Anchoring Mooring

Do those shiny, polished stainless steel anchors that hang from the bow rollers of boat-show boats actually set well and hold? In our latest anchor update, Practical Sailor examines the ability of some very expensive stainless steel anchors to set and hold in soft mud. The lineup includes the 28-pound STL Powerhold 350, an adjustable 25-pound anchor from Hunter Boat Anchors, and an odd-looking anchor called the Ton.

PS puts adjustable anchors to the test in soft mud.

After six months, Acco proof coil looks the best of the seven test chains.

The XYZ, Bulwagga, HydroBubble, and Talon XT are top performers.

Slips too expensive? A mooring may be your answer. We search for the toughest chain.

Slips too expensive? A mooring may be your answer. We search for the toughest chain.

In soft mud, the low-priced Lewmar Claw stands out in short- and long-scope testing

Muir Cougar is mightier than Lewmar when handling chain, but Lewmar’s performance and dual-purpose gypsy is more impressive

Muir Cougar is mightier than Lewmar when handling chain, but Lewmar’s performance and dual-purpose gypsy is more impressive

Among this clutch of mid-size vertical units, we like the Lofrans Project 1000, and Maxwell’s Freedom 800 performs solidly at the right price. Lewmar’s V3 scores well among higher-priced alternatives.