Fortress anchors are one of the most popular anchors because they have more penetrating capability than other anchors. In this article, I’ll explain what the Fortress anchor is and our recommendations for the best Fortress anchors.
Fortress anchors are made of a precision-machined, aluminum-magnesium alloy. They have two adjustable angles at 32° and 45°. These anchors are easier to handle and can set faster and deeper in most sea bottoms.
Precision machining is done on the shanks and flukes of the anchor to make them sharper. When its shank and flukes are sharper, an anchor will acquire greater penetrating power. It will also result in superior holding power for the anchor.
Read on to learn more about the Fortress anchor, including whether it is the right anchor for your boat.
Also, take a look at the Fortress Marine Anchors – Fortress FX 37 (21 lbs. Anchor / 46-51′ Boats) to see more info on it and its current price:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Fortress Marine – Fortress Anchor
These anchors are reliable because they are made of precision-machined aluminum-magnesium alloy. The processing that this material has undergone makes the anchor easier to handle. In the most common sea floors, this anchor can set faster and deeper than other standard and bulkier steel anchors.
These anchors are well known for their superior performance. Their high-tensile aluminum alloy materials are precision-machined and joined together into components that interlock with each other. Also, welding is no longer required in these anchors since this process only weakens the metals. Aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion as well.
Overall, the resulting product is lighter, easier to handle, and can provide superior holding power.
U.S. Navy tests have proven that the Fortress anchors can outperform heavy steel anchors. Test results also show that these anchors were able to pull weights that averaged their indicated weight more than 200 times without sustaining any serious damage.
Fortress anchors come in different weights and sizes. They include:
- Fortress Marine Anchors – Fortress FX 55 (32 lbs. Anchor / 52-58′ Boats) – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Fortress Marine Anchors – Fortress FX 37 (21 lbs. Anchor / 46-51′ Boats) – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Fortress Marine Anchors – Fortress FX 23 (15 lbs. Anchor / 39-45′ Boats)
- Fortress FX 16 Anchor, 10 lbs. (4.5 kg)
- Fortress FX 11 Anchor, 7 lbs. (3 kg)
- Fortress FX 7 Anchor, 4 lbs. (2 kg)
Take a look at Fortress Marine Anchors – Fortress FX 37 to see its features and benefits on Amazon:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Fortress Marine – Guardian Anchor
Another anchor under the Fortress trademark is the Fortress Guardian Anchor. These more affordable, safe, and reliable anchors were developed as an excellent alternative to heavy steel anchors. The modifications of these anchors were the results of many years of R&D by the company.
Manufacturing Process
The company’s highly specialized manufacturing processes also went into the production of Guardian anchors. The same precision-machined, high-tensile, corrosion-resistant aluminum-magnesium alloy material was produced and used to make these anchors.
But this material is made more affordable by the utilization of smaller extrusion profiles. Several extra features were also removed. These features include the adjustable angles of the flukes.
Some machining steps and the process of anodizing the metal were eliminated as well. Thus, the anchors were made more affordable without sacrificing their integrity and strength.
Changes in Angle Adjustments
One particular modification that made the Guardian anchor more affordable is the elimination of angle adjustments. This anchor model can only be adjusted to a single 32-degree angle. A typical Fortress anchor can be adjusted from 32 to 45 degrees.
This design element gives these anchors additional holding power. While they only have one angle adjustment, Guardian anchors have Mud Palms. This design feature helps Guardian anchors to set quicker in all types of sea bottom.
Some of the Guardian anchors available in the market include:
- Fortress G-55 Guardian Anchor, 29 lbs. (13 kg) – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Fortress G-37 Guardian Anchor, 18 lbs. (8 kg) – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Fortress G-23 Guardian Anchor, 13 lbs. (6 kg)
- Fortress G-16 Guardian Anchor, 7 lbs. (3.2 kg)
- Fortress G-11 Guardian Anchor, 6 lbs. (2.7 kg)
- Fortress G-7 Guardian Anchor, 4 lbs. (2 kg)
- Fortress G-5 Guardian Anchor, 2.5 lbs. (1 kg)
Also, for an excellent guardian anchor, take a look at our top pick, the Fortress G-55 Guardian Anchor:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Tips for Choosing a Fortress Anchor – Plus Fortress Anchor Sizing
Here are 7 tips on how to choose the right Fortress Anchor for your boat, including Fortress anchor sizing.
1. Consider the Size of Your Boat
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a Fortress anchor is your boat’s size. There is an anchor sizing table I have provided below to help you select the Fortress anchor that will be ideal for the size of your boat. The table recommends both Fortress and Guardian anchors.
2. Consider the Sea Bottom Condition
Another thing you need to consider is the condition of the sea bottom on the spots or places that you usually anchor your boat. Is it soft mud, solid sand, grass, or rocks? If you can get an anchor that can penetrate or hold on to most of these types of sea bottom, that’s the anchor you should get.
3. Consider the Current and the Tide
Also, when choosing a Fortress anchor, you should consider the current and tide characteristics of the places where you usually anchor your boat. If the prevailing current is strong, you need to use an anchor with more holding power. The same goes if the place usually has more high tides than low tides.
4. Consider the Weather Condition
Another consideration is the prevailing weather conditions of the places where you usually anchor your boat.
5. Check the Anchor’s Holding Power
One important consideration when choosing a boat anchor is its holding power. The anchor’s power to hold a boat in place is not always dependent on its size and weight, including the Fortress anchor size.
Some small anchors weighing only 5 pounds can hold boats that weigh up to 1,000 pounds. It’s an important detail you need to check before buying an anchor.
6. Check for Convenience
A good anchor is one that sets easily at the bottom. It is better if it stores easily as well. These convenient features will help you save time when anchoring your boat or storing it when you are about to resume your cruise.
7. Use Two Different Anchors
Experienced boaters recommend using two different anchor styles: one for the bow and one for the stern. If you want maximum anchoring security for your boat, you need to use two anchors.
To help you select the right Fortress or Guardian anchor, refer to the following sizing tables below.
Table 1. Fortress Anchor Boat Sizing
Length of Boat | Fortress Anchor Weight |
8 to 16 feet | 4 pounds |
15 to 25 feet | 8 pounds |
26 to 36 feet | 16 pounds |
32 to 36 feet | 22 pounds |
Table 2. Guardian Anchor Boat Sizing
Length of Boat | Guardian Anchor Weight |
12 to 16 feet | 2.5 pounds (G-5) |
17 to 22 feet | 4 pounds (G-7) |
23 to 27 feet | 6 pounds (G-11) |
28 to 33 feet | 7 pounds (G-16) |
34 to 41 feet | 13 pounds (G-23) |
42 to 47 feet | 18 pounds (G-37) |
Differences Between the Fortress Anchor and the Fortress Guardian
The Fortress Anchor and the Guardian Anchor both carry the Fortress trademark. While both anchors are under the same brand, they have some considerable differences. I have listed some of their differences in the table below.
Fortress Anchor | Guardian Anchor |
The metal material is anodized. It is provided with a chemically bonded coating that results in improved corrosion resistance. The metal acquires a more attractive surface. | The metal is not anodized. |
The anchor has two adjustable angles: 32° and 45°. | The anchor can only make a 32° angle tilt. |
The anchor is structurally strong. | The anchor is as structurally strong as the Fortress. |
There are more machining processes given to the flukes and shank. The flukes and the shanks are sharper and can deeply penetrate the sea bottom, resulting in greater holding power. | The machining process is not as comprehensive as the process given to the Fortress anchor. It is not as capable as the Fortress when it comes to penetrating the sea bottom. The anchor has less holding power. |
The anchor comes with lifetime parts replacement warranty. | The anchor comes with a one-year-only lifetime parts replacement warranty. |
About Fortress Marine Anchors
Fortress Marine Anchors was established in 1986. Since then, the company has earned the reputation of being the maker of the best boat anchors in the world. This brand is known for high-performing anchors made of high-tensile, corrosion-resistant, aluminum-magnesium alloy that are precision machined.
Some of the most popular Fortress anchors include the Fortress Anchor FX 7, Fortress Anchor FX 11, Fortress Anchor FX 16, Fortress Anchor FX 23, Fortress Anchor FX 16, Fortress Anchor FX 37, Fortress Anchor FX 55.
Machining Process
The machining process makes these anchors sharper. Because they are sharper, they can penetrate deeper and faster into the most common seabeds. With these properties, these anchors have better performance compared to dull-edged and heavier conventional steel anchors, which typically weigh 50 percent more.
Capacity and Convenience
According to a Fortress Anchor review, these anchors have outperformed much heavier steel anchors from other companies. Also, many U.S. Navy tests were done to arrive at this conclusion. The anchors of Fortress were required to pull loads that are more than 200 times their weight, and they passed the test. They did not cause any damage, according to test reports.
Another review says that these anchors have been extensively engineered from both the hydrodynamic and structural standpoints. And when it comes to convenience, these anchors are ahead of the competition. They can be quickly disassembled and only require small storage space. These anchors can also be used as a storm or spare anchor.
You have the option to choose between two shank/fluke angles, depending on your needs. This anchor has a 32° angle for clay, mud, or sand sea bottom. It also has a 45° angle for soft mud. Whatever choice you make, this anchor can give you high performance.
Guardian Anchor
Meanwhile, the Guardian Anchor offers a safer and more affordable alternative to heavy steel anchors. The Guardian model is a result of many years of R&D, seeking to provide the same high-performance anchor at a more budget-friendly price.
By using slightly smaller extrusion profiles and the removal of some extra features of the Fortress anchors, the Guardian anchor was made more affordable without sacrificing its holding power capabilities.
The eliminated processes and features include anodizing, several machining steps, and adjustable fluke angles. What came out is a very affordable and more effective alternative to heavier and rust-prone steel anchors.
Guardian aluminum anchors can also set faster in any type of seafloor with their Mud Palms. This design feature creates a “lift” to the anchor’s crown and orients the flukes so they will point directly to the seabed.
Conclusion – Fortress Anchor
So, to recap, the Fortress anchor is made of precision-machined aluminum-magnesium alloy. This anchor has two adjustable angles at 32° and 45°. It is also an anchor that is easier to handle and can set faster and deeper in most sea bottoms.
Precision machining is also done on the shanks and flukes of the anchor to make them sharper. When its shank and flukes are sharper, the anchor will acquire greater penetrating power. As a result, the anchor possesses superior holding power and would be a great choice for your boat.
Related reading:
Boat Anchor Types – 7 Types With Examples
Mantus Anchor Review – M1 and M2 Mantus Anchors