Like your Spade Anchor?

Ken Cross · Sep 21, 2016

Ohoh! somebody just opened a can of worms.

Seriously I haven't used a spade but anchor types are one of the places you will see many opposing opinions.
Our last boat had a Danforth and a CQR lunch hook. I never tried the CQR. Now we have a plow and a couple Danforths.
There has been much testing of anchors over the years and bottom line, it depends on the bottom conditions you anchor in.

Ken

Gene Neill · Sep 21, 2016

I'm a Mantus guy myself, but Spade is highly regarded. Along with Rocna and Manson Supreme, I don't think you can go too wrong with any.

But my knowledge is largely academic, better listen to those who earned their knowledge the hard way.

Stu Jackson · Sep 21, 2016

Ken Cross said:
bottom line, it depends on the bottom conditions you anchor in.

Not really. The NEW GEN anchors are far superior to anything that came before.

You WANT and NEED an anchor that will pull you off the bow when you set it.

CQRs are "rock on a rope" anchors. I still lament seeing them on boats, but then maybe the skippers never use them.

Why NEW GEN Anchors are Better:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.msg19651.html#msg19651

Terry Cox · Sep 21, 2016

No spade here, but here is what I have and do. http://hunter.sailboatowners.com/mods.php?task=article&mid=45&aid=8270&mn=42

Kings Gambit · Sep 21, 2016

Try reading through this--the last time this "can" was opened in the forum!

http://forums.sailboatowners.com/in...se-true-holding-power-of-anchor-types.180538/

Alan Gomes · Sep 22, 2016

CYQK said:
Not my intentions to open the worm thing!!
Just want to hear from spade owners to see their feedback
Thks

I have a good friend with a large catamaran in Thailand. He has cruised Thailand extensively using an aluminum Spade and he recently recommended one to his brother-in-law with a 40' Beneteau. I believe he also has experience with the Rocna, but I don't know how he would compare them. If you'd like to PM me, I can give you his e-mail address and you could talk to him directly.

Maine Sail · Sep 22, 2016

I own both an aluminum and a steel Spade. The steel Spade sets significantly better than the identical aluminum model in hard bottoms. If you go Spade, go steel not aluminum.. That said I keep it in my locker as an emergency / storm anchor and use either my Mantus or Rocna as primary (Mantus this year) as they both set & re-set better than the Spade does in certain hard bottoms where I sail.

Don't get me wrong the Spade is leaps and bounds better than older designs but just not quite as good as some other new generation models, especially in a hard bottom. The Mantus is the best setting and best re-setting anchor I have ever used the Rocna is a close second and the Manson Supreme right up there too.

Alan Gomes · Sep 22, 2016

Maine Sail said:
I own both an aluminum and a steel Spade. The steel Spade sets significantly better than the identical aluminum model in hard bottoms. If you go Spade, go steel not aluminum.. That said I keep it in my locker as an emergency / storm anchor and use either my Mantus or Rocna as primary (Mantus this year) as they both set & re-set better than the Spade does in certain hard bottoms where I sail.

FWIW, My friend went aluminum because on that boat he wanted to keep weight out of the ends. He has a larger cat now and I think uses a Rocna. But he was not unhappy with the Spade, in his personal experience--again, FWIW.

druid · Sep 22, 2016

Stu Jackson said:
Not really. The NEW GEN anchors are far superior to anything that came before.

You WANT and NEED an anchor that will pull you off the bow when you set it.

CQRs are "rock on a rope" anchors. I still lament seeing them on boats, but then maybe the skippers never use them.

Why NEW GEN Anchors are Better:

http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,2705.msg19651.html#msg19651

I'm one of those that has had a CQR on my bow for over 20 years, and yes, I do use it. I find it works better than most in less-than-optimal conditions (like kelp, rocks...). I've heard it doesn't re-set well, but I have never dragged mine. I also notice that it's on a lot of bows of boats that go "out there" - up the Coast, WCVI, places that have less-than-perfect anchorages. I've seen the Tests and Studies, but nothing beats real-world experience. I've also seen the Tests and Studies that showed the Bruce to be the Be-All, End-All of anchors, but real-world experience has shown otherwise (one bay with kelp: I had not trouble setting my CQR, but the guy with the Bruce couldn't set at all).
I'm not saying you SHOULD get a CQR over any other anchor (I have a Danforth as a second), but I will say they are good at what they do. And I think their weight MAY have something to do with that...

druid

Franklin · Sep 27, 2016

I guess I got here too late but I second what Mainesail said. I did my own anchor tests and the aluminum one does NOT set in hard bottoms. Mantus is the best with Rocna second and everything else is "why would you" when buying new unless the rollbar is a problem with the bowsprit.