3B or G4?????

[NYSail]

so evaluating ground tackle and am adding more chain and new anchor. Current chain is 30 feet 3/8 3B. I want to add 150 chain and switch to 3/8 G4 which would mean upgrading windlass (lewmar H3). What is the general feeling.... overkill or reasonable change for a cruising boat (beneteau 423 20,000lbs). Personally think reasonable but some think I go overboard. About $450 to upgrade windlass. But peace of mind is worth more..... to me at least.
Thanks

 

[justsomeguy]

peace of mind is worth more...

I can't think of a more reasonable part of boating to go "overboard" over, whether overnighting or leaving her for a couple of days ashore.

 

[Scott T-Bird]

I wouldn't change the windass out unless I felt it needed replacement. Then, I'd probably go with G4 with new windlass, to get the benefits of G4. If I don't need to replace the windlass (for any reason other than the chain), I would probably buy 3B chain. Many think the additional weight of the 3B is a benefit, so it appears that there is some argument about which chain is superior. Perhaps the chain locker space is a factor ... you can fit more G4 chain than 3B.
I'm sure you have weighed the pros and cons between the chain and have a preference. I think I'd make the condition of the existing windlass the deciding factor.

 

[Terry Cox]

Our 35,000 pound boat is set up with 50 feet of 5/16th G4, 150 feet of 5/8th rope, then another 50 feet of G4 followed by another 150 feet of rope. G4 is stronger and more corrosion resistant than BBB. Have you figured out why G4 will not fit your existing windlass? Or G7 for that matter, stronger and more corrosion resistant than G4?

 

[NYSail]

Aren't gypsy's made for specific chain link sizes??

 

[Charlie Jones s/v Tehani]

Aren't gypsy's made for specific chain link sizes??

yes

 

[NYSail]

I wouldn't change the windass out unless I felt it needed replacement. Then, I'd probably go with G4 with new windlass, to get the benefits of G4. If I don't need to replace the windlass (for any reason other than the chain), I would probably buy 3B chain. Many think the additional weight of the 3B is a benefit, so it appears that there is some argument about which chain is superior. Perhaps the chain locker space is a factor ... you can fit more G4 chain than 3B.
I'm sure you have weighed the pros and cons between the chain and have a preference. I think I'd make the condition of the existing windlass the deciding factor.

Don't have to change the entire windlass..... $2,500..... just the gypsy

 

[Gunni]

Go with all-chain 3/8" 3B and relegate your existing rope- 3/8" 3B chain rode to a second anchor. No need to incur the cost of changing out the gypsy.

 

[NYSail]

So as it turns out, the Lewmar H3 windlass does not make a replacement gypsy that can handle 3/8 G4 chain...... so I guess it's going to be 150 feet 3B with my new Rocna 25. Also going to get one of those nice Mantus snubbers. As always thanks for the input from all you smart experienced folks!

Greg