This is a vintage SMC snow fluke, circa 1980, last used somewhere in the Tetons. In a way, it functions like a boat anchor, except they are driven into firm snow and the Spectra bridle replaces the shank. Notice the slight dihedral angle, in part for stability, but in fact primarily to place a larger cone of snow in compression than a flat plate would.
The point is that a slight angle does not make a plow. It is well know that soil anchors can be made stronger through the use of a blunt V-angle. This is part of what separates the Excel from the Delta--small differences in how the angles fit together.
Interesting Drew! Could you be more specific about the angle difference between the Excel and Delta. When I received my new Excel anchor I took a photo of them side by side and posted "Comparing design of Sarca Excel and Delta" in CF because I was trying to understand how two anchors shaped so similarly could perform so differently- https://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f118/comparing-design-of-delta-and-sarca-excel-anchors-230603.html
ReplyDeleteI will be publishing an article in Practical Sailor at some point, I'm just waiting to get more experience with the anchor. Unfortunately, that limits what I can post here.
ReplyDeleteThere are a number of differences, but the obvious two are the down turned nose (positive bite) and the rim on the edge. The rim prevents the loose soil from easily sliding off to the side, like a plow. It also speeds initial engagement. In a sense, it is more like two scoop anchors, side by side at an angle.
V-shaped soil anchors are well known in the construction industry. A shallow V can actually hold more than a flat plate or scoop, because it places more soil in compression. You will never find a scoop-shaped soil anchor.