This is what the Spade web site states:


4. Does the lighter weight of an aluminium SPADE mean that it will not dig
in as well as a steel version of the same size ? This is true, the model in
steel will dig in slightly more readily than the equivalent aluminium
version. However, due to its superior design (which gives 50% of the weight
on the tip), an aluminium SPADE will have better penetration qualities than
any other type of steel anchor of equivalent size (which, because of the
materials, will be twice the weight of the aluminium SPADE). And we remind
you that, once set, the aluminium SPADE will have the same holding power as
the steel SPADE. Both will be far superior to other types of anchor of
equivalent size.
5. During tests by the French magazine "BATEAUX", the shank of the
aluminium model tested was slightly bent. How do you explain this? The
model tested was of a size recommended for boats of up to 4.5 tons. It was
tested with a boat of 18 tons, or four times the recommended displacement.
The anchor was not destroyed, only slightly bent. We consider it performed
well, given the very unfair match of boat and anchor.
6. Which type of aluminium are you using ? Is it more prone to bending than
steel ? We use a marine aluminium alloy, and as its resistance is less than
that of steel, we use heavier scantlings to compensate. But for use in very
rough conditions, we will suggest our steel model as a main anchor and the
aluminum one as a secondary or stern anchor.
7. Following your recommendation, what would be the best use of your
aluminium model ? We will suggest our aluminium model as a secondary or
stern anchor ; or as a main anchor if your boat is a ULDB ; or light weight
catamaran ;or if you are frequently racing ; or if you have a large boat
and no electric windlass..


Seems like a little double talk - from them.

What type of windlass do you have? Do you have photos of your installation?
How many feet of chain did you carry?

Alan

It is 93 degrees

At 02:05 PM 6/26/2005, you wrote:
>Cindy and Rick,
>
>I can email 3 pictures (off list) of the failed spade aluminum anchor so
>you can see where it bent and split on the shank. An inspection of a
>steel version may help you decide the steel version will be fine.
>
>Our alum version as fine in up to 40 knots and I suspect it may have bent
>while backing down on it while it was wedged in some rocks in Guadeloupe.
>In the next anchorage in Antigua, I could not get it to set and then while
>diving to set it, I noticed the asymmetry and switched to a CQR.
>
>I was just trying to keep my ground tackle weight down since I had a 35 lb
>CQR and chain fitting nicely on the other roller, too. Also, we installed
>a second "hawse pipe". and anchor locker divider. I was the anchor
>windlass so lighter chain (1/4" high test) with the alum spade seemed the
>way to go at the time.
>
>Anyone that wants to see the pictures, let me know. It is a 0.27 MB file.
>
>Ken
>



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Received on Sun Jun 26 12:20:50 2005