Penetrating weed: spade or sword?

[Krusty]

After the fizzing post 'in the other place' on Spade v Sword, (and both v Rocna) I hardly dare type these names! but I really would like to know which is the best for penetrating weed over sand/mud.
For those who know that I am as loyal to my CQRs as they have been to me on about 1400 occasions in all weathers, I'm not about to put them on the market!
But Piota has frequently spent some time trundling over weed-covered sand, with the anchor hanging, looking for a clean patch in which to lay it.
I would be prepared to shell out for one of the 'new-generation' if it were significantly better at penetrating weed.
We do carry a Fishermans for the purpose, but it is almost twice the weight of the CQRs and an awkward beast to extract from its slot beside the quarter-berth and handle to the foredeck. We have been known to just sail to another, cleaner, anchorage instead!
So what should it be? Spade, Sword or Rocna? What experience can I tap into, please?

 

[duncan]

I have a sword and it is significantly better than the bruce, and a little better than the delta, in this situation.

However I would suggest that this applies equally to the Rocna and Spade, and possibly some other newer anchors too. It's not 'which one?' but plough or 'one of those'.

 

[bobnewbury]

What about the Manson?

One of those held us on weed covered mud for 8 days in F7-9. (Once I'd made the effort to set it properly).

Mind you, it was a bugger to break out.

 

[FWB]

"He who lives by the Sword...."

 

[Krusty]

Re: What about the Manson?

Hi! I've considered the Manson. What size do you have? and what exactly, if may I ask, did you mean by ''making the effort to set it properly''? Several attempts?

 

[santeana]

Much prefer a Dutch Hoe to penetrate really thick weeds. Otherwise spray with glyphosphate.

 

[craigsmith]

If I may add some pointers:

To penetrate weed you need a sharp fluke with a low profile (a bulky tip is necessarily more difficult to get to penetrate). This eliminates one of your choices and leaves you with the less expensive options anyway.

[ QUOTE ]
and what exactly, if may I ask, did you mean by ''making the effort to set it properly''? Several attempts?

[/ QUOTE ]I should comment as per usual that copies should be avoided - and the apparent evidence points to why.

This might be of interest.

 

[hylass]

[ QUOTE ]
<span style="color:blue"> To penetrate weed you need a sharp fluke with a low profile (a bulky tip is necessarily more difficult to get to penetrate). This eliminates one of your choices and leaves you with the less expensive options anyway.</span>

[/ QUOTE ]

As very ususal now.. some time I agree, and some time my own opinion is quite the opposite that Craig's one.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

I think I know quite well both theories: sharp fluke with a low profile and few weight, versus sharp fluke with an heavy weight, because SPADE is manufacturing both.

Like the concept of the HEAVY Fisherman that will penetrate weed, I believe also that the sharp fluke with an heavy weight of the Spade will beter penetrate weed..

[ QUOTE ]
<span style="color:blue"> I should comment as per usual that copies should be avoided - and the apparent evidence points to why.</span>

[/ QUOTE ]

and this the time where I FULLY agree with Craig's comments

like this one:
Craig's comments
where Craig says:
" <span style="color:blue"> To me the Rocna is a Spade with a roll bar. Not a bad idea." </span>

So follow the last suggestion of Craig and beware of copies.. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Alain
www.ROCKTANDEMSET-Anchor.com

 

[bobnewbury]

Re: What about the Manson?

It's a big bugger, I chose one size up from the recommended size for my boat as we present a lot of windage.

The reason I said 'making the effort to set it properly' was that it performed so well for the first three months of the voyage that I became blase (can't find acute accent) and used to just drop it and allow the boat to drift back. Didn't bother to work it in with the engine or test its set.

It dragged once when I dropped it like this and was then presented with an extended force 8. Once it was reset properly it held throughout the remaining 5 days. Since then I've always set it properly (I'm slow, but I learn my lesson in the end) and it's never dragged since, despite being sorely tempted.

I'd recommend the Manson without reservation.

 

[Krusty]

Re: What about the Manson?

Thanks for the response, much appreciated. Some good information coming in!
Anyone else with experience of penetrating weed with a 'new-generation' anchor?

 

[charles_reed]

Re: What about the Manson?

At the risk of sounding churlish, owning a Manson is on a par with owning a Lewmar, so gets us no farther forward.

Manson are anchor manufacturers, producing a claw (or Bruce) anchor, a plough (or CQR) anchor and a Flipper Delta.

The last named has a number of serious studies, by commercial organisations, where it has significantly outperformed other anchors (miniatures like Rocna, Spade etc not included). As these tests were mainly on anchors exceeding 1000kg with a view to anchoring rigs and other oilfield vessels in storm conditions they might not be considered appropriate for yotties to take any note.

 

[bobnewbury]

Re: What about the Manson?

Alright - a Manson Supreme.