spade anchor, worth the money ?

So, you seem to be in the quite unusual position of having experience of the two protagonists-how do the Spade and Rocna compare? I'm seriously thinking of changing from my CQR-I find it hard to set, it has dragged too often, and when it's been possible to see it, it's always been on its side.
 
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The makers, in each case.

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It's possible that some makers might specify the lightest anchor they think you will get away with for lunch stops - thus their headline price is cheaper than it ought to be for the right weight of anchor for 50kt winds.

Certainly Spade and Rocna say that I am between 25kg an 33kg, and Rocna suggest going for the heavier anchor if you are likely to be doing serious stuff, (all off the top of my head, so not direct quotes).
 
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did you manage to cure your waterpump leak richard.
(sorry nothing to do with anchors)

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yes - I'll commect in the other thread
 
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So, you seem to be in the quite unusual position of having experience of the two protagonists-how do the Spade and Rocna compare?

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I thought he was considering the Spade, but bought the Rocna based on price - so now has a Rocna, 2 x CQR, 1 Bruce.
 
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Plastimo Kobra almost as good, fraction of the price. Came 2nd to Spade in the Viole et Voilier exhaustive test.

[/ QUOTE ]The Kobra is a copy of the Delta - and the Spade, Rocna, and probably the Delta itself are all superior.

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NZ Manson anchor - new design - performed very impressively in joint Anglo-American yachting tests.
Certainly it is the make that I would buy, if I needed to replace an old faithful or equip a new boat.

[/ QUOTE ]The Manson is a poor copy of the Rocna - and the Spade and Rocna are far superior.

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On Spade vs Rocna, I could post a certain testing chart if anyone would like to start an argument?

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One thing I wondered about, was why the Spade has to be heavier than any other anchors, if it is supposed to be more advanced. For example, we were recommended :

6kg or 10kg Delta
10kg Rocna
25lb (11Kg) CQR
15kg Spade

[/ QUOTE ]Most manufacturers are pressured into recommending light sizes because it makes their product look both better and cheaper. Look, you can get a 6Kg Delta instead of a 15Kg Spade! (Seriously there are some who would be influenced by this).

But you can't compare sizing between different companies, because they all rate to different conditions. It is not uncommon to see "For winds of up to 20 knots" and similar in the fine print.

Spade's sizing is fine but be aware that their sizing was originally influenced by the regulatory requirements of France, which are of course based on HHP figures such as classifications by Lloyds or Bureau Veritas. It is not really relevant, as I am sure the Spade designer would desire to tell you. Poiraud could elaborate. I am not sure it is actually a legal requirement of an anchor reseller in France, but either way it is certainly not in New Zealand, and we have set our sizing as supported by our own, and independent, testing.

For our part we think about 50 knots wind, lots of surge, and only moderate holding, unless of course the customer specifically dictates otherwise.
 
I would go for a rocna, but the size I need just wont fit in my hawse, so thats the end of the story. Same goes for spade, and any of the other "super" anchors.
 
As Craig says it's all down to the conditions and safety margins that the mfrs choose. Rocna's assumed worst-case conditions are admirable for blue water cruisers, but for us creek-crawlers and UK coastal water sailors, we've run for the marina long before this. So, we're quite happy sitting on a 6kg Delta on chain on a 27 footer (Lewmar's recommended size). A West Marine test in 1994 stated a 1000lbs holding load in sand for this very anchor and that's good enough for me. No point lugging around more iron than needed on the bow for the ultimate storm (though we do have a big CQR hidden away in a locker). Yes, I know lots of you won't agree, but anchor choice and weight is not as black-and-white as many would have us all believe, and it should take account of individual cruising behaviour.

PS - on the table in Craig's link, the Delta did as well as the Spade /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
Both the Spade and the Rocna are pretty much instant set in my experience (I used to drag my CQR all over the place when trying to set). The Rocna wasn't available when I got my Spade. I like the Rocna's one-piece construction as opposed to the two-part Spade. I don't need to be able to dismantle for storage. The Rocna is considerably cheaper size-for-size so I went for that this time round and have been impressed.

Cheers,

Jerry
 
I bought a Spade after looking at a number of tests in the magazines.

Something I did't consider, however, was stowage and I have spent a HUGE amount of time sorting out brackets and spacers on my bow so it sits securely (I was replacing a CQR).

Not a design fault...but certainly a consideration.

Don't underestimate just how inconvenient anchors are to work with...heavy and awkward don't begin to describe.

Would be nice if Spade developed a proper system (but expensive!).
 
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