Since I've been doing this guest forum I've heard Spade Anchors mentioned a couple of times. I've never seen one or even heard of them until this month. Can anyone give me personal information about using one and where I can get more information about them. Stuff like tests, specs, cost etc. Thanks, Tim King
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Practical Sailor rated the Spade very high in a test a few years ago. They are made overseas and not in the normal US supply chain. Info is at http://www.spade-anchor.com/US/default_US.html
don't know a thing about spade anchors
...but I did want to be the first to post the 200th reply in the past 24 hours, a web site record for verbosity!
...but I did want to be the first to post the 200th reply in the past 24 hours, a web site record for verbosity!
Tim, I have a Spade 44lb steel as my primary anchor, on 200 foot of chain. got it last summer, so have somewhat limited expereince. probably 25-30 nites on the hook with it. I does everything PS said it would. anchors in mud, sand and weeds. Sets fast and securely and doesn't move. Was anchored in the Boston harbor islands last summer. wind came up to 30 knots during the nite and shifted about 100 degrees. the anchor didn't move. I'm sold and feel its the best I've ever used. Attached there web site. Bryce S/V Spellbinder H410
I got the 44lb SPADE last fall so I can't give you
years of experience with it but so far so good. Practical Sailor has done at least 3 tests over the past few years with the SPADE. (a) Setting/Holding in Sand (b) Setting/Holding in Mud and (c) reset/staying put with a 160 degree change in pull. And the SPADE consistently was one of the Top anchors. Like Bryce in the last post, I am sold on it so far. If you are looking to buy one they have them in the 2001 West Marine Catalog and I believe you can special order through Boat US. Though through my own experience it was cheaper ordering directly from the Company (in Tunisia). Go to the web site posted by the others and you will get all sorts of info.
years of experience with it but so far so good. Practical Sailor has done at least 3 tests over the past few years with the SPADE. (a) Setting/Holding in Sand (b) Setting/Holding in Mud and (c) reset/staying put with a 160 degree change in pull. And the SPADE consistently was one of the Top anchors. Like Bryce in the last post, I am sold on it so far. If you are looking to buy one they have them in the 2001 West Marine Catalog and I believe you can special order through Boat US. Though through my own experience it was cheaper ordering directly from the Company (in Tunisia). Go to the web site posted by the others and you will get all sorts of info.
Releasing & hauling up the spade anchor
For a novice boater, can you describe the recommended procedure for releasing this anchor from it's hold on the bottom so that it can most easily be hauled in. Also what if it has gotten stuck under a rock?
For a novice boater, can you describe the recommended procedure for releasing this anchor from it's hold on the bottom so that it can most easily be hauled in. Also what if it has gotten stuck under a rock?
Mitch, It really doesn't release any differently
than most anchors (e.g CQR, Delta, Bruce, Danforth). You need to get the bow of the boat right over where the anchor is and pull straight up on rode and it breaks free. What if it gets caught under a rock?...Typically if you reverse directional pull, then the anchor will swing around and then break free.....But what if it didn't You would do the same as with the other anchors. (Actually its probably less likely to get caught then something like a danforth-type), but if you have that concern then you could rig a trip line to a hole in the forward dish part of anchor (specifically made for this) to pull the anchor in the other direction. Also I've also heard about people looping another rope/chain around the existing rode sliding it down to the anchor and getting in another boat and pulling in 180 degree direction of where the anchor got stuck
than most anchors (e.g CQR, Delta, Bruce, Danforth). You need to get the bow of the boat right over where the anchor is and pull straight up on rode and it breaks free. What if it gets caught under a rock?...Typically if you reverse directional pull, then the anchor will swing around and then break free.....But what if it didn't You would do the same as with the other anchors. (Actually its probably less likely to get caught then something like a danforth-type), but if you have that concern then you could rig a trip line to a hole in the forward dish part of anchor (specifically made for this) to pull the anchor in the other direction. Also I've also heard about people looping another rope/chain around the existing rode sliding it down to the anchor and getting in another boat and pulling in 180 degree direction of where the anchor got stuck
Mitch - How to release a stuck anchor
The first step is to put on your wetsuit and the rest of your scuba diving gear. Then enter the water using the appropriate signal that you are ok. Along with your dive buddy proceed to submerge and following the anchor line to the bottom free the anchor. since the boat will now be drifting rebed the anchor in an area where it won't get stuck and then surface using appropriate ascent rate and a safety stop. Board the boat and remove scuba gear. Haul up anchor and depart. dave
The first step is to put on your wetsuit and the rest of your scuba diving gear. Then enter the water using the appropriate signal that you are ok. Along with your dive buddy proceed to submerge and following the anchor line to the bottom free the anchor. since the boat will now be drifting rebed the anchor in an area where it won't get stuck and then surface using appropriate ascent rate and a safety stop. Board the boat and remove scuba gear. Haul up anchor and depart. dave
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