Practical Sailor Anchor Test 2008

Three New Anchors Throw Their Weight Into the Practical Sailor Anchor Chronicles

ULTRA Anchor's first test in the USA. ULTRA performs more functions than a plow, and it is always self-righting and ready to dig into the bottom immediately. Our testing backs up this claim: The ULTRA garnered Excellent set ratings at both the long and short scope.

The Ultra stainless steel anchor, made in Turkey, is new to us, and the other two anchors tested are updated designs of the XYZ anchor, which we tested in 2006. One of the updated designs is a production model of the XYZ Extreme, and the other is a lighter-weight prototype version of the Extreme. Shortly before publication of this article, PS learned that a new XYZ design is due to be introduced, and this design apparently addresses some of the concerns raised by our testers. There has also been some discussion of introducing a galvanized version of the Ultra, which, if it happens, should help bring the cost down.

Quickline markets Ultra anchor to yachtsmen based on its strength and aesthetics.

Our test anchor weighed in 48 pounds on our scale, two pounds over its stated weight. Quickline markets 10 different versions of this anchor, ranging in weight from 18 to 220 pounds. Prices range from $892 for the smallest to a whopping $7,528 for the largest. All are constructed from high-quality 316L stainless steel. The two main components, the flukes and shank, are welded and polished to a shimmering high-gloss finish. Lead is used to weight the bottom.

Quickline claims that the Ultra performs more functions like a Danforth-style anchor than a plow and that it is always self-righting and ready to dig into the bottom immediately. Our testing backs up this claim: The Ultra garnered Excellent set ratings at both the long and short scope. At the short scope, the Ultra hit 500 pounds after about a 10-foot pull. Once the pull was stopped, the pressure fell off to 300 pounds and held steady. At the longer scope, the anchor did even better, holding 400 pounds after a pull of only 5 feet. Overall, the Ultra fell toward the high end in holding power for anchors tested at this site.