I used a rock once as an anchor in a canoe. Worked great, just to hold me in the wind so I could do some fishing. My Dad and I used a cinder block as an anchor in our 14' aluminum fishing boat, but never in more than a light breeze. I have a pivoting fluke for my current boat, I've always had it grab like the Danforth in your video.
The mushroom is used for holding light objects in place Eg. In sailboat racing, the small mooring buoy would be used to hold the orange starting mark to define the starting/finish line or the windward buoy mark. LIkewise, the grapnel anchor works well in rocky terrain or bottoms where you have obstructions.
I bought a Mantus dinghy anchor in April 2023. It’s the version that completely comes apart for storage. We never take it apart. It lives in the bottom of our dingy. Nobody has ever hurt themselves by hitting the anchor with their feet. And the holding power is incredible!
Mushroom anchors work in soft, deep mud or on large rocks, but nowhere else. They also have to be much heavier than the other anchors. Commonly used for buoys.
IMO the grapnel anchor is for rocky/reef bottoms. Not sand or mud. We use one on our dinghy but we’ve never “anchored out”. We always beach, so the grapnel works great. Put it behind a rock or a log…and stores very small.
Some of those that"failed" wouldnt have done so, had you used the proper amount of rope. You should use 3 times the water depth. That will put the flukes at the proper angle , to allow it to dig in.
Great video! I ended up getting a 4lb stainless Chinese Bruce copy for like $50. Works fine with 6 feet of chain. I was surprised how well that tiny mantis worked.
Good thing this video popped up number 1 for kayak anchors where I'm definitely not using a motor while anchored. Let alone paddling while anchored. If anyone watching is looking for a kayak anchor the mushroom works just fine. Remember your anchoring and not pulling away from the anchor
Nice video and very interesting,, I have done some anchor testing and like watching and studying anchor holds as it relates directly to my work. My company designed a steel anchor somewhat halfway between the bruce and the mantis weighing one ton and tested out to 50 000 lbs holding power because that's all the pull we had at the time. We call it a shovel or a mud gripper. Your video is very well done.
Back in the day, before I knew better, I'd find myself in a small fishing boat, anchoring on a ridiculously short scope. I'd use a 18 lb " navy style" anchor. When I'd really want to stay put, I'd attach a small mushroom about 10 feet in front of the navy style if I really wanted to stay put. Not technically the best setup, but it got the job done.
I liked your video. There's a lot out there with all sorts of data, numbers, and charts, but nothing that is as helpful as your simple submerged video shoot. That is to help me to purchase 1 or 2 for my new 23 Pilothouse sailboat. I also liked your use of the mushroom on the mooring setup. Well done.
A Danforth 5h hi-tensile came with our 35' sailboat and I can only conclude it was intended as a dinghy anchor since there were a couple of much larger Danforths and a huge Herreshoff fisherman aboard too. We bought a new 45lb Mantus as a primary anchor soon after taking delivery of the bost. The 5lb Danforth has some really good holding power but darn is a finger and toe trap in the dinghy. Ouch, pinch city if you are not paying attention around that snapper! I wish we had a Mantus dinghy anchor instead, but like you said, wow! Those are very pricey. But then again I did a web search on prices for that Danforth Hi Tensile and it would cost nearly as much to replace that as a new Mantus. If anyone ever steals the Danforth out of the dinghy we might think about a getting the Mantus, but probably we would just get a generic Danforth instead.
Anchors are designed for different bottoms. Grapnels are for rocks, mushroom anchors are for muddy bottoms. I use a Danforth on my 23 ft walk around cuddy cabin. For my canoe I use the ring gear out of the differential of a Chevy truck I used to own. Both work just fine in the areas I fish. I also own a grapnel and a mushroom, but never use either.
i have a 2lb grapnel, I have never used it for holding. but once it picked back up a broken rode, chain, and anchor worth over $1000. not a waste of space on board my boat at least
Good well thought out test. As anchor holding power is down to surface area I think a Bruce style the same size as the other 2 would have done a lot better. The grapnel works well in rock but nowhere else. Personally I use a Delta which is similar to the Mantis and a Bruce with a fisherman style for rocky bottoms.
I think the point you missed, is that all these anchors are designed for different types of ground. The Grappel for instance is great when anchoring on a rocky ground.
If loose sand is the only thing you come across, well then this is fine, with rocks, mud etc the grapnel performs rather well. The Bruce copies also excel at more varied conditions.
I don't understand why the pivoting fluke didn't work when the Danforth did. They appear to use the same mechanism for getting a grip. It looked like the tips bounced out instead of digging in but I can't see why.
mushrooms for mud. never sand. once buried a jerking motion can bury it deeper and deeper due to suction. threw one in the back creek for a month and couldnt barely get it out.
Thinking about it, why an anchor for a dinghy? You wouldn’t motor the dinghy, i think. You park and leave, i think. You don’t want waves, wind, and current to move the dinghy, again i think. But i’m not a boater so what do i know.
Well I completely disagree with your essesment that the vinyl covered mushroom is completely useless. I have two and use them every time I anchor (or catch a mooring). I sue them for the weights for my Rocker Stoppers and they work fantastic. I would never try to use them to connect to the sea floor. Thanks for the great videos and that was a brave helper you had.
Great video once again, sir. I'm quite curious about how a full size (maybe ~30 lbs) grapnel anchor performs it terms of holding power. Where I live they are quite popular as "coffee" anchors, or for anchoring to shore on short trips under nice weather conditions. I don't expect them to hold massive power, but maybe they can outperform a bad bruce copy
No test on a Delta anchor? I've noticed that the angle, shaft to anchor body, varies from anchor to anchor. Causing differences in burying and holding abilities?
This test concerned anchors in the 2 to 3 pound size range. The smallest Delta model is 9 pounds. In numerous other tests/videos I have tested Delta anchors in the 22 and 44 pound sizes.
I appreciate seeing the results of your test, but it seems the test of the fluke is incomplete compared to some of the others. I'd have liked to see the Mantus start out flipped over, as well. It seemed to do well during your reversal flip, but I think seeing it start that way would've been useful. The mushroom was one I know you hoped would work and like the different considerations you gave it. I'd have liked to see the fluke tried another time or two, maybe even "Verified that it's set" as you were saying for the Mantus. I mention the fluke because there are vinyl coated ones that, like the mushroom, would be more gentle for dinghys and underfoot. Anyway, I hate to even complain since this was very useful. I'm giving it a "like".
A B, The non-rollbar, early version of the Mantus Dinghy anchor is entirely incapable of setting or self-righting in the event of landing or becoming upsidedown. No need to test as the anchor will drag forever.
So you tested a grapple, against Danforth, in sand? 🤔. I often test a toaster and an oven for cooking a pizza. All anchors have a purpose. This test was pointless for most of those anchors.
I used a rock once as an anchor in a canoe. Worked great, just to hold me in the wind so I could do some fishing. My Dad and I used a cinder block as an anchor in our 14' aluminum fishing boat, but never in more than a light breeze. I have a pivoting fluke for my current boat, I've always had it grab like the Danforth in your video.
The mushroom is used for holding light objects in place Eg. In sailboat racing, the small mooring buoy would be used to hold the orange starting mark to define the starting/finish line or the windward buoy mark. LIkewise, the grapnel anchor works well in rocky terrain or bottoms where you have obstructions.
I bought a Mantus dinghy anchor in April 2023. It’s the version that completely comes apart for storage. We never take it apart. It lives in the bottom of our dingy. Nobody has ever hurt themselves by hitting the anchor with their feet. And the holding power is incredible!
Mushroom anchors work in soft, deep mud or on large rocks, but nowhere else. They also have to be much heavier than the other anchors. Commonly used for buoys.
Good stuff, thank you. The Mantus seems to be a consistent performer in many condition and in many sizes.
I have 2 Mantus anchors and I’ve never had either one not catch and hold immediately. Absolute best anchors out there.
IMO the grapnel anchor is for rocky/reef bottoms. Not sand or mud. We use one on our dinghy but we’ve never “anchored out”. We always beach, so the grapnel works great. Put it behind a rock or a log…and stores very small.
Some of those that"failed" wouldnt have done so, had you used the proper amount of rope. You should use 3 times the water depth. That will put the flukes at the proper angle , to allow it to dig in.
Great video! I ended up getting a 4lb stainless Chinese Bruce copy for like $50. Works fine with 6 feet of chain. I was surprised how well that tiny mantis worked.
Good thing this video popped up number 1 for kayak anchors where I'm definitely not using a motor while anchored. Let alone paddling while anchored. If anyone watching is looking for a kayak anchor the mushroom works just fine. Remember your anchoring and not pulling away from the anchor
Nice video and very interesting,, I have done some anchor testing and like watching and studying anchor holds as it relates directly to my work. My company designed a steel anchor somewhat halfway between the bruce and the mantis weighing one ton and tested out to 50 000 lbs holding power because that's all the pull we had at the time. We call it a shovel or a mud gripper. Your video is very well done.
You just made me go buy a $10 claw anchor on amazon and leave my folding grapnel at home. Great video.
Thanks for the feedback
Fantastic, best anchor testing review
Back in the day, before I knew better, I'd find myself in a small fishing boat, anchoring on a ridiculously short scope. I'd use a 18 lb " navy style" anchor. When I'd really want to stay put, I'd attach a small mushroom about 10 feet in front of the navy style if I really wanted to stay put. Not technically the best setup, but it got the job done.
I liked your video. There's a lot out there with all sorts of data, numbers, and charts, but nothing that is as helpful as your simple submerged video shoot. That is to help me to purchase 1 or 2 for my new 23 Pilothouse sailboat. I also liked your use of the mushroom on the mooring setup. Well done.
A Danforth 5h hi-tensile came with our 35' sailboat and I can only conclude it was intended as a dinghy anchor since there were a couple of much larger Danforths and a huge Herreshoff fisherman aboard too. We bought a new 45lb Mantus as a primary anchor soon after taking delivery of the bost.
The 5lb Danforth has some really good holding power but darn is a finger and toe trap in the dinghy. Ouch, pinch city if you are not paying attention around that snapper!
I wish we had a Mantus dinghy anchor instead, but like you said, wow! Those are very pricey. But then again I did a web search on prices for that Danforth Hi Tensile and it would cost nearly as much to replace that as a new Mantus.
If anyone ever steals the Danforth out of the dinghy we might think about a getting the Mantus, but probably we would just get a generic Danforth instead.
Mantus on my 34’ boat. If I had a dinghy, I’d have another Mantus. Awesome job!
Good job! From personal experience, I totally concur with your pick.
Anchors are designed for different bottoms. Grapnels are for rocks, mushroom anchors are for muddy bottoms. I use a Danforth on my 23 ft walk around cuddy cabin. For my canoe I use the ring gear out of the differential of a Chevy truck I used to own. Both work just fine in the areas I fish.
I also own a grapnel and a mushroom, but never use either.
Your videos keep getting better! Thx
i have a 2lb grapnel, I have never used it for holding. but once it picked back up a broken rode, chain, and anchor worth over $1000. not a waste of space on board my boat at least
"Not sleeping on our dinghy"...except for people who cruise in sailing dinhies... . I used an oversized danforth, 8#, and it worked well.
Great test!! thanks!!! please do one with a CQR!!
I have completed testing of a 45 lb. Genuine CQR anchor. Video will be posted within a week or two. Stay tuned.....
The only time I've ever had a grapnel work is in rocks. Unfortunately sometimes I have to dive down to get it to release.
Another great anchor lesson. I was hoping the mushroom anchor would hold to, but I guess it does not have the grip.
I was surprised that the mushroom anchor did not hold in the sand. I know a mushroom anchor hold well in a muddy pond bottom.
Soft mud is probably the only place the mushroom works well. Then again, so would the rock...
Good well thought out test.
As anchor holding power is down to surface area I think a Bruce style the same size as the other 2 would have done a lot better.
The grapnel works well in rock but nowhere else.
Personally I use a Delta which is similar to the Mantis and a Bruce with a fisherman style for rocky bottoms.
I think the point you missed, is that all these anchors are designed for different types of ground. The Grappel for instance is great when anchoring on a rocky ground.
If loose sand is the only thing you come across, well then this is fine, with rocks, mud etc the grapnel performs rather well. The Bruce copies also excel at more varied conditions.
Great video. Helps me for my dingy
Grapnel is best for rocky bottom
Great, thanks!
Thanks!
Danforth has the best holding power once its set , thanks
Thank you so much
I just use the 25lb Mantus I used to use for my boat anchor before upgrading to the 35lb. A 25ln dinghy anchor, lol. It's not goin' anywhere 😆
I agree, buy two Claws that way you can kedge off if you lose your oars.
I don't understand why the pivoting fluke didn't work when the Danforth did. They appear to use the same mechanism for getting a grip. It looked like the tips bounced out instead of digging in but I can't see why.
mushrooms for mud. never sand. once buried a jerking motion can bury it deeper and deeper due to suction. threw one in the back creek for a month and couldnt barely get it out.
Thinking about it, why an anchor for a dinghy? You wouldn’t motor the dinghy, i think. You park and leave, i think. You don’t want waves, wind, and current to move the dinghy, again i think. But i’m not a boater so what do i know.
A well set mushroom has immense holding power--but that's not really how you set it...
Well I completely disagree with your essesment that the vinyl covered mushroom is completely useless. I have two and use them every time I anchor (or catch a mooring). I sue them for the weights for my Rocker Stoppers and they work fantastic. I would never try to use them to connect to the sea floor.
Thanks for the great videos and that was a brave helper you had.
I would like to see if you could test a panther water spike and a digger anchor.
Great video once again, sir. I'm quite curious about how a full size (maybe ~30 lbs) grapnel anchor performs it terms of holding power. Where I live they are quite popular as "coffee" anchors, or for anchoring to shore on short trips under nice weather conditions. I don't expect them to hold massive power, but maybe they can outperform a bad bruce copy
No test on a Delta anchor? I've noticed that the angle, shaft to anchor body,
varies from anchor to anchor. Causing differences in burying and holding abilities?
This test concerned anchors in the 2 to 3 pound size range. The smallest Delta model is 9 pounds.
In numerous other tests/videos I have tested Delta anchors in the 22 and 44 pound sizes.
I appreciate seeing the results of your test, but it seems the test of the fluke is incomplete compared to some of the others. I'd have liked to see the Mantus start out flipped over, as well. It seemed to do well during your reversal flip, but I think seeing it start that way would've been useful. The mushroom was one I know you hoped would work and like the different considerations you gave it. I'd have liked to see the fluke tried another time or two, maybe even "Verified that it's set" as you were saying for the Mantus. I mention the fluke because there are vinyl coated ones that, like the mushroom, would be more gentle for dinghys and underfoot. Anyway, I hate to even complain since this was very useful. I'm giving it a "like".
A B, The non-rollbar, early version of the Mantus Dinghy anchor is entirely incapable of setting or self-righting in the event of landing or becoming upsidedown. No need to test as the anchor will drag forever.
So you tested a grapple, against Danforth, in sand? 🤔.
I often test a toaster and an oven for cooking a pizza. All anchors have a purpose. This test was pointless for most of those anchors.
So, on your boat you bring 5-6 different anchors all the time?
@@DrDalen of course you bring a couple of different types of anchor for different bottoms. Is this really a question? 🤷♂️
Nice, but we have a rock not sand... so a need just a heavy anchor i guess...
Hi, do you have. A link for the Bruce/lewmar claw anchor ?
Folding grapnel anchors do suck
Don't you think chain and scope change the outcomes?
Is that Port Townsend?
grapnel desined for rocky reefs
Hard to beat a properly sized Danforth, but I have to ask.. wearing a mask, alone, in a boat?
I wish people could learn how to set the anchor properly instead of dragging it only
So, all tests were in sand, but we're all anchors meant for sand
why the mask🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️
I asked the same lol, scared of the flu I guess hehe
I have one of those grapple anchors for the dingies stern bungy setup. Works fine to keep the dingy just of the beach.