Bruce anchor vs. fluke anchors

[Cool It]

just wanted to get some opinions on the bruce anchor vs the fluke type anchor. I boat on the south shore of long Island -mostly sand bottom- I have a fluke anchor at the present time but a friend has a bruce anchor that he is not using -says he likes it but I have heard they dont set as well as a fluke? what do you think.

Thanks
Cool it

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Bruce anchor vs. fluke anchors

I have a Bruce (claw) and like it. Digs in well. Either or, fluke & claw don't set well in weeds. If it's free take it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anchor#Bruce.2FClaw

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Bruce anchor vs. fluke anchors

This is the best anchor hands down in sand.

http://www.fortressanchors.com/

http://www.fortressanchors.com/AnchorTestMud.html

 

[themaniam1]

Re: Bruce anchor vs. fluke anchors

I keep both on board, the bruce hanging on the bow and the fluke stowed in the engine compartment. First thing is that you need to use chain to take full advantage of each type of anchor. I have a 24' cruiser and I use 20' of chain. That chain will save your anchor line from abrasions but most importantly allow your anchor shaft to stay parallel next to the sea bed.

That said, the bruce is really easy to set but in sand or mud it will plow and furrow in strong winds or walk down wind as the boat sways back and forth. Bruce anchors will reset them themselves real easy but each time they do it will walk a little bit. Bruce anchors do much better in rocky, gravel and weeds then do fluke. I use the bruce as my primary anchor because of its easy to set. If it is windy, 15 knts or more then I use my fluke anchor.

Fluke are awesome on sandy or muddy bottoms. With chain and a 7:1 scope they will hold tight in high winds. I personally like the Fortress fluke because you can change the angle to 45? which perfect for mud. I use this as my storm anchor.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Bruce anchor vs. fluke anchors

I agree with bruceb58 100 percent

Fortress is not the cheapest but is the best.

 

[shrew]

Re: Bruce anchor vs. fluke anchors

Fortress is just a fluke (Danforth Style) anchor, which he already has. Going from steel to aluminum for a pricey Fortress probably isn't worth it. Flukes hold extremely well in sand, as long as the boat doesn't swing 180 degrees on a shift in wind or tide. I know... I dragged my Fortress this summer, even after sitting on it for three days. Eventually, the chain wrapped around the anchor and fouled it. (Your dinghy never feels so small as when you come out to the anchorage at 9:30 at night to find your boat is no longer there).

I think it really depends on whether you're looking to overnight or use it as a 'lunch hook'. I've been looking at Rocna's lately and I am 99.9% sure that is what will be sitting on my pulpit next spring when I launch again.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Bruce anchor vs. fluke anchors

just wanted to get some opinions on the bruce anchor vs the fluke type anchor. I boat on the south shore of long Island -mostly sand bottom- I have a fluke anchor at the present time but a friend has a bruce anchor that he is not using -says he likes it but I have heard they dont set as well as a fluke? what do you think.

Thanks
Cool it

It's pretty simple, get the bruce (claw) anchor from your friend and try it. Compare the two on your boat in your area.

As themaniam1 posted, it's important to have enough chain regardless of the style of anchor. It's also important to have the right size anchor. You didn't post the size of either that you are comparing.