If a person was to go by the West catalog, page 234 Advisor , they suggest a 5/16 HT/BBB for up to 50-foot boats and 30 knots, depending on maybe some other factors. The working loads and breaking loads are about equal, it says, so the extra weight of the BBB for 200 feet is 30 pounds and $30. They offer that BBB is being replaced by HT. I also read that in one of the sailing magazines that getting BBB when you MUST buy it is hard to find. Like 30-amp shore power connectors, maybe the times thay are-a changing?
The chart on p 225 that compares windlass features shows the windlasses that even suggest BBB are only about 5%.
If you want the max strength, go with grade 70 chain for less weight and alot more strength for not much more than BBB.
Read up, see which chains work with your windlass. There are a number of books that include anchor/chain selection that will give you FACTS, not biased opinions. End of sermon.
The chart on p 225 that compares windlass features shows the windlasses that even suggest BBB are only about 5%.
If you want the max strength, go with grade 70 chain for less weight and alot more strength for not much more than BBB.
Read up, see which chains work with your windlass. There are a number of books that include anchor/chain selection that will give you FACTS, not biased opinions. End of sermon.