It didn't hold my boat in a hard sand bottom but the wind was 25 mph+ that day. I was afraid the bracket was going to get torn off and the pin plowed a furrow in the bottom...and it was less than 2' of water so I could get out and wade fish. On a day with comfortable fishing wind/weather it will be fine, but on a tournament/gotta go windy day it is marginal for my 21' center console bay boat. The quick release bracket is nicely designed and out of the way. The lag screws are a terrible installation method, only suitable as a last resort for a blind deck. If you can get to the back side of your deck, invest in some bolts and fender washers to spread the stress and prevent deck damage. Fiberglass+lag screws==ripped out of the deck. Lag screws are for use in wood and similar only. I've seen too many cleats installed with screws ripped out of the side of a boat to EVER use them on my boats.

quick n easy

I had this for a while now and love it, it flexes a little when the waves are choppy but I don't abuse it and don't use it as much in that case but it would probably be fine, the poles work great and they are the same size as an old one that used a rope to tie to the boat so as an added bonus I can use that short pole if I don't feel like putting together the 12ft two part pole I got for this. I use this every weekend fishing the flats here in Florida is so much easier than trying to hold a spot with the trolling motor in one hand and fishing pole in another. It has a lock, that blue thing at top but I don't use it as much but works great holding the 12 foot pole out of the water moving the boat when I do use it once in a while.

I was going to get a fancy electric shallow anchor but I'm so glad I didn't, this comes off with the quick release and I can put it anywhere and it doesn't get in the way and is one less thing to worry about since is not going to lose power or start leaking hydraulic fluid and all that. I would gladly recommend it.