer edge
I've been using anchors since the 1970s, they looked different and were more exciting to trust many times back then. Modern anchors are superior but no anchor is best on all bottom types. Generally speaking, the Rocna we have used in recent years is very reliable. Good enough not to consider investing a fortune in an Ultra.
We have a 60KG anchor on our Beneteau 58. It has never thought to even move. We have only owned it 3 years, but it is excellent. We bought it in Turkey via a friend and got it for about 1/4 of the normal price. It is worth every TL
I have had a Rocna and loved it. The Utra is way better. I swapped to the Ultra and swivel a few years ago. (I’ve used the Mantus on charter boats). I’ve also had a few like Lewmar. The Ultra sets fast, sets hard, holds like a demon, and never skips. The Rocna will skip sometimes then sets hard. I’ve also had rocks foul the hoop on other anchors. I don’t tell adults how to spend their money, and don’t listen to people who tell me how to spend mine. My anchor, safety gear, and dinghy are the best I can afford. I’ve toured the Ultra facility in Fort Lauderdale and talked extensively with the guys from Europe. The company seems pretty solid.
I have had such comfort with my Mantus in heavy winds, sketchy bottoms and shorter scope than I would like to have had, that I am convinced that I don't need any more from an anchor than I have. Months on anchor in the Pacific North West, BC and SE Alaska, set first time every time and never dragged once. And if I ever lose it, I'm buying another one.
Yes, our Mantus 35 performs admirably, also in the same PNW / BC waters. The shank bent once when it was caught under something large in 6-foot swell. Mantus replaced it ASAP.
SV Panope reviews find the Roa disaster in the Pacific Northwest bottom that he tested on. I’m in the Pacific Northwest as well - Vancouver area - and I found the Rocna to be OK only, and no better or perhaps not as good as our old Bruce. If you have deep enough pockets, I’d say the Utra could be worth it, and certainly much cheaper than going aground.
I have two. Their performance is unmatched. After sailing (40’ Pearson) and using a plow, then another plow on a 55’ trawler my current boat came with a pair of them. They set fast and hold like glue every where we anchor. Chesapeake mud to Bahamian sand and New England mud. I sleep soundly . 7:1 scope and a Mantus bridle. This on a 65’ Fleming. Great video BTW. Thanks for the post.
I have an Ultra and can only confirm it is amazing. Would never give it up against any other anchor. We use it all the time and it never let us down! Look at it what is the cost of a dragging anchor and a destroyed boat?
We have the 35kg ultra on our 40ft Cat. Its a small investment compared to the boat and happy to sleep well knowing we have good ground tackle. Also we are cruising the med in crowded anchorages so running the shorter scope , and shallow draft if needed sometimes lets us tuck into places we may not be able to, conditions permitting.
Great point, being able to use shorter scope. This is a huge plus especially for cats, which swing differently from monohulls, and especially in the crowded Med. Insurance companies should give discounts for really good anchors.
What did you had before? Assume no viking, rocna,Mantus or spade with equal weight
We have a Spade on our Lagoon 42, which does set well but has a habit of dropping on its back, like a yellow beetle, and in some sea beds will not turn over.
As we cruise around Croatia we have some challenging anchorages, so I am swapping over to an Ultra for next season, having talked with some owners who love them.
Yes they are expensive, but we prefer to anchor and spent about 60 nights at anchor this season, some in very windy conditions. The cost of an Ultra would equate to staying in a marina for less than 20 nights even in the shoulder months we sail in.
Agree with a comment that a lot of sailors, especially charter boat skippers, do not know how to set an anchor correctly, we have seen them simply dump the anchor and put out some chain and make a token move backwards, if any.
True that's the one thing about a spade that's negative. Every anchor has one negative spot except the 20kg Viking. Also watch Panope anchor test, he does it identical all the time so you can really compare amples to apples. And the ultra didn't nit do that well. And yes nobody that put out that huge amount of money for an anchor won't admit they that is better out there then an ultra and much cheaper. The Viking is the only one that worked on all seabed and it doesn't need a swivel which is actually the weak link. The video is just blabla of the marketing doc but 0 real test. Panope did it and the results speaks for itself, good but not what marketing tells you. And Panope is completely neutral and buys the anchors or get it donated from owners.
I did 5 years and many night on my Rocna. I switched boats and now enjoy the Ultra. My new boat did not have space for a rocna roll bar. The ultra coupled with my cortex anchor alarm produces a good night of sleep.
How does the ultra compared to rocna?
@@chrisr819not enough data to have an opinion. Both seem to work well.
Ultra is the best. Used it for 10 years and slept well at anchor
My Axopar 37 came with one, I bought my used boat. I have only set in mud and sand, the anchor just sets where I drop it. I do RC with my boat and I am always impressed with how this anchor sets and deals with changes in wind and tide it holds in .8 to .8 knot tide changes in light air better than I could hope.
I've held very well in strong reversing current with 3:1, with my Mantus 65 on my 33,000lb sailboat
77 lb Ultra on our Lagoon 440... sets every time, first attempt, stays set.... holds like crazy... I sleep well... end of story... wouldn't trade it for anything...
Yeah I have had an Ultra for the past 5 years , worth the money , never moved sets instantly . I also use the ultra swivel, these things are great , like your Rocna , I will never part with them . Makes for a great nights sleep .
This anchor, aside from the hollow shank, looks just like a Rocna Vulcan, which has Rocna designed for power boats. The fluke, sharp point, Weighted bulb on the bottom, all are found on the Vulcan. They set readily hold great and a 73 lb Vulcan costs about $1800. In light seas our 30 ton cruiser is secure with a 3:1 scope. We have a high bow and a flybridge, a lot of windage. In heavy seas we let out more chain, sometimes as much as 6:1, but we've never dragged.
Thanks Tim. Another great video, The Mantus is tempting, but at that price it is hard to make the jump given how reliable my Rocna has been. Maybe if I ever go from coastal cruising to full time cruiser in retirement.
I have the Mantus galvanized - love the Ultra - could not handle the price.
Good job man great presentation thank you very much
I have an oversize Mantus, it works great. I have always let wind action set the anchor, never a problem
The ultra looks and is almost identical to the Spade anchor. I love the Spade!
@@JohnSchwartz-w6h the ultra is (imo) an inferior knock off of the spade
Count me in I love my Spade and mine being aluminum it’s 26lbs and holds amazingly in the muddy bottom of San Francisco bay.
We have Ultra 46lbs on our Dufour 38 Classic with 220’ 3/8” chain…it’s like being on a well secured mooring ball…no matter what winds or waves bring you while on anchor…pricy yes but no drama 😊
I understand Rocna being among the top but I’d take a spade over a mantis any day
Ultra is just awesome
There are lots of Ultra Anchors in the PNW marinas, I see them replacing the typical Bruce. I think many justify the cost in the PNW because your life may depend on your holding tackle, especially if you are heading into Alaska. We typically have to deal with deep anchorages, so it's common to have all chain and to use short scopes: 4:1. Lastly, due to the large tides you almost always do at least one 180 turn in the night.
Sure, against the Burce every new design anchor shines..don't need a ultra for that, a Viking, Mantus or Rocna is far superior then Burce and also superior to an Ultra...I had the 20kg for test and my 25kg Mantus M2 beats it in every aspect. Definitly not worth the massive price difference...
Great video. What is your opinion when you compare the Ultra with the Rocna Vulcan?
And don't forget the Ultra Flip Swivel for the 60 lb (27kg) Ultra. It's ... 1879€ so another U$D2000. I'm with you Tim, I have no doubt it's the best. I've watched a lot of anchor test videos. Wow. I can't afford it, but I sure want to rubber neck if I see one on the freeway.
I was told that my 45lb is undersized for my 46' Hunter... and it probably is, but my Hunter's been to Tahiti, New Zealand and back to California... and it's still where I last left it... So I guess my Delta anchor is still okay. I do have Rocna dreams.... But, until I have an extra $800, I'll just keep letting out more scope.
We have a 45’ MY with a 60lb ultra. Love it. When the wind is blowing and you are trying to sleep, peace of mind. If you don’t anchor a lot, Maybe you don’t need to spend the money for the peace of mind. If your anchor drags and you end up on a reef, the extra 3k would be worth it
Really interesting proposals from this Ultra anchor; it seems like a truly superior product. However, the SV PANOPE channel, which specializes in anchor tests and seems to conduct very comprehensive and detailed evaluations, does not list this anchor among the best of the best. According to this channel, although the Ultra performs significantly better than the Rocna, it falls short when compared to the Mantus and Viking anchors. Did you happen to see these SV PANOPE tests?
My take on the tests by Steve of SV Panope is the Ultra is the best because it always performs in every seabed. Although it doesn’t have the top holding power. That said , I bought an Excel.
@@gregbrazier209the only anchor tested by Panope that holds in all seabed is the Viking 20, then Mantus, Spade, Rocna...ultra didn't test well at all and is only in the lower midfield of the new design anchors. And Panope test is comparing apple to apples.
I have an Ultra that is just a bit small for my boat. I bet it would hold just fine anyway.. I watched all of Panope's testing. I bought a much larger Rocna Vulcan and heavier chain. I believe the Ultra to be the best but more weight is best too... btw a bigger ultra wont fit through my pulpit
Love my 25kg Rocna! Best holding per $ around!
Interesting, thanks!
Brace for some heresy... I have a 45lb CQR that I paid £20 (yes twenty pounds) for as it was being used as a garden ornament, complete with white gloss paint.
I know these are supposed to be old fashioned and not work, but I've tested it with a 40' 12 ton boat in 50kn of wind and it held tight through three tide changes.
The joint is not worn, the tip not blunted, it resets fast. I use it with at least 5:1 scope, in faxt unless I am in a tight space I go 7:1.
The CQR replaced a Lewmar Delta which dragged three times on 5:1 or more scope, including once which nearly wrecked my boat. The Delta was brand new, and just doesn't work anywhere near as well as the CQR.
There is a YT channel that scientifically tests most anchor designs back to back in relatively controlled tests. Without doing that everyone's opinion of their anchor is just that, an opinion. Bring facts backed up by data and I will listen.
Watch the tests on sv panope, objective and data backed.
I have used a Spade for 20+ years. It was the first of the modern design anchors. Once set, it never drags. Never. My first boat, a Hunter 410 liked to swing at anchor.. Even so, the Spade stayed put. Like the Ultra, the Spade has an enclosed lead tip to help the set. Unlike the Rocna, with its curved bar higher than the shank, it fits nicely under the sprit on my newer Dehler 38 SQ. I'm still a fan after all those years. If you still have a plow or similar older design anchor, do yourself a favor and upgrade. A Spade for a 25,000 pound boat is under $1,000. If you don't like the Spade, then the Rocna or Mantus have similar design and performance. All of them are better than a plow. Search Practical Sailor archives for actual multiple anchor comparison test results. I miss the days when PS did its own tests instead of reporting on someone else's TH-cam channel.
Good video. Thanks.
Had a Rocna drag after the tide shifted the boat 180 degrees. If Ultra solves this problem it would be worth it.
The Spade anchor does. It actually digs deeper on current shifts as it corkscrews deeper. The Ultra (inferior spade copy) might do the same as well. Look at an older PS anchoring article on this. The Spade came out on top as well
Rocna has a problem with packing mud on initial set that causes it to drag on reset.
The Ultras are almost common in the Aegean. They are made in Turkey. If an anchor can be described as beautiful. They are. I would like one!
Sure about that? There is a Turkish manufacturer that looks like an Ultra but isn't one, in function as well as price. I only see rocna and mantus and partly viking and spade.
I your are a live aboard and want to leave your boat on anchor while exploring the land the Ultra gives you peace of mind. Having the best and most expensive anchor there is is the best investment you can do.
No question it’s expensive. But I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone that purchased one that was unhappy.
I've seen one, and I want one. ❤
I have a 55kg Rocna (Nordhavn 47, 46t) and an 7,7kg Mantus M1 (Parker 760, 3t) - both anchors are brilliant in varios sea beads. For "light" anchors, I think the Mantus has advantages and resett faster....but with heavy ones...the Rocna is brilliant, too. To be honest....no need for anything else 🙂 (at least all achors I used beforem M, Bruce, Delta....nothing is as good as the two I use now...)
Honestly my ultra was salvaged from the sea bed. And has served me well
Oh My Anchor wars I have been anchoring for over 50 years My go to anchor over these years has been the plow genuine cqr and copies .Occasionally I have used a danforth when the bottom is soft mud Mangrove creeks for example Occasionally when conditions have been very bad I have lowered a weight down the anchor warp This increases the holding power immensely.
Never got into trouble but have watched others having lots of it.
I have a 10 kg Delta with a lead point on it, sometimes I have drop it few times before it holds, with Bruce very seldom had any problem with that. When Delta is stuck, it holds, no worry, 25 m/s, with Anchor Lite.
There is no best anchor. There are best anchorers.
First 😊, thanks, Tim. See you next time.
Great video except the price comparison seems off
How about a review of the Sarca Excel. I have had one for 3 years. Everything from the FL keys to Canada and down the US river system. It has never dragged
Ruby Rose has had problems with theirs dragging more than once.
Simple choice... Buy a Rocna and 100 bottles of Appleton Estate
Fair choice but I'll take Redemption Rye. But Appleton is a solid choice.
Anchoring in the tropics which is mainly old coral bottom anything that can lock itself onto a rock is the go .
I just raise the centreboard & take a run for the beach, then tie up to a tree or whatever. So it's almost midnight on a Saturday, I don't even own an anchor & am thus considering my life choices lol...⚓
I hope you never run into a situation where you really need an anchor!
Is that what you do when there's big breakers onto the beach and no shelter? Creek sailing only?
@@philosophyofvalue8506estuary & Broadwater mostly, Moths aren't blue water boats.
@@jerrymiller276I sail a Moth lol. Cheers.
@@UncleJoeLITE Somewhat like a Sunfish?
Ultra is the best,
🤔 The cost of the anchor should be balanced against the cost of the boat. When looking at the aftermath of hurricanes and gales wreaking havoc in anchorages and the fact that this anchor requires less scope, the expensive solution may be cost effective when viewed thru the lenses of insurance deductibles and total potential damage.
It might therefore, make economic sense to get the more expensive anchor based on the potential cost of damage to the boat.
In a hurricane scenario the repair work will be at a premium, allocated to the highest bidders. An anchor requiring less scope will reduce the odds of fouling both by bottom features and other dragging boats.
On the other hand the beautiful shinny, high demand anchor will be a “thief magnet”, so the Rocna may still be a better choice. …… as always: “The devil (and excellence) are in the details.” 😎
The best anchor is the one that is one size up that is required for your yacht, assuming you know how to use it correctly in the first place.
Hard to find and not as "popular" as the Rocna or Mantus but most tests that include a Spade give a performance edge to the Spade. It also has a hollow shaft (the original I think?) but it's welded construction vs cast comes in other than stainless steel. Would like to see a head to head Spade vs. Ultra with Spade a fraction of the cost.
Spade anchor should be in this comparison. Many believe it to be the best there is.
I had a Spade on my previous boat, now a Manson Supreme. The Manson is a good anchor but I do not trust it as I did the Spade.
@boondog8504 I spent a month at anchor in a strong tidal current situation and had some days of 40knts Plus winds. My wind generator shut down because the wind was so strong and that happens at about 45knts. My spade, which is not oversized and is the correct size for the boat according to the Spade website, performed fabulously. Never budged an inch despite ingoing/outgoing currents etc. To me that is about as good as it gets!
I just see comments here from owner that upgraded to Ultra from old style inferior anchor but i don't see anyone with a rocna, mantus, viking spade switch to a ultra...panope anchor test tested ultra equal or less good then the 4 which cost a quarter in same size.
There's comfort in higher standards
I'm surprised you guys don't talk about the Manson Supreme anchor. I've got a story or two about those incredible things, and they are cheaper than Rocna.
On the Manson Supreme webpage is a short review from my father, Tom McCallum giving a brief outline of a night with an undersized Manson Supreme. I was on the boat that night: a Lotus 950, 31 foot 6 ton yacht, muddy seabed, 100 knot winds recorded at the airport, didn't budge an inch.
I wish we all had Ultra money. I would need about 200k more followers.
Tim, your shop has crazy margins.
That same 60lb anchor is $3100 at another Cdn store.
It runs for $2799 in the USA.
The achilles heel of the ultra is that the fluke is welded to the shank. The spade goes through it, a superior design by Spade
can you explain that better?
@greenfeilds...1 the spade is 2 piece. The shank goes all the way through the body of the fluke. more surface area for the shank to put force on, instead of just a weld. A bonus is it is easier to store.
A year ago we replaced our Bruce with a 33kg Vulcan. We looked at the Ultra and appreciated all its features but could not justify the cost. I suspect the Vulcan sets as quickly and holds as well as the Ultra, at a fraction of the cost. In our first season with it we never dragged and rode out a number of gales, some with a pretty big fetch. We have zero regrets in our anchor choice and used the cost savings from NOT buying the Ultra on other upgrades to our Oceanis 473.
I love my Vulcan as well. I don't see many out there but ours has us proud. The Vulcan is a Rocna anchor without the bar. Cheers.
Rocna is brilliant. Better than any other anchor I’ve ever used.
I only have an ultra solution. Discarded castings. It came as a delight when I read that aluminum sets best. I'm cheap, but that's not the whole picture. I see the bottom as an endless collection of shopping carts, twisted gas pipes, big rocks set on top of each other, fishing nets.. Your anchor? You use it. You lose it. With everybody driving, running around in riding mowers, even planes discard crankcase halves. Transmissions. An endless changing collection of casting shapes to chose from. Now add a paper clip shaped rod and you have a low cost custom anchor. Who's sets best? Is it a contest? Everybody has their own variation. Aluminum is not going to scratch up your anchor locker as bad, and what if you take it back toward the center of gravity? It doesn't have to curse the bow on a longer trip. Wrap it in rags and rope it down.
I know this is about the "Ultra" anchor but how do you not throw a SPADE Anchor in this list ? Its consistently in the "top anchor" category when testings are done.
I have a controversial view on anchors, I think all the stuff about 'high' holding anchors is just sales talk. My 'anchor test' which I did accidentally, proved to me that 90%of the holding power is in the rode not the anchor. I was trying to haul a boat off that was grounded in a muddy creek so laid the anchor across the creek. When the tide was full I hauled using a bridle and both winches, I swear I got top 'C' on that line but the boat did not shift. When the tide went out I found the anchor had dropped onto a sheet of plywood and was sitting high and dry, I had not even managed to pull the Chain tight. So get a cheap anchor and spend the money on chain.
You should also discuss the SPADE anchor which is very well regarded, and is galvanized. I don’t like the stainless steel
Yes the Spade is what these knock offs are based on. The Spade is stronger with the shank going through the fluke instead of being welded on. Ultra and rochna are excellent, the Spade is the GOAT, however
@@phanttomracer but Spade's suck in weeds.. and I love my Spade..
@@phanttomracerGot a Spade S100 on my 35’ boat. Best anchor I’ve ever owned. Wouldn’t give it up.
@@petezaparty5965 yup have a a100. Unreal performance!
@@DirkJacobsz no anchor excels in the weeds. Issue is , with all anchors, getting a false set as the anchor catches in the weeds. Be the same for the ultra and virtually all anchors
Knock off of the spade, which tested better in PS tests years ago
Sarca Excel is a fantastic alternative to the more expensive Ultra. Had several advantages to anchors with a roll bar. Won't part with mine!
I watched Ruby Rose drag theirs in Thailand.
Lets knock one off in galvanized price it at $1k and market it as disposable!
Why do people ignore the SARCA Excel in these reviews. It continually tops the tests in SV Panope and having owned and depended on it for 4 years of cruising it never has let me down.
Same. Best bang for your buck
I don't know about 3:18. I've been hearing about that recently but 316 has no business being in saltwater crevice. Corrosion is a thing and 316 does not hold up anyone building an anchor with 368 or even parts of an acre with 316. I highly question
Rockna is good if price is critical but there are much better anchors. The Ultra rates well but not great in the Panope tests. The Spade rates better and is less than 1/3 the price. It has a hollow shank, has excellent tip to weight ratio and retrieves upright every time with OUT a swivel. And holds better. One Third the price. And if you really do want SS Spade has one half the price.
Expensive? Dragging into another boat … that’s expensive. The swivel was offered to us for free. Sure it’s nice to have the best English on a website but personally I couldn’t care less, just want the best anchor. And on our first reach out we had very fast and good service.. You buy a 600k or 10m$ boat but can’t afford anchor? Maybe you have priorities wrong? You buy a 3000$ boat? Maybe just settle for what you can afford, don’t complain there’s something you can’t afford Who wants rusting galvanised crap on their bow ? I strongly advise you have at least good insurance..and whatever anchor you use.. dive it.
Ground gear is one of the big expenses of boat ownership. It can be lost. Replacement is a double down gut punch.
Nick from the Channel Ruby Rose II is always having anchor issues.
Hey, you scratched my anchor
I have only used a plow anchor in the early days and now have a 25kg Rocna which if you are aware of its limitations is a really great option. Rocna have also put out a mark 2 version but is twice the price of a mark 1 like mine but is supposedly better in resetting in weed etc
The Ultra is a copy of a Spade. It's almost identical. The Spade has a hollow shaft. The Spade is full of lead. The Spadehas thr little wings on the end as well. The Spade is impossible to lie upsade down.
@@timevans8223 yup surprised they didn't talk about the (superior, and original) spade, and focused on a knock off.
I have sailed on many boats with various anchors and owned a Spade for years. It is still the benchmark for anchors as far as I am concerned.
We can certainly get our Spade to fall upside down and drag quite a distance before it turns over, in some anchorages this means bringing it off the seabed and dropping it again as space is tights, but it normally works second time. Great on mud and sand, not so good on rocky seabeds.
But we have slept well, as once set they hold very well. But mine is starting to corrode a bit, scaping the galvanisation off due to use in rocky areas, so I am now looking at an Ultra to replace it.
@DavidPritt-xh7qq contact spade, they will likely warrant it, or get a stainless spade.
@@DavidPritt-xh7qq I just had mine regalvanised. Like new
Horses for courses I guess. It was the one and only thing I spent loads of money on, I'm just too nervous and the piece of mind is priceless. The finish remains after 5 years - i.e. a long term investment.
Ill stick with my Spade ! Stainless Steel is to brittle .
Well, 6 grand USD for a 77lb anchor... that's a big step to take if you already have a rocna on your boat. Maybe one day if i win the lottery??
Sorry mate, but you have got that incorrect. Sure, heaps of people use the good old Rocna and yes, supposedly some are saying that the Ultra is possibly the best anchor out there, but they are very expensive. While sure some favour the Mantus, there is another superb anchor out there which is extremely popular and up there with the Rocna, and that is the Australian designed/made Sarca Excel, which in some respects is better than the Rocna and is way more popular than the Mantus.
I don't trust stainless. Guarantees don't mean crap if your boat is on the reef.
What about a Fortress anchor?
For sand it is my favorite for sure. Especially as a second anchor and skiffs/cc boats.
I went Rocna and just bought 2 sizes up from what I needed which would make it equal to a correctly sized Ultra but still at a fraction of the price. It's not that I can afford the Ultra but as the video says, if you have a Rocna that never moves then why do you need to spend 4 times as much for something that also never moves ? and don't even think about when you loose the anchor :-(
Maybe insurance companies would come up with a rebate if you spent a large amount of money ensuring that your boat didn't drag onto the rocks.