Canada Metal Pacific, New Rocna Maker, Offers Anchor Exchange Program

0

Since our recent report that a number (how many remains in dispute) of Rocna anchors did not meet published design specifications, the Rocna anchors license-including the brand, the design and rights to manufacture the Rocna anchor-has been re-assigned to Canada Metal Pacific, based in Vancouver, Canada.

Weve been getting several e-mails from readers asking us what we think they should do with their recently purchased Rocna anchors in light of our report. Because every situation is different, and not all anchors are suspected of being below the published standards, we would recommend that anyone questioning the quality or construction of their Rocna anchor contact Canada Metal Pacific or their Rocna anchor retailer to discuss options.

Last month, marine retail giant West Marine stepped up to the plate with its No Hassles Guarantee, offering full credit to Rocna owners who were not happy with their purchase. Now,

Canada Metals,the new owners of Rocna Anchors, has announced its own exchange offer.We would be interested in hearing owner feedback regarding any experiences with Rocna anchors, the new ownership, and ongoing exchange program.

Canada Metal Pacific, New Rocna Maker, Offers Anchor Exchange Program

Below is an excerpt from a statement recently issued by John Mitchell, the president of Canada Metal:

As of 20th September 2011, the Rocna Anchors license – including all rights to the Rocna design and brand -were re-assigned by designer Peter Smith to Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd., a Canadian company with state of the art manufacturing and engineering facilities located in Vancouver, Canada and Ningbo, China. Canada Metal produce the Martyr line of anodes, CMP chain, Octopus autopilot drives, and Intellisteer remote steering systems.

“Canada Metal was aware of the challenges that faced Rocna well in advance of taking on the license, and is fully committed to supporting Rocna customers. During our due diligence process, we determined that the Rocna product was of sound design and provided exceptional utility.

“As part of the acquisition process, Canada Metal conducted an extensive and comprehensive analysis of quality control procedures, certifications, marketing materials, and production procedures. Information derived from our (on-going) investigation indicated that for a period beginning in 2010, the shanks of some Rocna anchors were manufactured using a steel alloy that did not meet the published manufacturing specification.

“These anchors were subjected to rigorous testing and evaluation. The results confirmed that, while not meeting the published design specification, they do not pose any safety concerns, and still exceed industry proof load strength requirements. When subjected to typical pulls in the course of anchoring, they will endure loads greater than the breaking strength of the appropriately matched chain without bending.

“Regardless of the lack of a safety issue, Canada Metal will exchange anchors for those concerned customers. For more information, contact Rocna or the Rocna UK distributor Marine Factors Ltd. at the contact information below.

– John Mitchell,President,Canada Metal (Pacific) Limited”

Rocna can be reached at +1-604/229-2750 orsupport@rocna.com.

Darrell Nicholson
Practical Sailor has been independently testing and reporting on sailboats and sailing gear for more than 50 years. Supported entirely by subscribers, Practical Sailor accepts no advertising. Its independent tests are carried out by experienced sailors and marine industry professionals dedicated to providing objective evaluation and reporting about boats, gear, and the skills required to cross oceans. Practical Sailor is edited by Darrell Nicholson, a long-time liveaboard sailor and trans-Pacific cruiser who has been director of Belvoir Media Group's marine division since 2005. He holds a U.S. Coast Guard 100-ton Master license, has logged tens of thousands of miles in three oceans, and has skippered everything from pilot boats to day charter cats. His weekly blog Inside Practical Sailor offers an inside look at current research and gear tests at Practical Sailor, while his award-winning column,"Rhumb Lines," tracks boating trends and reflects upon the sailing life. He sails a Sparkman & Stephens-designed Yankee 30 out of St. Petersburg, Florida. You can reach him by email at practicalsailor@belvoir.com.