The Rocna anchor has a super high holding power, higher than most other types of anchors. In this article, I’ll explain what the Rocna anchor is, including the original Rocna, Rocna Vulcan, and Rocna Fisherman.
The Rocna anchor was designed by an experienced New Zealand boatbuilder, Peter Smith. It is a multi-purpose anchor that is capable of setting in most sea bottoms.
The Rocna anchor has no difficulty setting in kelp, grass, clay, hard sand, and soft mud. It also has three basic design features – a roll bar, setting skids, and a concave fluke.
There are three types of Rocna anchors:
- Rocna Original – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Rocna Vulcan – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Rocna Fisherman
Read on to learn more about the Rocna anchor, including Rocna anchor sizing and whether it is the right anchor for your boat.
Also, take a look at the Rocna Original on Amazon to see its price and the great reviews.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Original Rocna Anchor (Stainless Steel and Galvanized Steel Models)
The original anchor made by Rocna was designed by Peter Smith, an experienced boater from New Zealand. He has been sailing, designing, and building boats since the early 1960s.
Peter was able to come up with this innovative Rocna design after experiencing the many anchoring problems he had with conventional anchors in his more than 100,000 nautical miles of cruising.
He initially designed this anchor for personal use. It should be noted that Peter’s entire lifetime of nautical experience was poured into this particular anchor design, which became known as Rocna.
Basic Elements of the Original Rocna Anchor
Since it was launched in 2004, the Rocna anchor has been independently tested and has consistently obtained top results. There are three basic design elements in this anchor – a roll bar, setting skids, and a fluke.
Roll Bar and Setting Skids
The roll bar ensures that the anchor will always drop at a perfect angle for penetration. And then, the setting skids will guide the fluke tip to start penetrating the seabed. Like a sharp chisel, the fluke tip cuts into the seabed and eventually embeds itself deep into the sea bottom, effectively holding the boat.
Fluke
One-third of the anchor’s weight rests on the fluke tip. This feature ensures an instant dependable set every time the anchor is dropped. Also, the fluke has a concave shape, which provides greater resistance. It is an ingenious design that ensures the greatest fluke area possible.
Anchor Style
On weedy or hard sea floors, the chisel tip of the fluke will cut through and bite deep. And in very soft sea bottoms, the concave fluke will provide excellent holding power that will hold your boat and secure it in its place.
When the anchor is fully set, it will remain buried and stable. It will not roll out on veering or reversal of load. Even if it is dragged beyond yield, it will stay steady and provide the best security.
Quality & Rocna Anchor Sizing
Rocna anchors are built tough and strong. They are made of high-quality and high-precision machine metals. That is why all these anchors are guaranteed for life against manufacturing defects, bending, and breakage. They also come in many sizes, from 9 lbs. (4 kg) to 606 lbs. (275 kg).
Two Versions of Rocna Anchors
Rocna anchors come in two different versions: the stainless steel version and the galvanized version. Basically, they have the same design features and the same capabilities. The major difference between them is that one is made of stainless steel, and the other is made of galvanized steel.
1. Stainless Steel
The stainless steel version is stronger and is highly resistant to corrosion. Chromium is added in the process of making stainless steel to make it stronger. It also looks nicer, which is why it is more expensive.
The Rocna Stainless Steel Anchor is the best multi-purpose anchor that can set on all kinds of sea floors:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
2. Galvanized Steel
This version is also strong but not as strong as stainless steel. It is coated with zinc to make it resistant to corrosion. The Rocna Galvanized Anchor is an example of this type of anchor. This anchor is capable of instant setting too. It has excellent holding power and is highly resistant to tide and wind shifts.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
In appearance, the SS model looks nicer than the GS version because of its sheen. The advantage of GS is that it is more affordable than SS. The galvanized versions of these anchors have the same holding capacities as the stainless steel versions. However, the stainless steel versions look nicer as they hang on your boat.
When cleaning stainless steel surfaces, you should avoid cleaners that contain chlorine. This chemical substance will degrade the coating of the metal, making it prone to corrosion.
Rocna Anchors Vs Other Boat Anchors
What are the differences between Rocna anchors and other boat anchors?
- Setting Ability – The Mantus anchor is slightly better than the Rocna anchor for its setting ability in difficult bottoms. Rocna is slightly better than Fortress.
- Holding Power – Rocna, Mantus, and Fortress have the same holding power in average bottom conditions.
- Loose Soil – For holding power in loose soil, Fortress is the best. Rocna and Mantus have the same capability.
- Hard Soil – For holding power in hard soil, Mantus takes the top slot. Rocna and Fortress take the second spot.
Rocna Vulcan Anchor (Stainless Steel and Galvanized Models)
The Vulcan anchor is the first major modification of the Original Rocna of Peter Smith. It became necessary for Smith to modify the original design in response to the needs of boaters. Some of these boaters have found difficulty in accommodating the anchor’s roll bar on their bows.
Smith went to work, and after several years, he came up with an anchor design, now known as the Vulcan anchor, that meets most customers’ needs. Its design is compatible with the widest range of bow configurations.
It is particularly suited to powerboats with bow pulpits. But it offers the reliability and security of the Rocna anchor design to a wide range of boaters who want reliable and secure anchoring systems.
Design & Functionality
The Vulcan anchor breaks out from the Original Rocna design since it has a special combination of fluke and shank geometry, including a roll-palm at the fluke’s rear. This modification enables the anchor to self-right without using a roll-bar.
The anchor also has a V-bulb, which assists the setting process by extending the fluke ballast downward. It enables the anchor to gain maximum efficiency and leverage. This design element allows a bigger fluke surface area. Other anchor designs rely heavily on deadweight, whereas the concave fluke can mean greater security and holding power.
Shank Profile
This Vulcan anchor makes a snug fit on the bows by eliminating the roll bar and modifying the shank profile. It will be easier to clear all protrusions, such as bowsprits, platforms, stays, and prods, without any inconvenience or hassle.
The shank of the Vulcan anchor has a D shape. This shape encourages self-stowing and self-handling when the anchor is retrieved on most bow rollers. It has a smooth liquid action that ensures a more relaxed and convenient use for all operators.
Two Versions of Vulcan Anchors
There are also two versions of Vulcan anchors: the stainless steel anchor and the galvanized steel models. Both are basically the same when it comes to their design components. They share the same capabilities as well.
The stainless steel model is the Rocna Vulcan Stainless Steel Anchor. It can instantly set on the seabed, and it is self-launching with rock-solid holding power. Because it is made of stainless steel, this anchor is highly resistant to corrosion.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
A more affordable version of this anchor is the Rocna Vulcan Galvanized Anchor. It has the same capabilities as the stainless steel version but is made from galvanized steel. Plus, it is zinc-coated to make it highly resistant to corrosion. This anchor also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Rocna Fisherman Galvanized Steel Anchor
The Rocna Fisherman is another anchor produced under the Rocna trademark. As its name implies, this one is specifically designed for fishermen. It is also well suited for divers, who run the risk of their anchors getting stuck on an obstacle at the sea bottom. As a solution to this predicament, this anchor is equipped with a shackle rail for easy recovery if it gets stuck underwater.
The Rocna Fisherman is useful to smaller boats that need to re-anchor frequently. It is ideal for day-trippers and not for extended cruising. This anchor is helpful for those who anchor in difficult bottom conditions as well.
Performance and Durability
While the design of this anchor is quite different from the Original Rocna anchor, it still offers the same kind of performance. In other words, it also offers reliability and security. The available sizes for this type of anchor range from 9 lbs. (4 kg) to 13 lbs. (6 kg).
It is made of galvanized steel, so it is more affordable. But that doesn’t mean it won’t last long. Galvanized steel is zinc-coated to make it highly resistant to corrosion. Rocna is confident of its durability, which is why this anchor also comes with a lifetime warranty.
The Rocna Fisherman Anchor is made of galvanized steel and a multi-purpose anchor that sets quickly in all kinds of sea bottoms. It is instant-setting, self-launching, and has rock-solid holding power.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Differences Between Rocna Fisherman, Rocna Original, and Rocna Vulcan
How is Rocna Fisherman different from Rocna Original and Rocna Vulcan? The Rocna Fisherman is intended for fishers and divers who are at risk of getting their anchors stuck on an obstacle on the seabed.
Unlike the Original and Vulcan anchors, the Fisherman is adapted to smaller boats that frequently need re-anchoring. It is also the perfect anchor for day-trippers and not for extended cruising.
Moreover, this anchor is useful for those who anchor in difficult bottom conditions. It has a shackle rail system with automatic recovery, which offers convenience. This design also allows safe anchoring when the anchor’s recovery feature is not needed. It enables this particular anchor to be used in all kinds of sea bottoms, tides, and weather conditions.
About Rocna Anchors
Rocna Anchors is a company owned by the CMP Group of Brands. The designer of Rocna is Peter Smith, an experienced sailor from New Zealand. He is into boat building, racing, and cruising sailing yachts for many years.
Respected boaters like Jimmy Cornell, Jerome Poncet, and Steve Dashew testify to Rocna anchors’ lasting power. Testimonies coming from these seasoned boaters are considered positive Rocna anchor reviews.
Super High Holding Power (SHHP) Anchors
Rocna makes super high holding power (SHHP) anchors. When RINA, a classification society, tested these anchors, they generated the highest holding power of any anchor they have certified.
These anchors can handle the rigors of the sea bottoms of the toughest places on earth, such as Alaska, Scotland, Antarctica, Greenland, Patagonia, and many others. They can endure temperamental tropical weather as well.
The Rocna company is exclusively in the business of making SHHP anchors. Aside from the Rocna Original, Rocna Vulcan, and Rocna Fisherman, the company also makes two additional types of anchors: the Rocna Workboat and the Anchor for Powerboats. Rocna anchor sizing tips are available on the company’s website.
Conclusion – Rocna Anchor Review
So, to recap, the Rocna anchor is a multi-purpose anchor that is capable of setting in most sea bottoms. It can quickly set in kelp, grass, clay, hard sand, and even soft mud. This anchor has three basic design features – a roll bar, setting skids, and a fluke.
Rocna also makes three types of anchors – the Rocna Original, the Rocna Vulcan, and the Rocna Fisherman. Peter Smith, the designer of this anchor, is a boatbuilder and an experienced cruiser who lives in New Zealand. A Rocna anchor is an excellent choice for your boat as it will protect your investment and give you greater peace of mind.
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