ULTRA Anchor

I agree with everything David says. We have also used ours for the past year and we too mainly anchor off - we haven't been in to a marina for the past month and don't plan to for a while. We also normally use a scope of 3 to 1. No experience with a Rocna but am very happy with the Ultra.

This is our 2nd year using the Turkish made Ultra Anchor/Swivel/Grab hook. I was 1st made aware of it where someone recommended the Turkish made Ultra Swivel which is a unique design that rights the anchor as it comes over the roller. We were fortunate enough to be offered the opportunity to trial test an Ultra all summer cruising season last year and after anchoring out all season and not wanting to deal with the Med mooring in marinas I can tell you that it worked flawlessly for us all year. I have not had any experience with the Rocna but some independent comparative studies do show the Ultra to be superior in some categories. You definitely have to drive the boat right on top of it to dislodge it. It only comes in stainless steel and seems to be priced less than the Rocna in SS. The design is quite unique with it having hollow flukes filled with lead that weights the point to set quickly and drive it in deep. Many times swimming over it all that is exposed is the shank. This summer we have had Bill and Kay O'Meara who own N5725 on with us since mid May and we have anchored out every night except a few nights where we dropped the anchor and backed to a pontoon or docking area. The anchor always sets immediately and even in grass we drop it and slowly let the wind/current pull us back and then very gently idle in reverse to get a firm set with mostly a 3 to 1 chain to depth ratio. Bill is so impressed that he is now in contact with Randy at Quickline US and negotiating to buy one upon his return to the US. Anyone interested, I can forward the comparative studies.

I use a Bruce and have always been quite happy with it. It has occasionally taken a second attempt to set in deep/thick grass, but sets easily in most other bottoms, and once set stays set. That being said, I have heard great things about both Rocna and Ultra and have supplied both without personal bias (as I am a Bruce guy..). But I want to convey a brief story about the Ultra anchor…. I had a friend / customer call me last year from his 55’ Selene to get some advice as a hurricane remnant moved over the Maritimes. His question was should he anchor in the bay or tie to the dock? I brought his location up on Google Maps, saw the dock and knew the forecasted wind direction. The dock would have been a lousy location, as the wind would have pinned him to the dock and would have been difficult to fender the boat, or re-fender during the storm and tidal surge. In all likelihood, the boat would have been damaged at the dock. After looking at various locations in the large bay we found a location that would provide some protection from wind and waves that were forecasted to plow into the bay. He anchored (with his Ultra) and reported no detectable movement of the boat in sustained 75 knot winds. A well set Rocna or Bruce would likely perform as well, but this is none-the-less a good testimonial for the Ultra. And if you are into pretty – it certainly wins the beauty pageant compared to Rocna or Bruce! While I have supplied all the above during outfitting, I am not a dealer for any and just reporting on actual usage. As for me, I’ll probably stick with an inexpensive Bruce on my next boat, but wouldn’t hesitate to go to sea with either the Rocna or Ultra (these three would be my personal short list). Regards, Barry Kallander Commander (N40-46)

“We have been having problems with a dragging anchor, due primarily to the anchor itself and our inexperience. Last week we started to use your anchor, the Ultra Anchor. When we give enough pay out and reverse the engine as soon as it catches the chain, the boat stops like it is nailed in place and she does not move. Anchoring is not a problem for us anymore. We congratulate ourselves with each anchoring success. We congratulate you for manufacturing such a functional and high-quality anchor.”

This is a fantastic anchor. Last week we were cruising in company in Maine, and were scheduled to have a cocktail party aboard our 50' sailboat. Given we were expecting 40 people, we had two 36' power cruisers rafted alongside to create more room. As the festivities progressed winds increased to 20 kts with gusts to 30kts. While other boats were dragging around us, we didn't move! Needless to say, I have been sleeping soundly ever since. When you consider the value of your boat, the value of the Ultra versus the lesser priced competitors is worth every penny.