Anchor design is always evolving and Ultra Marine claims its new design is the best yet. Theo Stocker tested the 12kg model, with the Ultra Flip Swivel, on his Sadler 29.
At first glance the 12kg anchor with the Ultra Flip Swivel is similar to a Spade anchor, but with curves on three planes.
The upper surface curves strongly downwards towards the tip, so that it catches and digs in even on hard, flat surfaces.
The fluke is concave side to side to prevent ploughing, and the undersides of the fluke arc downwards with side plates at the back to force the tip down.
A hollow shank and a lead weighted tip keep the anchor the right way up. The rear bar prevents chain wrapping round the shank
The tip is filled with lead to maximise tip loading, while a hollow shank creates a stronger shape than plate metal and lowers the centre of gravity.
This weight distribution, supplemented by a central rear bar to stop the chain fouling on the shank, negates the need for a roll bar, which its makers claim can stop anchors digging in more deeply.
Article continues below…
How to choose the right anchor
Which of the many anchor designs is best for your boat? Vyv Cox helps you choose the best anchor for…
The underside of the fluke rises up to a flat section at the rear, which allows the anchor to pivot upwards when being broken out.
It is made in 316L stainless steel only, as the air in the hollow sections would not withstand the hot galvanizing process.
How we tested the 12kg Ultra Anchor and Flip Swivel
We used the anchor in a range of anchorages and heavy weather was simulated with generous amounts of power astern.
We spent nights at anchor and over tide changes, and I also dived on the anchor to see how well it had set.
I was impressed with how quickly the anchor set.
The Ultra Anchor was tested in a range of anchorages
While our normal 10kg Bruce anchor can struggle in soft sand and weed, the Ultra anchor buried itself almost completely and refused to drag.
On bare rock, the anchor slid across a flat piece of rock until the tip met a crevice and brought the boat up sharply.
As the tide changed, the anchor stayed lodged where it was and held the boat, even under astern power.
So the Ultra Anchor’s performance amply delivers on its maker’s promises as is comparaable to other stainless anchors.
If you’re looking at cheaper galvanized anchors, it’s quite a step up cost wise.
Flip Swivel
The Flip Swivel is a great piece of kit too.
No larger than a conventional swivel, but much smaller than other flip swivels, its ball joint reduces lateral forces by allowing 30º of movement in all directions, as well as 360º rotation.
The flip swivel has a nub at the top of the ball joint, which forces the anchor to roll the right way up
A small nub rolls the anchor the right way up as soon as the swivel hits the bow roller.
It’s made of CNC-milled stainless steel, with a breaking strain of a tonne more than our 8mm galvanized chain.
Specifications
Price: From £595
Price as tested: £1,104
Sizes: 5, 8, 12, 16 up to 360kg
Flip Swivel
Price from: £222
Price as tested: £267
Sizes: 6mm-26mm
Website: ultramarine-anchors.com
Also on the market
Rocna
Prices start from £280
The Rocna anchor is instantly recognisable with its concave fluke, sharp tip and large roll-bar.
It doesn’t have a weighted tip, putting the weight into making the anchor as strong as possible.
The high-tensile shank is designed to make the anchor self launching, and it has been shown to have high resistance to dragging.
Website: rocna.com
Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
Vulcan
Prices start from £405
The Vulcan comes from the makers of the Rocna, but has been modified to do away with the roll-bar, which can be cumbersome to stow on bow- rollers under bowsprit or pulpits.
It has a weighted tip, a larger, concave fluke and flared trailing edge to help roll the anchor the right way up.
Spade
Prices start from £384
One of the first anchors to pioneer a concave fluke and weighted chamber to increase tip loading, it digs in quickly and has a high drag resistance.
The Spade is available in stainless steel, galvanized steel and aluminium, and the shank can be separated for stowage.
Website: spade-anchor.co.uk