New Generation Anchor

[ebb]

is the title of the SailNet thread http://www.sailnet.com/forums/genera...ntinues-6.html *

where MAINESAIL -in one shot across Rocna's bow- summerizes the debacle. And even tho he admits to still being a fan of the rocna anchor, announces that he is so disgusted by the Smiths and their stooges that he is retiring his NZ rocna and buying a Manson. There's only so much a man can take.

REX/SARCA AnchorRight, also an admirable man throughout this fracas, steps into our USA side of the debate with a series of posts that attempt to set straight the Sarca side of the story. I don't know why SailNet rather than the monster Yachting Monthly Scuttlebut thread.
For us it is a chance to better understand the genesis of New Generation Anchors. Or rather: New Zealand Generated Anchors that Sarca, perhaps rightfully so, was first hoopful generator (not to forget Beugle/Wasi as the first first!). Sarca is not available here in the US, my understanding.

From the marketing standpoint we now have a disturbing new 2012 phenomena where all major players seem to have produced their own versions of competitor's signature anchors. A bad sign. Like depreciating your lead product. Believe that only Sarca has NOT been DIShonored with a competitor's imitation. Have to remember Rex has his own new imitation Delta on the market. And he has time to pull anchors around on the beach.


As an observor, my own level of disgust with Rocna has been evident here for months. I will never be able to admire the rocna concept with any trust or pleasure. Rocna to my mind now stands like a rock for the wrong we humans can do when conducting business. The Rocna attitude, perceiving others and customers as suckers and chumps, also seems to have infected Canadian Metal Pacific and made them appear uncaring and irresponsible.
[THIS is not sailing OR working on the boat, IS IT? Tired of being disgusted. No more energy to appear righteous.
"Go easy. If you can't go easy, go as easy as you can."]

Defender Industries, oldest marine supplier in the US, has to date a sterling reputation. And a rep for not gouging the public like WorstMarine is often perceived. Their 2012 print catalog does NOT show any Rocnas for sale. Their website DOES. They reproduce the hype that comes with selling any product, any anchor, but the pitch honestly makes no claims of 'holding power' certification. Prices are getting up there: a Rocna rated for our A/Cs is a 33lb at $419.99. A Supreme 25lb, also rated for A/Cs is $379.99. So it does look like pound for pound the CMP Rocnas are cheaper than Supreme's - by about $2.50 per lb. Maybe Defender is discounting them!? And unless you can go pick up your rubba Rocna at the warehouse just wait until you see what shipping does to the cost ! ! ! Hamilton Marine carries Supremes (but NOT Rocnas) for about the same price.

ROCNA SELLS THESE ANCHORS IN DEFENDER ONLINE AS "ORIGINAL."
THEY ARE NO WAY ORIGINAL.
CMP ROCNA's ARE MADE WITH ENTIRELY DIFFERENT STEELS THAN THE ORIGINAL.
NO CMP ROCNA's ARE CERTIFIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
NEITHER THE ANCHORS NOR THE FACTORY ARE ABLE TO BE CERTIFIED FOR SHHP. (still true as of 11/2015)
The original NewZealand/Canadian anchors are superior to the Rocnas made in China. They are the ONLY Rocna's that you could have on your boat.
Original Rocna's ended manufacture in 2007.

Defender Catalog hype talks loud about how strong the China shank is, but avoids mentioning the cast fluke. The portrait photo reveals nothing that would ID a cast fluke. No claims for SHHP in the description text. However, dodgey specs and devious description is plainly an attempt at deception and shows us what to expect from a CMPRocna anchor.

Coming away from reading and comparing the two supporting texts for Rocna and Supreme, anybody will be impressed with Manson's uncompromising presentation - blowing Rocna right out of the water. If this is a sign of what is to come in 2012, the Rocna presentation definitely holds its own anchor to a grade where it.... 'coulda been a contenda'. (Remembering the pain and defeat in Brando's famous line.) And looks like it is destined to be marketed as a Beta anchor - a "shhp-type" lunch hook - that implication proves any CMPanchor cannot be compared with the competition. CraigSmith's worst nightmare.
Compromise will find you on a leeshore - where you might want a dependable anchor to kedge off with. Words don't make an anchor, materials do.
Lower standards don't make BEST anchors. Your life, your boat deserve the BEST.
END OF STORY.
[Noticed that Lewmar's 'original' CQR also has Lloyd's SHHP cert. (in the Defender catalog) And I thought you had to dive on a CQR to get it to set!]

Imco, there is only one way that Canada Metal Pacific can get out of their quandary. That is to have Rocna anchors made in China TO THE ORIGINAL PETERSMITH SPECIFICATIONS. Bis 80 shank welded to a hot forged fluke. You'd think they must be considering this possibility to save the anchor and their reputation.
If market share is then realized, consider moving manufacture OUT OF CHINA back to Canada or, even better, back to New Zealand to recover trust and good will back home. And maybe get recertified RINA SHHP! Be interesting to hear how PeterSmith/Rocna is currently perceived by his peers in New Zealand, wouldn't it?
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ____________

*Page 171 of the ybw Scuttlebut was where I found the above blueline link. IT doesn't work! But the heading on this post will get you there via google.
MaineSail's summary and response is worth the visit. As is reading Rex's defense of his and his anchor's reputation - and giving us a timeline.
It is impossible to imagine this internet assisted drama ever being repeated. Better enjoy it now while you can.