Frequently Asked Questions

What are Fortress and Guardian Anchors made from?

Fortress Anchors are made from hardened high-tech aluminum magnesium alloy. Fortress anchors are also anodized for a handsome and durable finish.

What is the difference between a Fortress and a Guardian?

(1) Fortress is anodized, which is a chemically bonded coating. This gives the Fortress Anchor greater corrosion resistance and a more attractive appearance. Guardian anchors are not anodized.

(2) Fortress anchors have more precision machining done to the shank and flukes, so they are sharper and better able to penetrate the sea bottom deeper, and thus provide more holding power.

(3) Fortress anchors have two adjustable angles: 32° and 45° for soft mud. Guardian has just the 32° angle.

What if I damage a part of my anchor?

You can fill out our Online Replacement Parts Order Form, or call us to request a new part. Fortress Anchors offer a Lifetime Parts Replacement Warranty. Guardian Anchors offer a One-Year Parts Replacement Warranty. The only cost to you is a small shipping and handling charge.

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How much chain should I use?

The length of chain to be used depends on the depth of water in which you are anchoring. If you are using the recommended 5 to 1 scope, then you will have part of your anchor rode resting on the sea bottom. We want to make sure that it is chain resting on the sea bottom and not rope, which obviously can chafe.

Therefore, we recommend that for every 25' of water you are anchoring in, you should use 6' of chain, which will be approximately the length of the anchor rode that is resting on the sea bottom at that water depth. So if you are in 50' of water, then use 12' of chain. If you are in 100' of water, 24' of chain, etc.

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Why should I use Mud Palms?

We have found from our research and from our customers that the Mud Palms help the anchor to set faster in ANY bottom. Our advice is to install the Mud Palms on the anchor and leave them on.

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I would like to mount my anchor on the bow, or on a rail, or on the deck. What parts are required?

Please see the links below for different anchor mounting hardware:

Deck Chocks - www.perko.com

Rail Mounts - www.windline.com

Bow Rollers - www.windline.com

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My anchor does not fit into the small anchor locker on my boat. Can I cut the stock to make the anchor fit?

We do not recommend it. The stock is the perpendicular piece of the anchor that your are referring to, and it is the "landing gear" for the anchor. The stock helps to balance the anchor once it reaches the sea bottom, and then the flukes fall forward and the anchor begins to dig in and set.

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How can I change the angle from 32 to 45 degrees?

Visit our 32 degree to 45 degree angle page to learn how to change the angle of the anchor flukes.

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Where can I buy a Fortress or Guardian Anchor?

Our customers are located throughout the U.S. and in other countries. For a complete listing, please visit Where to Buy.

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What is your contact information at the factory?

Our location is:

1386 West McNab Road
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33309

The phone number is 954-978-9988 or 800-825-6289 (U.S. Only) and our fax number is 954-974-5378. We can be reached via email at info@fortressanchors.com, or use the handy form on our website.

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