Kobra anchor

[bilbo]

It appears from ageing posts there's some experience with this bit of kit around here, and also with the Delta. Would any of those enthusiasts from a couple of years ago, who had thought to go to Canna, care to share?

[Telo]

We've been one of a handful of boats (IIRC, only four out of about twenty something) in Canna harbour during a SE gale that didn't drag, but that was with a CQR. We haven't been in Canna since we bought a KobraII two or three years ago.

The 35lb CQR is a good anchor for our size of boat, but care has to taken to ensure that it has set correctly. While it would often set first time, there were occasions when it took two, three, and, on at least one occasion, four attempts before I was prepared to retire for the night. We don't have a windlass so Mme S usually lays the anchor and I normally lift it out, so lifting it out two or three times can be a bit of a chore. The problem with the CQR is that it tends to set in with only one "wing" (fluke?) dug in.

So why the KobraII?

1. There is much more weight in the pointy bit and it tends to dig in without falling over;
2. It did very well in the French magazine tests of a few years ago - came in at second IIRC; and,
3. It was about quarter or a fifth of the cost of the Manson that came in at No1.

We anchor a lot during each season, and I believe that I have felt it necessary to relay the anchor on only one occasion, possibly twice. Compared with the CQR, the KobraII is a "right first time" anchor. I guess that I could have gone for a slightly smaller KobraII, but decided to stick a with more or less the same weight of anchor, 16kg in new money.

The only downside is that it can be difficult to get it out of the mud. Usual technique is to pull on the chain until it is tight and vertical, then gradually the water fills the "vacuum" created as the head of the anchor has been pulled upright.

I am very satisfied with it, and it comes in a pretty good price.

[cpedw]

My experience with a Spade anchor after a CQR exactly reflects Shard's with a Kobra, except for the price which brought a tear to the eye.

With no firm evidence apart from hearsay here and elsewhere, all the new generation anchors seem to perform very well compared to the old style ones. Pursuing this argument to a logical conclusion, the latest of the new generation should be the very best. Has anyone tried a Knox anchor; the only reports I've seen were from the good professor himself.

Derek

[Nick]

I once tried an early version of the Knox in Kilchattan Bay in sand in a solid F7 (a lunch stop and teaching anchoring under sail on an RYA course)

Because it was a teaching exercise we did it 3 times. The anchor dug in and held first time every time (in what I believe is hard sand) and held solid with 30 kts of wind and full revs astern. (The latter unnecessary in the conditions, but I had been asked to test the anchor . . . )

The anchor was a 7kg model and the boat was a Sigma 33. To say I was pleasantly surprised would be putting it mildly.

[bilbo]

I sent an email of inquiry to the addy shown in a websearch, a couple of weeks ago, asking about availability and cost of Knox's 'ooks. There has been a thunderous silence.

I've also been inquiring about the Bainbridge 'Delta' copy, the 'D-Type'. It appears, for those who have an interest in such things, that Lloyds have recommended some changes and that the NEXT and subsequent batches from China will ( should ? ) have thickened shanks. It is understood here and there that 'spindly shanks' tend to cause all manner of contretemps and contumely, as one 'Mr Burns of Springfield' will attest.... not to mention one Mr Smith.

[DaveS]

It appears from ageing posts there's some experience with this bit of kit around here, and also with the Delta. Would any of those enthusiasts from a couple of years ago, who had thought to go to Canna, care to share?

I have anchored in Canna two or three times using a Delta, so far without dragging. I've not experienced a gale there, though, the most was about Northerly 6. (16kg Delta, 9.1m 3.5t boat.)

I can testify to its holding in a gale given good mud. The story's here, on 2 & 3 June 2005. http://www.yotblog.com/avilion/2011/09/ ... er-cruise/ (I have posted this link before in a discussion about setting anchors.)

[Nick]

.
We've anchored in Canna four or five times with the Spade and never dragged. Spent three days there a few years ago in 30+ knots . . . friends with a CQR dragged suddenly after being apparently OK for 36 hours.

I reckon the bit of kelp they were wrapped round broke . . . you need a heavy-tipped pointy anchor to stand any real chance in kelp IMO.

[BlowingOldBoots]

...... Has anyone tried a Knox anchor; the only reports I've seen were from the good professor himself.

Derek

I bought one last year to replace my CQR on the Rival41C. It didn't get delivered until after the season due to all sorts of stuff (nothing technical, just scheduling). I will be using it this year and will report back Professor Knox and this place.

[BlowingOldBoots]

This is my new Knox anchor. Still to be tested. It's the 18 kg model.

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