Chain splice

Apr 5, 2009
3,024
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
I am installling a new windlass that has a chain gypsy to replace the capstan rope only windlass that my boat came from. Because it would not haul up the chain, I only have 30' currently but it is only 3-years old and has no rust. I would like to add another 80' so am looking at splice options. I do not like the standard riveted Seafit connecting link because they are only 1/2 the strength of the G43 chain and are prone to rusting. What other options are there that will run through the windlass gypsy?

One out of the box option that I have thought about but never heard anyone else mention is a rope / chain splice to each section of chain. I have seen that this splice developed 70% or more of the breaking strength of the line and is already being used to connect the chain to the nylon. If I did this method, I would plan to replace the splice every two years as I currently do with my nylon rode but would be using new line each time.
 
Mar 6, 2008
1,264
Catalina 1999 C36 MKII #1787 Coyote Point Marina, CA.
Interesting idea. I would think it would last as long as rode to chain splice. How often do you refresh that splice. If your anchor was stuck in mud just where your rode splice was at the chain gypsy, it might slip and not break free the anchor.
If I was faced with this choice, I would buy all new chain, no splice of any type.
 
Feb 10, 2004
4,089
Hunter 40.5 Warwick, RI
The ACCO 5/16" G43 chain has a WL of 3900#. The Crosby G-335 link is 3/8" (that is the proper size for 5/15" chain) and has a WL of 2750#.

So the Crosby American-Made Forged link (not a Chinese POS) has a WL that is 70% of the G43 chain.

I have used this combination for years and sleep soundly. IMHO, if you are in a situation where the pull on the anchor is over 2750#, and the anchor is actually holding at that load, I think you have bigger problems than any possibility of a Crosby link failure.

But, your boat, your choice.
 
  • Like
Likes: Hayden Watson
Apr 5, 2009
3,024
Catalina '88 C30 tr/bs Oak Harbor, WA
The ACCO 5/16" G43 chain has a WL of 3900#. The Crosby G-335 link is 3/8" (that is the proper size for 5/15" chain) and has a WL of 2750#.

So the Crosby American-Made Forged link (not a Chinese POS) has a WL that is 70% of the G43 chain.

I have used this combination for years and sleep soundly. IMHO, if you are in a situation where the pull on the anchor is over 2750#, and the anchor is actually holding at that load, I think you have bigger problems than any possibility of a Crosby link failure.

But, your boat, your choice.
Good to know. All of the ones I had seen were only 50% of G43. How well do they run through the gypsy?
 

jssailem

SBO Weather and Forecasting Forum Jim & John
Oct 22, 2014
22,477
CAL 35 Cruiser #21 moored EVERETT WA
I like @Rich Stidger's suggestion. I would choose to run the 80 ft of chain to the anchor and have the 30 ft length on the windlass side. There are times when you would never have the splice in the water.

I think the rode-to-chain splice would also work. You would be able to see any wear on the splices and take action, if necessary, to correct any issues. I know the rode-to-chain splice on my chain glides smoothly over the gypsy without any issues.
 
  • Like
Likes: Rich Stidger