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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Fortress anchor & Windline hanger question

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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Initially Posted - 06/30/2013 : 12:24:47

After dragging our Danforth style anchor last time out, I decided to finally get the Fortress FX-11 anchor I've had for some time attached to my rode. I expected that it'd just drop into my Windline anchor hanger with maybe a little bit of adjustment to the hanger, but it'll only go a couple of inches in due to the angle in the crown even after adjustment to accommodate the different width of the crowns. I don't see any way to adjust the anchor hanger, and I've written to Windline asking them about it. Fortress specifically calls Windline out as being able to hold their anchor, so I feel like I'm missing something.

Anyone done this with their Fortress anchor & Windline hanger and been able to get the anchor to seat properly in the hanger?

David
C-250 Mainsheet Editor

Sirius Lepak
1997 C-250 WK TR #271 --Seattle area Port Captain --

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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Response Posted - 06/30/2013 : 21:08:03

The Fortress and Danforth in a variety of tests seem to circle around each other in holding power in equivalent sizes, but the lighter Fortress comes out ahead at the same weight since it will have more fluke area. The heavier Danforth has a slight advantage in weeds, but neither of them are very good in heavy weeds. The adjustable fluke angle of the Fortress sometimes outperforms the Danforth in mud, but it isn't consistent. If you had a Danforth style from any manufacturers other than these two, holding power is a crapshoot and you'll definitely be better off with the Fortress.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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Response Posted - 06/30/2013 : 21:28:26

My Danforth (it's a WM copy) is an 8 pounder and probably 2/3 the physical size of the Fortress for about the same weight (actually I think the Fortress is actually a pound lighter).

I had cut 30' of chain for it, but Fortress recommends around 10'-15' max unless you're going to be anchoring in water deeper than 50' so I'll probably cut it in half. Less weight to raise for me.

My question though is really about getting it to hang in the anchor hanger fully. Hopefully I'll hear back from Windline soon.

Edited by - delliottg on 06/30/2013 21:29:42

Davy J
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 05:38:01

Which Windline mount do you have?

I have a Windline URM-2 and a Guardian anchor, which is produced by Fortress:

This Guardian model is slightly smaller than the Fortress FX-11 that I have on my power boat. Personally, I think the FX-11 maybe a bit large for a C25/C250.

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awetmore
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 06:26:40

I assume this is the hanger being discussed:
https://windline.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=61&product_id=118

I don't know what it takes to make the anchor fit, but a lot of people are using this hanger with Fortress anchors at Shilshole.

The weight on the Fortress has nothing to do with the model number. I think it is the weight of an equivalent Danforth. I have a (huge) FX-16 on my Pearson 28-2, and it weighs 10lbs.

I will say that my Manson Supreme (25lbs) does seem to set and reset much better than the Fortress. I use the Fortress as my secondary anchor.

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Davy J
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 06:34:42

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I assume this is the hanger being discussed:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Hanger/roller, ahh I see, different problem.

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delliottg
Former Mainsheet C250 Tech Editor

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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 08:51:28

Alex you're correct, sorry for the confusion guys. I also have a Windline AR-3 bow roller, but I don't think the Fortress is going to fit under the retaining pin on it, but admittedly, I haven't tried.

If you look on DavyJ's picture, you can see where the problem is, the crown (flat parts at top center of the anchor) have a bend in them a couple of inches down. The anchor will only sit in the hanger those couple of inches, instead of seating all the way down in it. If I turn the anchor upside down, it will hang full length, but then it seems like it'd be easy to catch the jib on it. However, that isn't as big of a problem as it might seem since I have no intention of hanging the anchor there until I'm probably within 10-15 minutes of dropping the anchor.

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pfduffy
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 10:36:26

Davy J - stupid question, but one not obviously answered by your photo. How do you keep the anchor in the roller when it is not deployed?

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delliottg
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 10:55:10

No, I keep it inside the anchor locker until we're just about ready to anchor. It isn't crucial that this work, I was just wondering how people got their Fortress anchors to work in the bracket when I don't seem to be able to.

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TakeFive
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 11:02:43

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by delliottg
 No, I keep it inside the anchor locker until we're just about ready to anchor. It isn't crucial that this work, I was just wondering how people got their Fortress anchors to work in the bracket when I don't seem to be able to.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
How do you get your FX-11 to fit in your anchor locker? When I purchased one, the crossbar was about 1" too long to fit. I returned it because I wasn't willing to take a hacksaw to such an expensive item.

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delliottg
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 11:33:43

An excellent question. It doesn't fit in the anchor locker, at least not yet. I bought mine used (but unused) for about half what a new one costs so I can't return it. I plan to cut the stock down by just enough to get it inside the anchor locker. Fortress recommends against this, but since I'll be changing the length by less than 5% (or so) of it's total length, I'm not overly concerned.

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Davy J
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 12:05:08

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Davy J - stupid question, but one not obviously answered by your photo. How do you keep the anchor in the roller when it is not deployed?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
The shackle at the end of the anchor conveniently sits right next to the bow pulpit. A short line tied between them keeps it in the roller. Originally I was going to install some sort of stopper, but tying and untying it hasn't been a problem.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">How do you get your FX-11 to fit in your anchor locker?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
One advantage of keeping the anchor on a roller is that it can be deployed without opening the locker. My anchor will not fit in the locker either.

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pastmember
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Response Posted - 07/01/2013 : 17:47:18

I fought that issue, I believe I used to hang it upside down. When I would get back to the dock I would put it in the anchor locker.

Edited by - pastmember on 07/01/2013 17:51:57

delliottg
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Response Posted - 07/06/2013 : 18:14:40

I got the Fortress installed today. The anchor locker is 20-1/2" wide, the stock was 22", so I cut off about 1-1/2" with a portable Sawzall, and cleaned up the end with a Dremel & stone so it wouldn't snag. I decided to leave the full 30' of chain, I figure it can't hurt, and if it's a problem, I can simply cut the 15' off that Fortress recommends. And, should I ever decide to sell the Fortress, and the buyer really-really wants a 22" stock, they can get replacement parts for it since it all breaks down.

So now I've got about 25' of extra rode on my smaller setup. I moved my line markers so they're roughly accurate (within a foot or so, I didn't measure super accurately). I'm looking forward to seeing how it holds next time we go out.

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OJ
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Response Posted - 07/08/2013 : 19:48:43

This thread has reminded me that I want to purchase a Fortress (things get heavier as you get older!) It appears that two of you are using the FX-11. Why not use the FX-7 which is designed for up to 27' boats?

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delliottg
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Response Posted - 07/08/2013 : 20:51:49

A fair question, I got mine because I found a couple on Craigslist selling theirs for less than half the price of a new one, and about 2/3 the price of an FX-7. If I remember correctly, they'd sold their boat several years earlier and forgotten the Fortress was in their storage locker or garage. It only weighs 7 pounds, although my faux Danforth only weighed 8. Since I've added 30' of 5/16" (?) chain, it's actually going to weigh more (the old rode only had 6' of chain).

I'm with you with things gaining weight as you age! Since my back injury about 18 months ago, I've been trying to stay fitter. My doc says "exercise to tolerance", sometimes that's pretty low, but I know I can tough out quite a bit. I figure if worst comes to worst, I can crank the anchor up with a winch until I get to the chain, at which point my plan falls apart.

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OJ
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Response Posted - 07/09/2013 : 10:08:51

The most challenging part of anchoring (for me at least) is dunking the anchor to get the mud off of it, hence, my concern about weight.

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pastmember
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Response Posted - 07/09/2013 : 10:24:20

Bingo, that is why I use a Fortress.

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piseas
Former Treasurer

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2017 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2013 : 15:52:07

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 The most challenging part of anchoring (for me at least) is dunking the anchor to get the mud off of it, hence, my concern about weight.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I have a #13 WM Traditional that came with the boat but wanted a 2nd as backup. I got a Delta #14 as the next one was a #22 which would not be good for my shoulders-torn rotator cuffs-both of em.
Newport Bay have never been dredged in 70 years so you can imagine what comes up when retrieving an anchor. I have to dunk over and over clean it off somewhat but still has to hose it off after returning to my slip for a complete cleaning.
Finally, end of last year, the entire harbor was dredged. One of these days I will anchor again just to see what I pull up.
Needless to say, anchor weight is a concern. I have saved the Delta for cleaner waters.
Steve

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