Lewmar 44 lb DTX Stainless Steel Plow Anchor
Lewmar 44 lb DTX Stainless Steel Plow Anchor — Product description
The Lewmar 44 lb DTX Stainless Steel Anchor (MPN 0057220, UPC 743683306624) is Lewmar's 44 pound (20 kg) plow-style primary anchor in 316 marine-grade stainless steel - the right primary anchor for boats roughly 38-52 feet in length depending on hull characteristics and typical anchoring conditions. The DTX line specifically fills the gap in Lewmar's anchor lineup between the budget-priced galvanized Delta and the premium-priced polished stainless Delta - same proven plow geometry, same Lloyd's-certified Ordinary Holding Power performance, but in a more accessible price point that brings stainless steel anchoring to a broader range of boat owners who want the corrosion resistance and aesthetic of stainless without paying the premium-tier Delta SS price. 316 stainless steel is the marine-grade variant - the lowest-carbon stainless formulation with the best resistance to chloride pitting corrosion in saltwater service. Unlike galvanized anchors that gradually develop rust spots and need re-galvanizing every 5-10 years, the DTX 316 stainless stays bright and corrosion-free indefinitely with no surface treatment maintenance required. Self-launching design - the contoured shank geometry aligns with standard windlass gypsies so the anchor deploys cleanly from the bow roller through the windlass without manual intervention or snagging. Lead ballast encapsulated within the anchor tip creates the optimal center of gravity for fast initial bite into the seabed - the lead-weighted tip is the key engineering feature that distinguishes Lewmar's plow anchors from cheaper imitations: the weighted tip drives the anchor into the bottom on first contact rather than skipping along the surface like unweighted plows do. Lloyd's Register Ordinary Holding Power certification means every DTX anchor undergoes rigorous testing to meet the recognized international marine industry standard for anchor holding power. 3-year guarantee against breakage from Lewmar - the anchor itself, not just the surface finish. For boats in the 40-50 ft range, the 44 lb DTX is typically the right primary anchor size. for boats outside this range, Lewmar offers the DTX in 22 lb (boats 28-35 ft), 33 lb (boats 32-42 ft), 55 lb (boats 45-55 ft), and 66 lb (boats 50-60 ft) sizes - confirm anchor sizing against your boat's displacement, windage, and typical anchoring conditions before ordering.
The Lewmar 44 lb DTX Stainless Steel Anchor is the 44-pound plow-style primary anchor in Lewmar's DTX (Delta TX) line - the mid-priced stainless steel anchor that fills the gap between Lewmar's budget galvanized Delta and the premium polished stainless Delta. Same proven plow geometry, same Lloyd's Register holding power certification, but at a more accessible price point that brings 316 stainless anchoring to a broader range of boat owners.
Why plow anchors are the modern standard. The plow anchor family (Delta, DTX, CQR, Bruce-style claw, and various copies) dominates the modern recreational marine market for one reason: superior holding in mixed bottom conditions. Older Danforth-style fluke anchors work great in pure sand or mud but struggle in mixed bottoms, weed beds, or rocky terrain - exactly the conditions you'll encounter in most actual anchoring locations. Plow anchors set quickly across a much wider range of bottom types and re-set automatically if wind or tide reverses your boat's pull direction (Danforth anchors often dislodge and need to be re-set in reversal conditions). For primary anchoring, a plow-style anchor is the right choice for the majority of recreational boats.
The lead ballast tip - the key engineering feature. The DTX (and the Delta it derives from) uses a lead weight encapsulated inside the anchor's tip to create an optimal center of gravity that drives the anchor downward on first contact with the bottom. This sounds like a small detail but it's the difference between plow anchors that work and plow anchors that don't. Without proper tip weighting, a plow anchor often skips along the bottom on initial drop, taking 20-40 feet of bottom contact to dig in - or worse, never digs in and just drags. With the lead-weighted tip, the anchor digs in immediately on first contact, set within 5-10 feet of touchdown. This 'first bite' reliability is what makes Lewmar's plow anchors trusted by professional yacht captains and serious cruising sailors - the anchor sets when you need it to set, not after 30 minutes of motoring backwards trying to dig in.
316 stainless steel construction - the corrosion advantage. 316 is the marine-grade stainless steel formulation - specifically lower in carbon than the cheaper 304 grade, with added molybdenum for resistance to chloride pitting corrosion. In practical terms: 316 stays bright and clean in saltwater service for decades, while 304 develops surface pitting within a few seasons of saltwater exposure. The DTX 316 SS construction means the anchor maintains its aesthetic finish and structural integrity indefinitely without surface treatment maintenance. Compare to galvanized anchors that gradually develop rust spots (especially after impact contact with rocks that chips the galvanizing) and need re-galvanizing every 5-10 years to maintain corrosion protection - the stainless DTX eliminates this maintenance cycle. The lifetime cost of a stainless anchor vs galvanized often works out close to equal when you factor in re-galvanizing costs, plus the stainless looks dramatically better at the bow.
Why DTX vs full polished Delta SS. Lewmar makes the Delta in three trim levels: galvanized (cheapest, requires re-galvanizing maintenance), DTX (this product - 316 stainless, satin/cast finish, mid-priced), and polished Delta SS (premium - 316 stainless with mirror-polished finish for yacht-grade aesthetic, highest price). The functional difference between the DTX and the polished Delta SS is purely cosmetic - same 316 stainless material, same plow geometry, same lead-weighted tip, same Lloyd's certification, same 3-year warranty. The DTX has the satin/cast finish that's the natural result of the casting and machining process, while the polished Delta SS adds extensive hand-polishing to achieve mirror finish. For yacht owners who want maximum aesthetic, the polished SS is worth the upgrade. For typical cruising boat owners who want stainless corrosion resistance and aesthetic without the premium pricing, the DTX is the right tier choice.
Self-launching design. The DTX's shank is contoured to align with standard windlass gypsies (the pulleys that grab the anchor chain and pull it up). When you deploy the anchor by lowering the chain through the windlass, the anchor naturally launches off the bow roller without manual intervention or snagging - it just flows out smoothly. When retrieving, the anchor seats cleanly back into the bow roller in proper orientation, ready for the next deployment. This self-launching capability is critical for short-handed sailing and for any boat where the operator can't quickly run to the bow to manually launch the anchor during anchor deployment. Combined with a properly-sized windlass, the self-launching DTX makes anchoring a one-person operation.
Lloyd's Register Ordinary Holding Power certification. Lloyd's Register is the recognized international marine industry standard for anchor holding power testing. Every DTX anchor is certified to the Ordinary Holding Power standard - the standard used for recreational marine anchor classifications. The certification ensures that the anchor meets specific holding force benchmarks in standardized testing conditions (sand bottom, controlled scope, controlled pull conditions). Higher anchor classifications (High Holding Power, Super High Holding Power) exist for commercial vessels with specific anchor performance requirements - the DTX is correctly classified as Ordinary Holding Power for the recreational marine market it serves.
Boat size sizing - is 44 lb the right anchor for my boat? Anchor sizing depends on boat displacement, windage, and typical anchoring conditions, not just length. Rule of thumb for the Lewmar DTX size chart: 22 lb for boats 28-35 ft typical recreational use, 33 lb for boats 32-42 ft, 44 lb for boats 38-52 ft (this product), 55 lb for boats 45-55 ft, 66 lb for boats 50-60 ft. Adjust upward for high-windage boats (sailboats with tall rigs, motor yachts with high freeboard), heavy displacement boats, or use in exposed anchorages with strong wind/current. Adjust downward only for protected anchorages and low-windage configurations. When in doubt, go one size larger - the holding penalty of a slightly oversized anchor is minimal, the consequence of an undersized anchor dragging in adverse conditions is significant.
Anchor rode and chain considerations. The DTX is the anchor itself - you also need: anchor chain (recommended 6-10 ft of chain minimum directly to the anchor, scope ratio determined by rode length and depth), anchor rode (nylon line for the bulk of the rode beyond the chain section, sized to your boat's anchor cleat), shackle (the connection between the anchor and chain - 316 stainless to match the anchor), and proper bow roller and windlass sized for the chain and anchor weight. Budget another $300-800 for the chain, rode, shackles, and any windlass upgrades needed for the install. The anchor alone isn't enough - the complete anchor system includes the rode, chain, and deployment hardware.
3-year breakage warranty. Lewmar guarantees the DTX anchor against structural breakage for 3 years from date of purchase. This is unusual coverage - most anchor manufacturers warrant only manufacturing defects without specifically guaranteeing against breakage. Lewmar's 3-year breakage guarantee reflects their confidence in the structural design and material specification of the DTX. Failures are rare - the typical anchor failure mode is bending under extreme overload rather than breakage, and Lewmar's anchors typically bend rather than break under abusive loading.
Made by Lewmar - the yacht hardware standard since 1946. Lewmar has been the leading manufacturer of yacht hardware (anchors, windlasses, winches, hatches, portlights, hydraulic systems, thrusters) since 1946. The anchor line specifically has decades of field history with strong reliability and well-established quality control. Service and warranty support is well-established globally through Lewmar's authorized dealer network.
Key Features
- Lewmar 44-pound (20 kg) plow-style primary anchor in 316 marine-grade stainless steel - the mid-tier stainless anchor in the Lewmar Delta family
- Sized for boats 38-52 feet typical recreational use (adjust upward for high-windage sailboats or exposed anchorages)
- 316 stainless steel construction resists chloride pitting corrosion indefinitely - no rust, no re-galvanizing maintenance, retains aesthetic finish for decades
- Lead ballast encapsulated within the anchor tip creates optimal center of gravity for fast first-bite digging on initial bottom contact
- Self-launching shank geometry aligns with standard windlass gypsies for clean automatic deployment without manual intervention
- Lloyd's Register Ordinary Holding Power certified - meets the recognized international marine industry standard for recreational anchor performance
- Same proven Delta plow geometry that's been the recreational marine standard for decades - sets quickly and re-sets automatically on wind/tide reversal
- 3-year Lewmar guarantee specifically against structural breakage (unusual coverage - most anchor warranties cover defects only, not breakage)
- Anchor only - chain, rode, shackle, and windlass hardware sold separately to complete the anchor system
- Made by Lewmar - leading yacht hardware manufacturer since 1946 with established global warranty service
- Same functional performance as the premium polished Delta SS - the DTX has satin/cast finish at a more accessible price
- Excels in mud, sand, gravel, and mixed bottom conditions with reliable first-bite setting
Why Buy from NVN Marine
- Authorized Lewmar reseller, full manufacturer warranty
- NMEA member and ABYC certified, advice from real boat techs
- Same-day shipping before 3 PM ET on in-stock items
- NY headquarters and Fort Lauderdale flagship retail store
Genuine Lewmar 44 lb DTX 316 stainless steel anchor (MPN 0057220). Backed by Lewmar's 3-year guarantee against breakage. Ships from NVN Marine with order-by-3-PM same-day shipping on this $1,319.99 (list $2,246.29) primary anchor upgrade.
Technical specifications
| Title | Lewmar 44 lb DTX Stainless Steel Plow Anchor |
|---|---|
| Brand | Lewmar |
| Manufacturer Part Number | 0057220 |
| UPC | 743683306624 |
| Weight | 44 lb (20 kg) |
| Material | 316 marine-grade stainless steel |
| Anchor Type | Plow-style (Delta TX series) |
| Surface Finish | Satin/cast finish (vs polished Delta SS premium finish) |
| Tip Ballast | Lead encapsulated within tip for optimal center of gravity |
| Self-Launching | Yes - contoured shank for standard windlass gypsy compatibility |
| Certification | Lloyd's Register Ordinary Holding Power certified |
| Boat Size Range | Typical 38-52 ft (adjust for windage and conditions) |
| Bottom Type Performance | Excellent in sand, good in mud and mixed bottoms, fair in light weed |
| Galvanic Corrosion | None - 316 stainless eliminates electrochemical corrosion in saltwater |
| Surface Maintenance | None required - fresh-water rinse after use is sufficient |
| What's Included | Anchor only (chain, rode, shackle, mounting hardware all sold separately) |
| DTX Lineup Sizes | 22 lb, 33 lb, 44 lb (this product), 55 lb, 66 lb available |
| Manufacturer | Lewmar - leading yacht hardware manufacturer since 1946 |
| Warranty | 3-year guarantee specifically against structural breakage |
Frequently asked questions
What size boat is the 44 lb DTX right for?
Boats 38-52 feet typical recreational use. Sizing depends on displacement, windage, and typical anchoring conditions - not just length alone. High-windage sailboats with tall rigs, heavy-displacement motor yachts, or boats anchoring in exposed locations with strong wind/current should consider sizing up to 55 lb (for boats 45-55 ft) or 66 lb (for boats 50-60 ft). Adjust downward only for protected anchorages and low-windage configurations. When in doubt, go one size larger.
What's the difference between DTX and the Delta SS?
Functionally nothing - same 316 stainless steel material, same plow geometry, same lead-weighted tip, same Lloyd's certification, same 3-year warranty, same holding performance. The only difference is the surface finish: the DTX has the natural satin/cast finish from the manufacturing process, the Delta SS adds extensive hand-polishing to achieve mirror finish. For yacht-grade aesthetic priorities, the Delta SS is worth the premium. For typical cruising boats wanting stainless corrosion resistance without the premium pricing, the DTX is the right tier choice.
How is this different from a galvanized Delta?
Same anchor design (plow geometry, lead-weighted tip, self-launching shank), different material. The galvanized Delta is carbon steel with zinc galvanizing for corrosion protection - cheapest option but requires re-galvanizing every 5-10 years as the galvanizing degrades from impact and saltwater exposure. The DTX is 316 stainless steel - more expensive upfront but no recurring galvanizing maintenance, retains aesthetic finish indefinitely, no rust streaks down the hull. Lifetime cost often works out close to equal when you factor in re-galvanizing costs over a 20-30 year anchor service life, plus the stainless looks much better.
Will it work in mud, sand, weeds, or rocks?
Plow-style anchors like the DTX work well in most bottom conditions: sand (excellent), mud (good - the weighted tip drives into soft mud effectively), mixed bottoms (good - the plow shape adapts to varied terrain), light weed cover (good - the weighted tip penetrates through weed). Weaker performance: very heavy thick weed beds (plow may skim over the weed mat instead of digging through), pure rock bottoms (no anchor type holds well in pure rock - you'd use a kellet or different anchor technique), pure soft mud over 6 ft deep with no underlying firm bottom (plow may not generate enough lateral resistance in extremely soft mud).
What's the self-launching design?
The DTX's shank is contoured to align with standard windlass gypsy (the pulley that grabs the anchor chain). When you deploy the anchor by lowering the chain through the windlass, the anchor naturally launches off the bow roller without manual intervention. The operator presses the windlass down button, the chain feeds out, the anchor flows over the bow roller and into the water. No need to run to the bow to manually push the anchor over. Same in reverse during retrieval - the anchor seats cleanly into the bow roller in proper orientation. Critical for short-handed sailing where one person handles both helm and anchor operations.
Does it include the chain and rode?
No - this is the anchor only. You also need: anchor chain (typically 6-10 ft of chain directly to the anchor, more if your scope ratios are tight or for heavy boats), anchor rode (nylon line for the bulk of the rode beyond the chain section, sized to your boat's anchor cleat), shackle to connect the anchor to the chain (316 stainless to match the anchor), and proper bow roller and windlass sized for the chain and anchor weight. Budget another $300-800 for these components to complete the anchor system.
How much chain should I use with this anchor?
Minimum 6-10 feet of chain directly to the anchor as a leader to keep the shank low and improve the angle of pull for better holding. Beyond the chain leader, you can use either all-chain rode (heavier, more expensive, better holding in deep water and high winds) or nylon rope rode (lighter, cheaper, stretches for shock absorption). For coastal cruising, 25-50 ft of chain followed by 200-300 ft of nylon rode is the typical configuration. For serious offshore cruising, all-chain rode is the standard.
Why is the 316 stainless important vs cheaper stainless?
316 is the marine-grade stainless steel formulation with added molybdenum for resistance to chloride pitting corrosion. 304 stainless (cheaper) develops surface pitting and rust streaks within a few seasons of saltwater exposure. 316 stays bright and clean indefinitely. For a marine anchor that's exposed to constant saltwater, 316 is the correct material specification - cheaper 304 stainless anchors save money upfront but develop unsightly pitting fast.
Will it self-right if it lands upside down?
Plow-style anchors typically don't self-right in the traditional sense - they're designed to land in the correct orientation due to the weighted tip pulling the tip down to the bottom on initial drop. If the anchor lands upside down (rare with proper deployment from a bow roller), the next pull from the boat typically rotates the anchor to the correct orientation as the shank rotates around the chain attachment point. Compared to claw-style (Bruce) anchors that self-right by design, plow anchors don't have that specific feature but work just as well in practice due to the weighted-tip drop orientation.
What's the 3-year breakage warranty cover?
Structural breakage of the anchor - if the anchor breaks (cracks, fractures, snaps) within 3 years of purchase, Lewmar replaces it. This is unusual coverage - most anchor manufacturers warrant only manufacturing defects without specifically guaranteeing against breakage. Lewmar's coverage reflects their confidence in the structural design. Does not cover: damage from impact (hitting rocks at speed), damage from improper use (using as a winch for hauling), or bending under extreme overload (anchors typically bend rather than break under abusive loading - Lewmar's anchors typically bend before they break, which is the safer failure mode).
How do I retrieve a stuck anchor?
Standard technique: motor the boat forward over the anchor location (taking up rode as you go) until you're directly over the anchor, then continue motoring forward past the anchor to apply pull in the OPPOSITE direction from how you originally set it. This typically reverses the anchor's bite and breaks it loose. If still stuck, try motoring in a circle around the anchor location to break it free from different angles. Last resort: use a trip line (a separate light line attached to the anchor's crown that lets you pull the anchor straight up out of its setting). The plow anchor's design generally doesn't get stuck as severely as claw-style anchors that can hook deeply on rocks.
How long will the anchor last?
316 stainless steel anchors typically last 30+ years in normal recreational use - far longer than most boat ownership cycles. The anchor essentially becomes a permanent part of the boat. Failure modes are rare: structural breakage (warranted for 3 years, very uncommon after that), severe impact damage from hitting rocks at high speed, or eventual mechanical wear of the shank-to-chain attachment shackle (replaceable). With reasonable care (fresh-water rinse after use, periodic inspection for damage), expect lifetime service.
