I grew up sailing in the lower caribean(Colombia and Panama Coast). All my
life we had a Catalina 30. We used what I believe is called a plow. Since we
do get strong trade winds and strong storms my father bought one that was
slightly bigger. It worked in every condition and all types of floors. For
those who have known the coast of Panama, they know it has a season of
chocosanos. Lots of people have lost their boats there and we survived
through all of it after many years so that should be a good indication.
In my personal opinion its not about what type of anchor you get, its how
you use it. Make sure you give it lots of rope, the more the better. Avoid
dropping the chain on it. Make sure you give it a good tug in reverse to
make it ground itself. Another thing Ive learned is that after sailing so
much you become keenly aware of what is going on even when sleeping. A drop
of wind and a sudden drop in temperature(onset of a chocosano) or you can
even feel the boat drifting will wake you up.
Oh and always keep a spare around ready to be deployed.

Sebas

"Roger Long" wrote in message
...
I need to buy a couple anchors for use in Maine and have been reading
the reviews on CruiseNews.net.

Does anyone think there is a real world difference between the "best"
and above average in these tests? Often tests like that just tell you
what was best on that particular day and location.

I like the look of the traditional plow and have a bow roller for one.
Is there a compelling reason to go with a Bruce or a Spade?

The boat has a bow locker for a Danforth type so I'll probably go with
that for the lunch hook.

--

Roger Long