New Bow Anchor

It"s warming up and we're getting Juliet ready for going to the Channel Islands. We replaced the original 45 Lb CQR plow type anchor with a new ROCNA 73 Lb anchor at the bow. The ROCNAs are supposed to set fast and hold well in most bottom types. I've heard a few horror stories of CQR anchors fouling in the eel grass at Prisoner's Harbor and felt the ROCNA would work better. We upgraded the size to be appropriate for a storm anchor since it often blows over 30 knots at the islands. We also added an extra large Fortress anchor as a spare since it is reasonably light and stows well. We had to have the original custom quick release pin on the bow roller machined down by 2 mm in diameter to fit the hole in the ROCNA's shank. We also replaced the original heavy bronze roller with a slightly thicker and much lighter Delrin roller to make it easier to insert and remove the quick release pin. We tested the anchor in the harbor during our yacht club's Opening Day. The anchor set immediately in the mud and it pulled up nicely into the bow roller. This setup should serve us very well at the islands!