SPADE Anchors – Precision Engineering & World-Leading Holding Power

The Physics of SPADE – Why Concave Design Outperforms Plow Anchors

Traditional plow-style anchors (such as the CQR or Delta) utilize a convex profile designed to furrow into the seabed. The fundamental flaw of a plow is that it continuously cuts and loosens bottom material, prone to breaking out when wind shifts or surge loads increase.

SPADE operates on the opposite aerodynamic and geotechnical principle:

• Concave Blade (Scoop Action): Like a heavy earth-moving excavator bucket, SPADE compacts the seabed (sand, silt, mud) within its scoop rather than displacing it. As rode tension increases, the anchor burrows deeper into dense bottom strata.
• 50% Weight in the Tip: Utilizing a patented hollow shank construction featuring an integrated lead chamber, half of the anchor's total mass is concentrated directly at the tip. This ensures the anchor attacks the seabed at the optimal 35-degree penetration angle immediately upon landing.
• No Roll-Bar Snag Hazards: Many modern concave anchors rely on a large roll-bar to right themselves. SPADE requires no roll-bar; its center of gravity is so low that it rights itself automatically. This eliminates weed fouling in the bar and ensures smooth retrieval over bow rollers and through sprit fittings.
• Demountable Shank: The shank is secured to the blade with a high-strength aeronautical-grade bolt. When necessary, the shank can be separated from the blade, allowing compact stowage as a kedge, stern, or hurricane anchor in bilge lockers.

Independent Testing Verifies Performance

Since its introduction, SPADE has undergone extensive scientific pull testing by international marine journals and classification organizations — including Practical Boat Owner (UK), Voiles et Voiliers (France), and Cruising World (USA).

Across diverse seabeds, SPADE repeatedly demonstrates the highest holding power relative to its weight, the shortest setting distances, and unmatched stability when rotating with 360-degree tidal and wind reversals without breaking out.

Three Material Variations