What size chain for my Lofran's Marlin Windlass Anchor system?

[Three Little Birds]

Happy summer all - I've been bird dogging a funky windlass anchor system for a year now and finally figured it out. I seem to have the wrong size chain on there. It seems to be a little too small and skips occasionally and sometimes blows fuses (guessing from the skippage). Surprising as its the chain that came with boat (2003 SeaRay Sundancer 280) that I bought 2nd hand with 325 hours on it. I've searched the manuals and the interwebs but cant find the correct chain size that I should have. any ideas? I have a Lofran's Marlin Windlass: ML 005202, 500 Watt, 12 volt. Just trying to save a trip to the store and trying not to look like an idiot in the process :smt021

 

[Boater420]

Most likely 1/4". The correct numbers for the proper size are stamped on the gypsy.

 

[Henry Boyd]

It is ¼" ISO G4. These days not all chain is created equal, like ½" bolts that are really 12mm in diameter - close but not quite equal. Best to buy a small piece and do a test run.

The other thing is have you checked the gypsy to make sure it is screwed down? You should have a tool that looks very much like a sailboat winch handle. This fits in the socket on the top of the gypsy. It loosens/tightens the gypsy.
The other thing is give Imtra a call (imtra.com). They are in New Bedford Ma. They should be able to help you troubleshoot the issue.

Henry

 

[Madifonzo]

Just dealt with this today as I am replacing my rode. Its 1/4" G4 chain and the line is 1/2".

 

[Creekwood]

The G4 part is important. It's a shorter link chain. Home Depot or other cheap chain is not the right size and will not work well and will damage and wear the gypsy.

You might want to check that the chain is not twisted. If it is it can jump and won't run as smoothly.

 

[Three Little Birds]

Wow - thank you everyone for this. Heading to the marine store today and i'll keep you posted! You guys rock!

 

[Three Little Birds]

hey everyone - thank you again for the guidance. I confirmed that I do have G4 chain currently on there, but not sure of the size.

 

[Henry Boyd]

Here, I copied the spec for G-4, or Group 43 High Test Chain from the NACM spec.

*!### Adobe won't let me cut and paste. Use this link www.nacm.info/ and you should be able to download a copy of the spec.

Your chain should be ¼", the highlighted section shows the dimension.

Henry

 

[roccopep]

Here, I copied the spec for G-4, or Group 43 High Test Chain from the NACM spec.

*!### Adobe won't let me cut and paste. Use this link www.nacm.info/ and you should be able to download a copy of the spec.

Your chain should be ¼", the highlighted section shows the dimension.

Henry

Imtra does NOT recommend chain with NACM specs.

 

[roccopep]

My gypsy is stamped 1/4 7 HT but the G4 chain I'm using looks like it does not fit properly and skips.
Windless is Lofrin Marlin 500