What anchor size and chain length suit a X-Yachts X-372?
I am refitting my 1990 X-Yachts X-372 for some extended coastal cruising. The old CQR and rusty chain need to go. What size and type of anchor should I buy, and how much chain is right without making the bow too heavy?
Answer
For an X-Yachts X-372, fit a 15 kg or 16 kg modern anchor, such as a Rocna or Spade, paired with 50 metres of 8mm Grade 40 calibrated chain. This setup provides exceptional holding power in typical anchorages without burying the bow under unnecessary weight.
Selecting the Right Anchor
The X-372 displaces 5,600 kg empty. Fully loaded for a cruise, the weight approaches 6,500 kg. A 15 kg or 16 kg anchor suits this displacement and windage perfectly. Modern scoop designs offer superior holding power per kilo compared to older CQR or Bruce models.
- Spade S80 (15 kg): An excellent choice for the X-372. It lacks a roll bar, meaning it clears most standard bow rollers and furling drums without snagging. Expect to pay around £450 for the galvanised version.
- Vulcan (15 kg): Made by Rocna, this omits the roll bar and features a shank shape that self-launches smoothly from narrow rollers. Priced around £380.
- Rocna (15 kg): Exceptional holding, but the hoop can foul the genoa furler on older X-Yachts depending on the bow roller extension. Test fit if possible.
- Lewmar Delta (16 kg): A solid budget option at around £150. It sets well but struggles in thick weed compared to newer designs.
Avoid stepping up to a 20 kg anchor unless you plan high-latitude expeditions. The X-372 is a performance hull. Adding 20 kg of steel plus heavy chain to the very tip of the bow induces pitching and ruins upwind sailing performance.
Chain Size and Length
Specify 8mm galvanised chain calibrated to the DIN 766 standard. Grade 40 chain has a breaking load of 3,200 kg, providing ample strength for a 37-foot yacht. Do not upgrade to 10mm chain. It weighs 2.3 kg per metre compared to 1.4 kg for 8mm chain. That extra weight in the anchor locker ruins the trim. When buying new chain, request the manufacturer test certificate to ensure you receive genuine Grade 40 rather than weaker mild steel.
A length of 50 metres is the standard recommendation for UK and Mediterranean cruising. This allows safe anchoring in up to 10 metres of water using a 5:1 scope. Fifty metres of 8mm chain weighs 70 kg, a manageable load for the X-372 bow profile.