Storms, Mud and Sand - Fortress Anchor Tested Long-term

From a Tropical storm to the North Seas, we have used, and tested our two Fortress Anchors in a number of situations. The Fortress Anchor can be disassembled and makes a great backup anchor. We tested it in Holand's Waddenzee where it was so deeply buried we couldn't find it by digging! We also tested two Fortress anchors in a tropical storm, and again could barely get them up afterwards!
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Пікірлер: 95

  • @timothylindsay3244
    @timothylindsay3244 Жыл бұрын

    Good video. I have a FX-23 with 3/8” BBB for primary on my JEANNEAU 42i (displ 18K lbs) and an FX-15 lunch hook. After 17 years cruising up and down the East Coast US have never had a setting or resetting problem.

  • @guidojt
    @guidojt4 жыл бұрын

    Love it! Can’t wait to start sailing.

  • @CarlandJennySailingAdventures
    @CarlandJennySailingAdventures7 жыл бұрын

    Really useful video, and encouraging to see how they hold. Thank you

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome 😊

  • @marilyncook658
    @marilyncook6587 жыл бұрын

    I used my Fortress 37 in several hurricanes. Love it

  • @bill4nier
    @bill4nier6 жыл бұрын

    You guys are just natural at this, great video! Thanks for sharing. 😍⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵😊👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

  • @flyingdutchman6984
    @flyingdutchman69845 жыл бұрын

    I have a Fortress FX-11 that is only 3.2kg for my 8.25m sailboat and it holds so well I often have to winch it out. Amazing little anchor that has never failed me.

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    5 жыл бұрын

    Agreed!! They are amazing for their weight

  • @ianh7133
    @ianh71337 жыл бұрын

    Great video on the Fortress, we used the Fortress FX37 on our Endurance along with 300' of 3/8 BB High Test and have never moved during a blow.

  • @MrSchpankme

    @MrSchpankme

    7 жыл бұрын

    When it's really blowing, we get behind our Fortress.

  • @iainhunneybell
    @iainhunneybell2 жыл бұрын

    That video of it digging in under strain was _very_ useful. Never seen that, and a 10:1 😮 Thank you, definitely logged for future recall 🙂

  • @SailBeforeSunset
    @SailBeforeSunset7 жыл бұрын

    Great video on anchors. We have both, and our stern is also Fortress. Good advice!

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks SBS :-)

  • @brianbernard9695
    @brianbernard96957 жыл бұрын

    thats a great demo on anchors . real would be nice to you guys start making new vids. maybe cbc would air some shows .i used to always watch and enjoy your travels on tv. thanks

  • @blokefromthebush
    @blokefromthebush7 жыл бұрын

    Good video mate cheers

  • @goodlord6631
    @goodlord66317 жыл бұрын

    Really love your channel!!

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    😊 Thanks Josh

  • @jenniferAdamek
    @jenniferAdamek7 жыл бұрын

    Love You Two!!! Fair Winds and Happy Sailing!! By the way I Love Your Boat!!!

  • @svalchemy
    @svalchemy7 жыл бұрын

    I have the same anchors. Very good in straight line pulls, but I've yet to test them in gales. Looks like 3/8"/10mm chain. To date, they've been our lunch hooks as well. I like the stern anchor webbing rode. I'm thinking of fabricating something like that for our stern Fortress. It's funny how much of the same kit we have. We have the same tinny Honda, too, which I love *because* you can swing it backwards! I agree with your recommendations and your conclusions, as well.

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Nice! However I have bad news about the Honda ... It was recently replaced by a 6HP Tohatsu 4-stroke :-)

  • @jwrappuhn71
    @jwrappuhn717 жыл бұрын

    Great vid ya'll.

  • @andersskoleovergaard9313
    @andersskoleovergaard93133 ай бұрын

    Good pictures and good explanations. And these anchors are great in sand and mud. BUT you should never use stainless schackles or other stainless steel together with these aluminium anchors, because it will create galvanic corrosion on the aluminium - and it is absolutely nor nescessary. Much better with galvanized materials because they are very close to the aluminium (metals electrochemical series) creates minimal corrosion. Actually the small stainless bolts holding the anchor togethe should better be galvanized, to avoid pitting around these bolts.

  • @DuffyNightingale
    @DuffyNightingale4 жыл бұрын

    Wow the fortress is amazing. Reminds me of old style Danforth but a far better anchor!

  • @dholtman5977
    @dholtman59777 жыл бұрын

    Great videos! I would love to learn more about lifting keels...

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! Here's a link on our boat www.distantshores.ca/about-us/the-boats/southerly-49/ And here's one on the lifting keel system www.distantshores.ca/boatblog_files/warning-shallow-water-field-guide-to-identifying-southerly-yachts.php

  • @dholtman5977

    @dholtman5977

    7 жыл бұрын

    That is simply amazing! I bet that makes for a good night rest without the rocking about.

  • @HighvoltageLineman
    @HighvoltageLineman7 жыл бұрын

    Do you like your retractable keel and would you recommend or would you buy another one? Thanks

  • @giovannir1790
    @giovannir17906 жыл бұрын

    why you anchor from stern starboard and not from the bow?

  • @bchadaway7469
    @bchadaway74694 жыл бұрын

    I’m still questioning the value of a stern anchor. In a tropical storm scenario, doesn’t it leave you beam to at some point?

  • @VadiodaXT
    @VadiodaXT6 жыл бұрын

    Obrigado pela dica :)

  • @Herofromzer0
    @Herofromzer07 жыл бұрын

    İm living in Turkey, Nearly all our shores are sandy or muddy i use Fortress guardian as a primary anchor. İts never leave me in a bad position.

  • @_mysilentblue2227
    @_mysilentblue22272 жыл бұрын

    I love my Fortress, sandy South Florida.

  • @Misteribel
    @Misteribel7 ай бұрын

    I know it's many years ago, but just curious, if you know it's hard to lift the anchor, why not use a trip line?

  • @inglete9391
    @inglete93914 жыл бұрын

    Hi Im a new suscriber to your chanal, i dont have boat ; but think your videos are so cool and very informative Keep it up well done.

  • @ParrotSailor
    @ParrotSailor7 жыл бұрын

    Time for a cup of tea? You sound like Skip Novak!

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks 😊

  • @c36captain
    @c36captain7 жыл бұрын

    Great video! I bought this anchor for the same reasons you suggested a few years back. Can you tell me how much chain you use on yours?Thanks Dan

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks 😊 Usually I use 3 meters of chain.

  • @unpkerr1
    @unpkerr15 жыл бұрын

    I didint see any Chain on the Anchor, I didint think id would set without it?

  • @Michael-el8xl
    @Michael-el8xl7 жыл бұрын

    TRY PUT A BUOY AND SEPARATE LINE ON ANCHOR... HAS SAVED MY ANCHOR WHEN WE BROKE LINE ONE TIME AND IT IS EASIER TO WINCH UP ON THE SECONDARY LINE

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Do you mean you broke your main anchor rode? Yikes. We do occasionally put a marker buoy on our anchor when we suspect the main anchor might get fouled.

  • @dunruden9720

    @dunruden9720

    7 жыл бұрын

    Don't shout!

  • @Teddy_Bass
    @Teddy_Bass7 жыл бұрын

    Just careful on those sandbanks, they can be like quick sand

  • @marc.wrutgers6704
    @marc.wrutgers67047 жыл бұрын

    What Island was it in the Back ground ?? I am original from Schiermonnikoog . Love your video's thanks for sharing

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Its either Terschelling or Ameland - we're anchored behind a sandbank between the two islands. We also filmed our trip into Schiermonikoog!! It was very fun coming in with almost no tide left and just 1 meter water depth :-)

  • @marc.wrutgers6704

    @marc.wrutgers6704

    7 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your reply Hopefully I can roam the Oceans one day , that would be a dream . Take care Marc

  • @lonnieelliott504
    @lonnieelliott5046 жыл бұрын

    I see so many similarities between your new boat and the offerings from Discovery which I have been informed is the new company owner. Impressed with the keel. Is there a speed point where you have to drop the keel when the depth is there?

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    6 жыл бұрын

    Lonnie, yes Discovery Group are now building the Southerly line of boats. We normally keep the keep down at sea especially when sailing up wind or on the beam, but downwind we usually raise it partially. In these videos crossing the Atlantic we surfed much of the way with the keel most of the way up. kzread.info/head/PLQMyJKewucpdOTfTlj5ovN9YTFHtC10Io

  • @lonnieelliott504

    @lonnieelliott504

    6 жыл бұрын

    I have been considering a Discovery 58 for the last year. I think your set up is brilliant because it allow you to escape the hoards while in the Caribbean. Discovery wants me to check out their 67 shoal draft and awaiting my ETA to take me to South Hampton. As one Canuck to another I appreciate the efforts of you and your wife.

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    6 жыл бұрын

    The Disco 58 is quite lovely, although I haven't sail on one or on a 67. I did tour around a 67 at the dock though... if you'd like to email us I could send you a private link for the vid if you want. BTW Happy Canada 150!

  • @lonnieelliott504

    @lonnieelliott504

    6 жыл бұрын

    lbelliott@yahoo.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY Thank you

  • @lonnieelliott504

    @lonnieelliott504

    6 жыл бұрын

    I would appreciate any knowledge I can glean and would appreciate your efforts. lbelliott@yahoo.com

  • @jasperasis5209
    @jasperasis52096 жыл бұрын

    I noticed your 2 rudders supporting your yaght when dry, do they have skegs to make them strong enough to do that...?

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    6 жыл бұрын

    She is really supported by her enormous strong cast iron grounding plate and sits flat on that. The rudders are very strongly built but just touch the sand and do not support the yacht.

  • @AndysEastCoastAdventures
    @AndysEastCoastAdventures7 жыл бұрын

    I'm based more or less opposite the north sea of where you were in Holland and it looks the same with large plains of soft sand and mud a grey green sea. thought you were in the UK lol. I went for a bilge keel boat for this purpose. they are very popular on the east coast UK. Nice boat you have their, what type is it? Subscribed

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Our boat is a Southerly 49 - which was built in UK - Chichester :-) Next time we must explore your home waters... www.distantshores.ca/about-us/the-boats/southerly-49/

  • @AndysEastCoastAdventures

    @AndysEastCoastAdventures

    7 жыл бұрын

    It looks the same as where you were. Mainly because the mud & clay in the sand. I'm based in Brightlingsea which is near the Thames estuary and a popular cruising area as plenty of rivers to explore in a relatively small area. As you move round the coast past Kent the water clears up though as the mud disappears to fine sand and the water is lovely and clear. It really is a nice boat though, like the idea of being able to take the ground on a boat that size. Does it have any protection on the bottom?

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    Yes the bottom is protected by way of a large cast iron plate the boat sits on, plus a skeg under the prop :-)

  • @esling77
    @esling774 жыл бұрын

    Ty

  • @leifvejby8023
    @leifvejby80236 жыл бұрын

    7' tidal range - we have about 8" where I live!!

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    6 жыл бұрын

    We've sailed in areas with 35' - Channel islands!

  • @bertlbarm4374
    @bertlbarm43746 жыл бұрын

    did you know that in germany are 4300 nautical miles of rivers and canals?

  • @maryetdave
    @maryetdave3 жыл бұрын

    The Fortress you are assembling on the swim platform, is this the FX-23, Im trying to see the size difference between the 16 and 23 in a video.

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes this is the fx23. We also have a fx37

  • @dabolko
    @dabolko7 жыл бұрын

    super

  • @aciddream2866
    @aciddream28666 жыл бұрын

    Amazing video but what is your boat?

  • @aciddream2866

    @aciddream2866

    6 жыл бұрын

    Btw i've got a comet 1050 from 1990

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    6 жыл бұрын

    This is our Southerly 49 ... more info here distantshores.ca/about-us/the-boats/distant-shores-3/

  • @aciddream2866

    @aciddream2866

    6 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!woah i necer espected an answer!

  • @JohnJohn-cu7nk
    @JohnJohn-cu7nk2 жыл бұрын

    👍

  • @SpiritBear12
    @SpiritBear127 жыл бұрын

    What is the make of your boat?

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    She is a Southerly ... check out our page on her here www.distantshores.ca/about-us/the-boats/southerly-49/

  • @CS-iu3pz
    @CS-iu3pz7 жыл бұрын

    How about showing how well it resets?

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    7 жыл бұрын

    I have always raised it and made sure it was clean before reseting it. Danforth/Fortress style are better when used this way.

  • @timnz009
    @timnz0096 жыл бұрын

    how does it reset when the wind direction changes?

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    6 жыл бұрын

    Hi Tim. The Fortress doesn't reliably reset when the wind changes. We don't use it as our primary anchor - but its a perfect second and third anchor.

  • @markturner4219

    @markturner4219

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@DistantShoresTV We used the Fortress's older sister the Admiralty Pattern Danforth as our main anchor in the navy. The resetting issue seemed to be sorted by having two swivels in the cable. If IIRC one was about 5 metres from the anchor and a second a further 5. Plenty of cable (chain) as per the expected weather. We never had anyone in our squadron drag even through some pretty atrocious conditions. I have the same set up on my main anchor (old habits) which is a Bruce which I have found is one of the best anchors for Chesapeake Bay, where I sail, and a fortress as a kedge. If I am expecting to put a lot of load on I have at times attached my second fortress to the crown of the Bruce with some 20ft of 1/2inch chain led out between the Bruce and the Fortress. Works a treat, every time and in the shallow waters of the Bay 20 feet makes it easy to recover one anchor at a time..

  • @McHeisenburger
    @McHeisenburger6 жыл бұрын

    Hmm. Yes. I think I see the problem here. Your boat appears to think it is a Jeep.

  • @yaribol8944
    @yaribol89446 жыл бұрын

    Hollaaaaaaaaaaand I'm from holland

  • @osman42069

    @osman42069

    6 жыл бұрын

    yari bol ik ook

  • @PhilipDK5800
    @PhilipDK58003 жыл бұрын

    Wait, where is the keel?

  • @ericfeatherstone

    @ericfeatherstone

    3 жыл бұрын

    As they said at 3:04 their boat has a lifting keel.

  • @emilek4134
    @emilek41346 жыл бұрын

    I come from holland

  • @TechnoGlobalist
    @TechnoGlobalist6 жыл бұрын

    do you selll anchors or what is this commercial about?

  • @DistantShoresTV

    @DistantShoresTV

    6 жыл бұрын

    This is not a commercial. We bought both our fortress anchors and have no affiliation to them. We have filmed a few anchor test because we thought they would be helpful.

  • @perualpacayarntextile9835
    @perualpacayarntextile98357 жыл бұрын

    it is okey to swear a little.

  • @stottcarleton1624
    @stottcarleton16246 жыл бұрын

    . .. . . .. . . . .. .

  • @internetexpert8153
    @internetexpert81535 жыл бұрын

    Man what's a guy gotta do to sale his life away? I wanna do this

  • @levirankine9165
    @levirankine91656 жыл бұрын

    omg

  • @LittlebittheChihuahuaKennethT.
    @LittlebittheChihuahuaKennethT.2 жыл бұрын

    Linkin commercial before this video! Fuck! I got to learn every pronoun now Or i will be labeled a evil person!