Lesson 2.1: What’s the Difference Between Fortress and Guardian
Guardian Anchors
Benefiting from years of Fortress Anchor R&D, the Guardian model offers excellent quality, performance and economy. Guardian Anchors are made from the same high tensile, corrosion resistant aluminum magnesium alloy and manufacturing precision as Fortress.
The use of slightly smaller extrusion profiles and the elimination of some of Fortress’ extra features, such as anodizing, adjustable fluke angles, and several machining steps resulted in a very affordable alternative to those heavy, rust-prone steel anchors.
While the Fortress Anchor can be adjusted from 32 degrees to 45 degrees for extra holding power, the Guardian Anchor is limited to one single 32-degree angle.
Why Guardian?
The Guardian Anchor is Fortress’s answer to the call for economy anchors. Most economy anchors are prone to rust and irreparable damage due to low quality welds used in their manufacture process. Guardian Anchors are made from the exact same high quality aluminum magnesium alloy as Fortress, and they are also completely manufactured in the United States to the high quality standards as Fortress Anchors. If your customer is looking for a high performing anchor that will set faster and stronger than other anchors, but doesn’t want to pay premium price, Guardian is the go to choice.
Key Differences from Fortress
Fortress and Guardian are different in several ways.
1. Single Fluke Angle Setting
Unlike the Fortress, which has a 32 degree and a 45 degree fluke angle setting, the Guardian only has a single 32 degree setting. This will be more than adequate for most sand and mud sea bottoms, but just not the severely liquid mud bottom that the Fortress can set inch. No Anodized Finish
Fortress Anchors have a high-quality anodized finish that the Guardian lacks. While this makes the Guardian less aesthetically pleasing than the Fortress, the Guardian still maintains the look of a high quality anchor compared to other economy choices.
3. Smaller Extrusion Profiles
The Guardian Anchor uses smaller extrusion profiles than the Fortress. The shank on the Fortress is tapered, while the Guardian Anchor shank is rectangular. Nevertheless, Guardian Anchors maintain outstanding holding power and can be used for most of the same boat size ranges that the Fortress covers.
