Equipment: Space-saving anchor reworked - and other new products on the market

The product from Spanish manufacturer Ankerplex is one of the few promising innovations in anchor technology. We tried out both the stainless steel and aluminium versions last year, see YACHT 25/2023. While the stainless steel model worked very well, the holding power of the lighter aluminium version was not very convincing.

The manufacturer has taken the criticism as an opportunity to revise both models. Among other things, the surface area of the flunke has been enlarged and the point made sharper, while a shorter shaft ensures a steeper penetration angle. This should eliminate the shortcomings of the aluminium version. As the anchor only consists of flat parts, it can be manufactured very efficiently. It is also easy to ship and can be dismantled into its component parts at any time. The shackle, pole and fluke are joined together using a CNC-milled connector system and secured by the shackle of the tripple line. This means that no tools other than a shackle opener or pliers are required for assembly or disassembly. The Ankerplex 2 is available in sizes between 1.5 and 26 kilograms and in aluminium and stainless steel. There is also a cheaper version made of galvanised steel. Prices start at around 80 euros.

• More information: anchorplex.eu

Further anchors for dismantling

Kobra II, the long-term test winner

The ploughshare anchor from Plastimo has won the last three anchor tests in a row, impressing with its extremely fast and secure digging-in and permanent hold. Although the Kobra II cannot be completely dismantled, the shaft can be folded up after loosening a screw. The anchor is made of galvanised steel. Price: from 66 euros.

• More information: Bukh-bremen.de

Fortress, the lightweight

The American aluminium anchor is designed to develop high holding forces thanks to the large plates. In the YACHT test, this was only successful to a very limited extent, with the Fortress only taking hold on sandy ground. The construction can be dismantled with tools and is very popular with regatta sailors due to its low weight. Price: from 200 euros.

• More information: lankhorst-hohorst.de

Customised mattresses

With the customised mattresses from Geovital, back pain should be a thing of the past. Thanks to their special construction of vertical slats, the spine is automatically stretched when lying down and the intervertebral discs are relieved. The manufacturer from Sulzberg in Austria promises to prevent back problems and provide relief from acute pain. The so-called stretch mattresses are made of multi-layer foam and have ventilation channels. As the company boss sails himself, he also offers the mattresses, which were originally developed for therapeutic purposes, for yachts. The mattresses are customised, so the prices depend on the desired design.

• More information: Geovital.com

Universal holder for solar panels

The Swedish manufacturer Noa offers a universal solar panel carrier for mounting on the rear basket. The construction consists of anodised aluminium tubes and is held together with Noa's well-known aluminium clamps with rubber inserts. These clamps are also used to attach the rear basket, so the entire carrier can be removed for winter storage with just six screws. Depending on the width of the rear, the customer can choose between two versions with upper tubes of 2.5 and 3.5 metres in length, which is sufficient for a maximum of two 200-watt solar modules. The height of the structure is around 1.3 metres above the rear basket. The angle of the solar panels can be adjusted. The small version costs around 700 euros, the large one 1,000 euros.

• More information: Gotthardt-Yacht.com