SV Panopevideo
Barnacle and Folding Fisherman. Anchor Test # 153
October 30, 2023 · 12 min · 5K views · Scow Bay
What this video covers
A 29-pound galvanized steel Barnacle anchor and a folding fisherman anchor fail to achieve significant holding power across four distinct seabed types: clean sand, cobblestone, cobble-sand, and soft mud. In clean sand, the Barnacle anchor rotates and lists due to its asymmetrical design, producing a maximum hold of 285 pounds.1:49 In sandy mud, a small pebble lodges in the anchor’s pivot barrel, fouling the fluke and preventing it from setting.3:41 The 45-pound folding fisherman anchor fails to bury its flukes in any tested substrate, with the crown remaining elevated above the seafloor and holding values peaking at only 165 pounds.5:49 These results demonstrate that both designs lack the ability to dive and remain upright compared to modern anchors. The Barnacle anchor’s pivot mechanism is prone to jamming from small debris, while the folding fisherman anchor fails to penetrate the seabed effectively. Both anchors perform poorly in soft substrates where deep burial is required for reliable holding.
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