Anchor Chain - Looking for good source

[Alex F]

Art,

My boat has 200' of chain, but I want to have 300' or more. Based on my knowledge there are chain links that can be used to join two pieces together. However, if I had only 30' no doubts I would replace the whole thing. The link (even though I've read many positive things about and have seen it work) is still another "week" point. In my case it would be very rare when I would have to use all 200', so for the most part the additional 100+' of chain would be more for the "just in case insurance" and also more weight at the bow.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Art,

My boat has 200' of chain, but I want to have 300' or more. Based on my knowledge there are chain links that can be used to join two pieces together. However, if I had only 30' no doubts I would replace the whole thing. The link (even though I've read many positive things about and have seen it work) is still another "week" point. In my case it would be very rare when I would have to use all 200', so for the most part the additional 100+' of chain would be more for the "just in case insurance" and also more weight at the bow.

Alex,

Lap Links are considered a temporary repair because of their inherent weakness. If you can bend the metal with a hand held hammer it is too weak. Long term joining links, like cold shuts, are also physically larger, and while they provide comparable pull strength their size would jam in the gypsy.

Henry

 

[my DOG HOUSE]

You can have the two welded together. However, make sure to use a blacksmith or a certified welding service. If he simply uses an existing link you will lose about 1/2 the strength, not at the weld site but on the remaining link due to the heat. If I was going to do this (which I would in your case), get a stainless link of higher grade to join the two together.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Yes, You can get a link welded to join two chains,
Yes, You can get a mechanical link to join two chains,

What you can not get from either is a replacement link that will meet the tolerance of the the gypsy wheel on the windlass. Using a link that does not meet the dimension spec will result in a jammed windlass. Re-read FrankW's post about his neighbors who bought chain that was useless in their windlass' because the link dimensions were off.

Also welding will burn the galv off of the link and then you will have $ 1,000 of new chain with a big old rusty link

 

[MonacoMike]

Additionally to Henry's comments, Alex, you stated this extra chain would, in part, be "just in case", but that is when you will need structural integrity to protect your family or vessel most, from my perspective.

MM

 

[Alex F]

Good point, Mike. I agree that when Murphy law kicks in chances are that link will let go when I need it the most. You brought up a good point that if I need to use anything beyond my 200' this means it's blowing very hard and I'll need all the strength I can get, so this is where the link will be one of the weakest points.

Henry,
Thanks for detailed warning. I started getting comfortable about the link, but I guess there's more to it than the info I had.

Looks like I'll have to look at the approach on replacing the whole thing with 300-400' of chain. I guess at this time I'll postpone this until I address other higher priority items. In the meantime I'll be looking for best deals out there.

P.S.

It's interesting how anyway I look at improving my rig I'm looking at around $1,500+. I was thinking upgrading the anchor to the next size 44lbs SS Delta (mine is 35lbs SS Delta), so that runs around $1,500+. I wish I could upgrade both. I guess I'll start with the chain first as the scope is the key to uneventful anchorage.

 

[rcon]

Do you guy have a lock for your chain when it's out, or rely upon the winch to hold it?

 

[Alex F]

Do you guy have a lock for your chain when it's out, or rely upon the winch to hold it?

No lock, I use bridle. I don't rely on the windlass to hold the boat when I'm staying for a while. I leave it just on the windlass only if it's calm and I'm staying for a short time. Otherwise, bridle goes on the chain.