anchor comparison/selection

[belladonna]

I'm buying a new anchor and have narrowed the choices down to Lewmars; Claw and Delta Fast-Set. I anchor mostly in lower Chesapeake Bay/tidal rivers where the bottom is basically mud with a little sand thrown in here and there. Since both anchors are relatively inexpensive (comparatively), I looking mainly for which anchor does the best job in mud. Thanx, Jim

[KevinMc]

I'm out of the Navy Station Marina in Norfolk and have used the standard claw anchor without issue these past two seasons. I believe it's the 15kg (33 pound) anchor. It's on 60 feet of 5/16 chain with 100 of line which hasn't been an issue on overnight anchorages in the Chesapeake Bay.

I added the Rocna just a month ago since we are planning a Bahamas trip later this year but haven't tried out the Rocna yet.

[saileagleswings]

I have used the Ronca type anchor for about 7 years with 90 ft of chain and 200 ft of rope.. I love it. It has set almost every time first time except in soupy mud. It has never come undone.
Active Captain promoted this type of anchor recently :

" Looking back, we were a fairly early adopter of the Rocna and bought
ours in 2009. We sold the CQR and gave away the Danforth. The Rocna
became our main anchor and the Fortress remained as our backup. From the
moment we dropped the Rocna from our bow for the first time in Carver's
Cove in Vinalhaven, ME, we knew this was a different type of anchor. It
stuck immediately. Power setting wouldn't move us back 10-30 feet. The
best electronics in the world couldn't detect any movement. It just
stuck. "

[Triumph]

The claw is a good choice for mud. The Rocna a better choice for most bottoms, including mud. I traded in my Bruce for a Rocana a few years back and I'm glad I did. Best anchor I've ever used.
my second anchor is a fortress. In grass it seems to do best.

Bill on Triumph