SS chain is smooth so there is much less “friction” than with other chains to allow the SS chain to pile up, i.e., “volcano.” SS chain slip-slides as it starts to pile up much so does not make high chain “volcanos.“
People seem to avoid it for two reasons. First, it’s expensive. If you are not going to have the chain down for extended periods where corrosion might become a concern, as in long-term cruising, for example, you don’t really need it. The second, less cogent, stated reason is that it is weaker than, say, BBB chain of the same size. That’s true according to tests, but the part that is left out is that it’s plenty strong to hold the yacht in place until the anchor pulls put. That is where your anchoring failure will most likely occur, assuming all tackle components are sized appropriately to each other. It should receive regular inspection, however. Another everyday benefit to SS chain is that it slides easily through the windlass veering out. Does not kink going out or coming in. You can open the windlass clutch to gravity drop the chain very fast, free fall actually, with no concern of kinking or fouling. Since I have 160 ft of 5/16” SS chain now for 16 yr of use, I know I‘d never wish to return to regular chain unless something yet occurs to convince me otherwise.
