People: Meet the Canadian Anchormen!
Sept 12, 2023
by Marc Robic
While Canadian television networks have had Lloyd Robertson and Peter Mansbridge, today we have father and son team, Peter and Chris Nauth as our boating industry’s anchormen! OK, we are not talking about the same type of anchoring. While the aforementioned deliver the news (good and bad), Peter & Chris’ focus is keeping mega and super yachts safely in place, beautifully.
Located in the West Island of Montreal in a non-descript building, Peter set up his fabrication business, Nauth Industriesover ten years ago, servicing many industries with low volume (aka: small batch) custom design and fabrication of specialized industrial parts made mostly of non-ferrous metals such as stainless steel, bronze, aluminum, etc. With its ability to design and fabricate very specialized parts to very specific and exacting requirements, Nauth Industries as been catering to a very demanding client base such as the pharmaceutical, aerospace, and aeronautical industries. But as a sailor himself, there is no surprise that, a little over 5 years ago, Peter added the marine industry to his portfolio of specialty items.
Every boater loves to admire boats but not many of us give much thought to the anchors hanging off their bows. They wait on the bow, ready to be dropped at a moment’s notice. We trust that when deployes, the anchor will grab hold efficiently and keep the boat safe.
But, in addition to the skipper and crew’s anchoring skills, how much does the anchor design and fabrication have to do with how it will perform? When we give them a second look, many are truly beautiful art like pieces that enhance the boat’s overall lines and look.
Design, function, and performance must absolutely be part and parcel of any anchor destined for yacht application. Of course, this is true for any anchor and any boat, regardless of size. So, curious to know more, I went to visit Peter & Chris at their office and fabrication shop.
Besides custom anchors, Peter and Chris also have their own design, which has been approved and certified by Lloyds. This Lloyds certified design can be fabricated to fit any anchor requirement from 250 to 1500 lbs.
Any custom anchor design also gets sent up for certification prior to fabrication.
Once this step is concluded, the team will assess the required anchor weight for the intended boat as well as establish the size that will fit the anchor pocket and locker. Often a wood mock-up of the anchor is created and used to ensure proper fit and test the functionality. Any adjustments are made to the wooden model. Only then the fabrication will begin.
Careful and precise 3D measurements are taken in preparation for the individual components to be created out of 316 stainless steel material. Once each component is created, they are tested for fit and placement.
With proper fit confirmed, each component is painstakingly polished to either a super chrome polish or matte finish, depending on the customer’s requirements. The same design also applies to galvanized steel.
Once each component is polished, the anchor is assembled and components welded.
The company seal is proudly embossed as well as the Lloyds mark of excellence identifying Nauth Industries anchors as meeting their very exacting specifications. Often times, the name of the boat can also be embossed.
A proud mark of Canadian excellence!
After a final quality check, the anchors are carefully packaged and made ready for shipping. Where the recipient boat is located, the anchors are tested for fit and function. Anchors that not only look great, but will serve and last long past the life expectancy of the boat itself.
Marc Robic
mrobic@aol.com
INFORMATION about the writer:
Marc is a member of the Canadian Power & Sail Squadron. He and his wife sail their Catalina 270, Aquaholic 3, out of the Ile-Perrot Yacht Club in Montreal, where Marc spent 16 years as Harbour Master. They are regular Caribbean bareboat yacht charterers. With over 40-years experience, Marc is also an avid onboard do-it-yourselfer.
