Anchor question
 

http://www.fortressanchors.com/guard...ent_parts.html i would like to shorten the stock or part (C) in picture,so it easier to store under the back seat,,,what effect is this going to have on the anchor,,also wonder why are they so long anyway,whats there purpose:whistle:

They make the anchor lay flat on the bottom so it digs in evenly.

I would think an inch or two off either/both ends would not have any really bad effects. May cause it to take an extra second to catch, but I can't imagine it would be bad.

Cut those off of my generic brand anchor. Made zero difference that I could see, other than being able to fit it under the seat now. Really don't follow how that bar effects the operation.

That's funny I was just thinking the exact same thing! That round stock gets in my way.

Fortress anchors are made to disassemble for easy storage if needed. You can even get the nifty little bags from Fortress for them. Been using them for years now. Only takes a few minutes to disassemble and reassemble.

I did the exact same thing. I sawed off about 2 inches off of either end thus allowing it to fit under my rear bench. I saw no appreciable difference whatsoever; the anchor still sets immediately and holds incredibly well. Go for it.

Same here. Had to trim it to fit in my anchor locker cradle. Still works great.

I believe those help the anchor to tip over if it lands on its' side with the flukes and shank at an angle, with them so long it can't stay in that position, it just falls over. However, I did trim off a couple of inches as well on mine and it holds in the mud/sand we have here very well.

This is good information! I bought a used anchor and wanted to do the same thing but i didnt know if it would effect the way the anchor works. Thanks!

I not only shortened the stock (C), but also the shank (B) so as to get a larger anchor (flukes) in my anchor locker. I use about 6 feet of chain rode on the shank and have had zero set problems with this modification. You will be fine.

Dan

West Marine sells Manson Racing anchors in all sizes that work great and store easily. They have a shortened (C) and protective plastic balls on the end that are great w/ protecting fiberglass bringing them in. I use the R5 for my 38 Lightning and have not had an issue w/ it.

The cross bar helps with setting and more importantly stability/keeping the anchor set in changing wind direction or current conditions.

Trimming an inch or two total will probably not have a big impact for a day time, lake boater.
If you boat in a tidal area or frequently overnight where changing winds might give you a scary wakeup call, I would keep it as long as possible.

We frequently overnight on the hook. The best way to get a good night's sleep is with a significantly oversized anchor which takes the worry away. Also great for locking down a raft up line so boats are not moving and resetting.
FX-37 gets the job done and breaks down for easy storage :D

I too lopped 1.5" off each side of stock on my old Fortress. It worked fine, for a Fortress.

Do yourself a favor though, and buy a Box Anchor first. You can get them from West Marine now. Just return it if you don't like it, but I guarantee you won't return it!

Sail Boaters uses those extensions to hang their anchor on the railing for storage. Don't be a sail boater. :D

what i have been doing ,,is keeping the brackets (loose)that hold the stock on,and when iam ready to store anchor i slide the stock to one side,it helps in getting the anchor under seat,,without taking it all apart

I like that ball on the stock idea...I think I'll drill out a couple of my brothers golf balls to fit my fortress!