Extending anchor chain whist still using windlass?

[rcon]

Discovered what a pain it is last night when you find broken bottom structure in more water (40m) than you have chain (30m). I've got a second anchor setup on board consisting of 8m (all they had that day!) and 50m of rope and a danforth, but this is a awkward to use/repack and more for emergencies/overnight extra holding, not fishing where I might be up and down a number of times.

Are there "chain joining links" that would allow me to "splice" on another 30m of chain whilst still feeding thru the windlass? Or would I be sacrificing the integrity of the rode....?

 

[Creekwood]

I looked for such a thing and I don't believe they exist. You may be able to have someone cut and reweld a link to join them but I believe that the heat treating of the link would be compromised and you would have a weak spot. You may want to sell the chain and buy the right length for your requirements.

 

[Sea Gull]

While a connecting link may be available, you may not find one that runs through the gypsy properly AND has the appropriate strength. If your gypsy can handle both rope and chain, you might consider adding 30-50m of 3 strand Nylon spliced to the end of you chain.

 

[Henry Boyd]

I once asked a customer service person at Imtra the very same question. The response was that it would not work because the tolerances needed by a link to fit on the gypsy could not be duplicated. We were talking in the context of the Lofrans windlass, so it might not be the same with another brand.

Henry


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[Alex F]

While a connecting link may be available, you may not find one that runs through the gypsy properly AND has the appropriate strength. If your gypsy can handle both rope and chain, you might consider adding 30-50m of 3 strand Nylon spliced to the end of you chain.

IMO, it's a great solution to add rope to your chain.

Last year I was caught in a storm and had to use about 120' of rode. SR states that my boat has 200' of chain, but when I looked in to the anchor locker it looked like l had much less to make it 200'. In any event, even if my estimate was off and there's all 200' I know that in much stronger storm I might have faced an issue being short on the rode. I'm debating whether I should:

1. add more chain (which is obviously a preferred option)
2. replace the existing chain (due to the link between two chains issue)
3. add rope to the existing chain

Considering the cost vs. ROI, it sounds like Jeff's suggestion (#3) could be the one I'll choose.

 

[rcon]

Hmmmm.... Methinks ill be reading my lofran manual cover to cover next time I'm down the boat. Only 6 months old, but suspect doesn't do rope.

What does everyone do with their rope for a second anchor?

 

[Alex F]

...What does everyone do with their rope for a second anchor?

I keep my stern anchor with line attached in a box in the engine room.

 

[northern]

In 90 feet I got hooked on what I assume was cable. I pulled the anchor up to 35 feet. It wouldnot come any further. I cut the chane with my angle grinder. I had purchased a split link you slip over each end of the chain and hammer the two halfs together. It works well. WM sells them I think.I got mine at a local boat supply store.

 

[Henry Boyd]

In 90 feet I got hooked on what I assume was cable. I pulled the anchor up to 35 feet. It wouldnot come any further. I cut the chane with my angle grinder. I had purchased a split link you slip over each end of the chain and hammer the two halfs together. It works well. WM sells them I think.I got mine at a local boat supply store.

Assuming 1/4" G40 chain with a 2800 pounds SWL and breaking strength of 7750 pounds, using a cold shut with a SWL of 400 or 700 pounds (depending on type) seems like a poor choice.

Cold shuts have a capacity of about 20% of the chain they join.


Henry


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[northern]

The joint I got is rated for just under 3000#. There are several types. After a few years it is still working. Based on info I got when I bought it it has about 1/2 the strength of a chain link. There are some that are rated higher but the one I got works. I have set the anchor with it where the boat stops and the front goes down instantly so I figured it is good.
Agree it is not as good as all new chain. If it breaks I have spare anchor and would still have 140 feet of chain left and 350 feet of rope.

 

[Henry Boyd]

The joint I got is rated for just under 3000#. There are several types. After a few years it is still working. Based on info I got when I bought it it has about 1/2 the strength of a chain link. There are some that are rated higher but the one I got works. I have set the anchor with it where the boat stops and the front goes down instantly so I figured it is good.
Agree it is not as good as all new chain. If it breaks I have spare anchor and would still have 140 feet of chain left and 350 feet of rope.

Do you have a reference for that part? All of my chain data sheets and specs show the lower capacity I listed.

Henry

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[northern]

Henry
In Mexico for the winter so have no access to the boat. It was about $10 and was the same size as the chain link. There is one I saw that was a double link with screw join links. You are correct a new chain is better but at $7 a foot figure this was the way to go. Will need new chain in a few years as it is got a few rust spots on it. When it goes will get 400 feet.

 

[Lazy Daze]

double post

 

[Lazy Daze]

I think what Northern (correct me if I'm wrong) is referring to is this: http://chains-fittings.peerlesschain.com/viewitems/chain-accessories-links/connecting-links

I've never used them, but I've had them in my hand. I'm surprised to hear that they go through a windlass as I would not have guessed that - but again, that's based only on having them in my hand. Note that the manufacturer (in the link above) says to use a connector link 1-size larger than the chain, as well.

I like the idea of adding rope, if the windlass will accept it. If not, maybe the manufacturer (of the windlass) can provide a different gypsy?

 

[northern]

Lazy
You got it. Factor of safety according to package was 2. So I figured 3000# was good. Has not failed yet and We set the anchor hard each time.