Will a Fortress FX7 anchor fit?

[Snowman8]

I have a 2014 R5 and I would like to buy a Fortress FX7 anchor because of its light weight. I am wondering if that anchor will fit in the bow anchor locker on an R5? Does anyone on here have an R5 and that anchor?

[jeffpr]

I have the exact same question regarding an anchor that will fit in our R5 locker - looking forward to hearing from the experts.

[fourmasons]

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[jeffpr]

Thanks fourmasons for the pics and advice!

[bruceb58]

Mine fits in easily. I don't have docking lights.

[Snowman8]

Perfect, thank you guys! I don’t have docking lights either so it looks like I am will have plenty of room. Now I will just have to order one and give it to myself for a birthday present!

[AsLan7]

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Hey FM...thanks for the contribution. Any other pics of your R5?

...and welcome aboard mate!

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[Snowman8]

Welcome fourmasons, I didn’t realize you are new here. We like boat pictures so lets see some more pictures of your boat!

I do have another question about the FX7 anchor for you or Bruce. I would like to buy it because it is so light but how does it hold in the wind? I also use a chain on my current anchor. I typically boat on a river so I have current to deal with as long as wind some days. I usually end up with other boats tied to me as our R5 is the biggest boat so when friends come they usually tie to us.

[bruceb58]

Holds great. Beats other anchors by far. I have around 25' of 1/4" chain on mine. Been in 25 MPH winds out at Santa Cruz Island in my old boat(24') with a full enclosure and it held fine. I trust it enough that we would sleep on the boat offshore at the islands. I would never trust other anchors like that. Of course sleeping on the boat is a thing of the past now that we have a bowrider.

It's not the weight of the anchor that creates the hold. Its the design and how it digs down. At Lake Tahoe I can actually see my anchor down 40' since the water is so clear. The anchor digs down so easily that the anchor is below the level of the sand.

As with any anchor, you need to let enough lne out to have proper scope in higher wind conditions.

It's good you are looking for a good anchor. I still can't believe people recommend those silly box anchors. I actually have one of those on my pontoon boat. It basically just controls my drift speed a little...LOL

[bruceb58]

Not a great picture because of the shadows. I have 250' of 1/2" braided anchor line. I could put in another 500' there is so much room. I of course do not have docking lights. If I was to add any, I would add the LED style which take up a lot less room.

[AsLan7]

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We use a fluke (Danforth) anchor as well which fits snugly in our 263 bow anchor locker with docking lights & works nicely in sandy locations. Success or failure with anchors will depend much on a few factors as mentioned in the selection guide below:

....Anchor Selection Help

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[Snowman8]

Thanks for the replies! I currently have a Danforth anchor and it holds very well in the current and wind with my boat plus a couple others. I was just thinking of switching to the Fortress anchor because it is so light and should be way easier to pull up with the chain. My old one is pretty heavy with the chain.

[AsLan7]

Thanks for the replies! I currently have a Danforth anchor and it holds very well in the current and wind with my boat plus a couple others. I was just thinking of switching to the Fortress anchor because it is so light and should be way easier to pull up with the chain. My old one is pretty heavy with the chain.

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As long as you have a sandy or mud bottom it should work well!
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[fourmasons]

Sure S8.
Here are a few pics.
The FX 7 is a great anchor, but as we said light. Chain and plenty of scope works well in wind and swells.

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[AsLan7]

Very nice FM.
Great to have another multiple (past & present) Cobalt model owner on the forum.