chain links

woodster · Nov 17, 2014

gettinthere said:
I'm striking out looking for a chain connector for 5/16 G4 chain.
Some of my chain rusted sitting in the locker. I have a fresh 70' I would like to use to replace the bad section. Nothing I find is suitable for strength or durability. I can deal with one link that won't fit thru my windlass, I have that figured out. But the strong links I find are zinc coated not galvanized.

can you find a repair link that will work on your gypsy if so use it and weld it after it is install and dress it down with a file

centerline · Nov 17, 2014

you need to look for on in a place where they supply goods and tools to the "working" marine industry, as opposed to the "sport" industry....
try a marine rigging store, NOT west marine, something like englund marine supply, fisheries supply, or a logging supply store that is located near the coast.... a galvanized connector is not an uncommon part...
do a search for "crosby missing link" and you will see what you need.... then locate the right model for your particular chain....

Chief RA · Nov 17, 2014

gettinthere: Zinc is galvanized. You can split hairs but the heating concept is the main factor as far as I know. Chief

down_shift · Nov 17, 2014

Purchase the zinked link and galvanize it at your local plater. They will probably do it for free just for the story. Else charge you $10.

down_shift · Nov 17, 2014

Chief RA said:
gettinthere: Zinc is galvanized. You can split hairs but the heating concept is the main factor as far as I know. Chief

That and comparing plating that is 3 mil vs. >50 mil thick.

Stu Jackson · Nov 17, 2014

Check the WWL and breaking strength if the chain link compared to the chain itself and you anchoring system design. You may be able to use a 1/4" chain link.

Tables are here:

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) & Swivels http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.msg30400.html#msg30400

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Nov 17, 2014

Stu Jackson said:
Check the WWL and breaking strength if the chain link compared to the chain itself and you anchoring system design. You may be able to use a 1/4" chain link.

Tables are here:

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) & Swivels http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.msg30400.html#msg30400

5/16 G4 chain has a safe working load of 3900 pounds. 1/4 G4 has a safe working load of 2600 pounds.

I have 1/4 G4 on my boat. and nowhere can I find a chain connector for 1/4 that comes up to 2600. Let alone 3900.

A 1/4 inch connector might fit, but I certainly wouldn't use it.

Terry Cox · Nov 17, 2014

An Alternative Solution

Our boat came equipped with a 40# Danforth, 30 feet of 5/16" grade 40 chain and 250 feet of 5/8" three strand nylon. When we first purchased the boat in 2002 I had some anchoring lessons to learn.

Those lessons have helped make what I consider to be a very effective anchoring system suitable for just about any occasion. Still have the 40# Danforth. Very effective in PNW waters. Also, still use a 20# kellet (lead down rigger ball). So, Belle-Vie has 50' of 5/16" grade 40 chain, 150 feet of 5/8" three strand nylon, another 50' of 5/16" grade 40 chain and another 150 feet of 5/8" three strand nylon. Each is connected to the other using a warp splice.

Typically I shoot for 25 feet of water to drop and set the anchor. Usually settle with a minimum of 110 to 140 feet of rode unless sour weather is in the forecast. A SS carabiner secures the kellet to the end of the first 50' segment of 5/16" chain. This helps with catenary.

Catenary is also the reason for alternating between chain-to-rope to chain-to-rope. This tip came from another seasoned sailor that seemed to make sense when lots of rode is needed for much deeper water and/or sour weather conditions.

Ron20324 · Nov 17, 2014

Terry Cox said:
...Catenary is also the reason for alternating between chain-to-rope to chain-to-rope. This tip came from another seasoned sailor that seemed to make sense when lots of rode is needed for much deeper water and/or sour weather conditions.

The same system was in one of the sailing magazines a couple years ago, but I think it was 50/50/50/50 feet. It sounds reasonable for most places, but not all. YMMV