HOW WE TESTED

How we analyze and test XYZ Boat Anchor

As essential front line SAFETY DEVICES, boat anchors should be tested to their limits under a variety of conditions. Users need absolute confidence in the anchors they are using – life and vessel are dependant on them. Our anchoring tests, influenced by the auto industry break/crash protocol, reflect anchoring in real conditions: normal and extreme. They have been conducted on various anchoring sea bot – toms: soft/hard sand, mud and clay with some weeds, and small rocks.

As our designs evolve, each model is analyzed with state-of-the art CAD/software to maximize performance under the most demanding conditions. Field-testing confirms the CAD simulation predictions.

BOAT ANCHOR TESTS

BOAT ANCHOR TEST #1

Anchor Setting and Breakout Test

Test was started with an anchor on the bottom at 5:1 scope. From idle speed, power is slowly increased to high RPM to enable anchor to set. RPM was increased to 2000 and held continuously (force 9,000lbs) for 30 seconds. Once the anchor was set, the same exercise was done at 90˚, 135˚ and 170˚ direction.

To pass the Test #1, the boat anchor must HOLD and not drag or break out from any direction. During the tests, the anchor must
rotate below the bottom surface, without pulling out and HOLD at the high RPM – force 9,000lbs/4 ton. After rotation is completed, the boat must be stopped in less then 3’/1M.

BOAT ANCHOR TEST #2

Anchor Breakout Test – Sudden Impact Test

When the anchor is set, the boat will relocate above the anchor. With a slack rode (length for 5:1 and 3:1 scope), the boat is given full throttle (maximum RPM) so that the anchor would be hit by the sudden and enormous force of the boat’s mass/speed, simulating hurricane force wind conditions. The sudden impact test is done at 0˚ (the previously set direction), and at 90˚, 135˚ and 170˚ to the original set.

To pass the Test #2, the anchor must HOLD and not drag or break out from 0˚ up to 135˚. The anchor must rotate quickly below the bottom surface, without pulling out. The vessel must be stopped in less then
3’/1M. (30,000lbs/400HP/12mph). Under maximum RPM and sudden impact force, on 0˚ orientation, the rode should break (standard recommended nylon sized for the anchor weight – for 25 lbs/12kg anchor
– 5/8”/16mm nylon rope breaking strength 11,000lbs). The anchor should not be damaged in any way.

BOAT ANCHOR TEST #3

Panic Test – Anchor Setting Under Motion – Boat Speed
3 mph @ 5:1 and 3:1 Scope

This test simulates a panic situation where the vessel is
in motion due to high wind. At 3 MPH anchor is dropped in
the sand bottom at 5:1 and 3:1 scope.

To pass test #3, the anchor must set and HOLD a 5:1 scope. Once set, it must pass tests #1, 2 & 3.

BOAT ANCHOR TEST #4

360˚ Maximum Load Test-5:1 and 3:1 Scope.

Once the anchor is set, vessel makes full 360˚ circle around the anchor, under constant load (maximum RPM), at 5:1, 3:1 and 2:1 scope.

To pass test #4, the anchor must HOLD at lease 5:1 and 3:1 scope.

BOAT ANCHOR TEST # 2,

To pass the Test #2, the anchor must HOLD and not drag or break out from 0˚ up to 135˚. The anchor must rotate below the bottom surface, without pulling out. The vessel* must be stopped in less then 3’/1M. Under maximum RPM* and sudden impact force, on 0˚ orientation, the rode should break (standard recommended nylon sized for the anchor weight – for 16 lbs/7kg anchor – 5/8”/16mm nylon rope breaking strength 11,000lbs). The anchor should not be damaged in any way.

*Testing vessel – 15Ton/400HP/12mph

Boat Anchor Testing Details

Location 1

Long Island Sound, New York, USA
Boat:
Lauren K. – 45’ – 400 HP/45’ 33,000lbs,
owned and operated by Captain Jim McGinness
Sea Bottom:
Mostly hard sand mixed with weeds and small rocks.
Water Depth:
5M-7M
Testing Area:
1X2 miles with consistent bottom and depth.

Location 2

Island Hvar Mlacka Beach, Croatian Coast
Boat:
Ana Marija – 66’ – 2 X 490 HP/27Ton.
owned and operated by Captain Neven Kostanic
Sea Bottom:
Deep hard sand and hard mud mixed with some
weeds and small rocks.
Water Depth:
7M-9M
Testing Area:
1X1 mile w/consistent bottom and depth.

Rode

New England Rope 3-strand twisted rope 5/8”-1” with short (2’/60cm) 5/16’/8mm chain and/or with short (15”/39cm) 5/16”/8mm-1/2”/13mm stainless steel cable wire.

Tested boat anchors:
12-33lbs/6-15kg.
Comparison testing were done with anchors in the same weight category (+/- 10%).

Testing vessel – minimum power/weight 400HP/15Ton for 12lbs/6kg anchor:

To assure fair evaluation, testing seabed was chosen to be large area (at least 1 mile X 1/2 mile) with deep and consistent bottom structure.

Important Notes:

The setting and holding ability of ANY anchor is not only a function of anchor size, weight and design; it is also a function of the seabed surface and its substance. Some seabed surfaces offer poor holding to ANY anchor. *Anchor weight/boat size suggestions are based on good anchoring bottoms such as deep consistent sand, mud and clay.

Performance data for XYZ anchors are also based on using appropriate size rode for the anchor weight and boat length. XYZ Marine Products does not grant any warranty on holding power or performance.

Testing to failure was done using various 11 lbs/5kg – 32lbs/15kg XYZ anchors. In the USA, tests were done on deep consistent and/or mixed sand, at numerous locations in Long Island Sound, NY. We used a 45’/15 ton, 400HP fishing boat. The boat is owned by Captain Jim McGinness, who witnessed all the testing. Similar tests have been done on the Croatian Adriatic with boats up to 1000 HP. Tests were done with high RPM achieving sudden impact to the anchor that was properly set. Several times we broke 3/4“/20mm (rated at 13,000 lbs/6 ton) three- strand twisted Nylon rope. We also broke 3/8”/10mm stainless steel cable wire and 5/16”/8mm chain. Of all of the rhode materials, chain was the hardest to break! After repeatedly testing to rhode failure, the XYZ anchor was carefully inspected. IT SUFFERED NO DAMAGE OR DEFORMATION!

*The XYZ urge mariners, whenever possible, to avoid anchoring in living coral to avoid damaging this important ecosystem.
Because of continued product improvement, XYZ reserves the right to make changes without notice.
USA Patent # 5,469,802 USA and International Patent Pending