I haven't used a spade before - only danforths (original and Fortress)
and the Bulwagga I have now.

Something to think about: Like Len said, the Bulwagga sets quickly -
extremely quickly. In an emergency situation that can make a hell of a
difference - saving a collision or even worse.

Early in my sailing adventures (i.e. a novice), I got caught trying to
race a thunderstorm into an anchorage in Long Island Sound (Sand Hole
off Oyster Bay, LI). We turned the corner (after clearing the nasty
shoals for those of you familiar with it) just as it hit - winds gusting
above 50kts. With the engine wide open, we could barely hold ground
against the wind. We tried to set the danforth - and were unsuccessful
until about the 6th or 7th attempt. Not a fun experience. That prompted
me to look for a better alternative. After researching, tried a 17lb.
Bulwagga (our boat is a 28', 3.5+ton Mariner sloop outfitted for cruising.

Fastforward a couple years - moving the boat from Stamford, CT to
Marblehead, MA. The day we were to make Cape Cod Canal, afternoon
squalls were forecast. We made the decision to make the dash just before
the current makes its south-to-north switch. We figured we'd make it
through with not much time to spare before the first winds hit. Well, we
made with virtually no time to spare - and we had forgotten to put our
inflatable on the deck. The wind started to kick up as we veered off out
of the mouth of the canal. As I dropped the Bulwagga, the winds were
kicking up above 30kt. As always, it bit instantly in 20ft of water with
only about a 4:1 scope. My wife piped up about how this marriage was
definitely not going to end over anchoring arguments!. Well, we had to
wait for the winds to peak up to 45kts and get down to about 20 so I
could manhandle the dingy onto the deck.

Contrary to popular belief, a Bulwagga does stow fairly well on a
standard bow roller - IF it extends forward enough over the bow so the
flukes don't hit the fiberglass. My Mariner didn't have a bow roller, so
I installed one of adequate length. It probably would have required
modification if it was integrated into the headstay stem fitting. IOW,
could be a compromise on your boat...

It does generate curiosity among passersby. Invariably, the following
ensues: "Yeah, that Bulwagga does look strange. Does it hold as good as
they say?" And I just smile and nod.

CatManDo wrote:
I've used the spade for around 3 years fairly heavily (full time
cruising for a year). I don't like it for soft chesapeake mud though,
but I'm wondering if the bulwagga would be a better all around anchor.
Any experience?