On Fri, 22 Oct 2004 10:05:18 +0200, Len
wrote:

I'm considering purchase of a Spade anchor.
I'm curious if there are any members of this group with experience.

Yes, S100 (44 pounds), 23,000 pound, high windage sportfish.

I have seen various reports and I know about the bolt-problem

No problem with the bolt.

What I want to learn in addition to that info:
1) how do YOU think it holds in various types of soil (please rate it
as a % of succesfull tries)

The only bottom type that was ever problematic was very soft mud. As
others have said, it needs time to settle in, lots of chain helps. In
other bottom types the success rate approaches 100%.

2) what is your loa/displ versus your anchor's weight.

33 feet/23,000 pounds, 44 pound anchor

3) at what windforce will you probably be blown off.

When properly set it is comparable to a good Danforth. The advantage
of the Spade being the ability to stay set during wind shifts and a
greater range of satisfactory bottom types.

Anything relevant....

I like the Spade a lot as a good overall anchor, much easier to set
than a Delta plow or CQR in my experience, and less prone to drag.

I'm going to get a S200 for my new boat.