So because apples-to-apples a stainless chain has about 30% less load strength than the HT galvanized, I would be inspecting the links looking for deformation. Also be checking any rope splice or braid for fraying.
Anchor chain price/location
- Thread starter Delezynski
- Start date
Be very, very careful to inspect any chain you buy these days. I purchased what was supposed to be ACCO US manufactured hot dip galvanized chain about a year ago and after only 5 months of use the galvanizing was completely gone from some areas of the chain. 270' of 3/8 bbb chain at $7.50 per foot and it lasted 5 months????????? I am not the only one, either. There are at least half a dozen boats in the same position right now. When I received the chain, it appeared to be electroplated, but the retailer assured me it was hot dip galvanized chain.
This wasn't some fly by night, back room deal, but a well known retailer here in the Caribbean.
Buyer beware.
One other thing. For all you who think Hi Test chain is the way to go, consider that the HT links are actually longer than 3B and therefor there are less per foot, making your chain lighter per foot. This goes against the whole principle of anchoring, using the weight of the chain as the primary safety factor because none of us can carry chain actually strong enough for the weight of our boats. Adding a good snub line to the rode makes the extra expense of HT chain completely unnecessary.
This wasn't some fly by night, back room deal, but a well known retailer here in the Caribbean.
Buyer beware.
One other thing. For all you who think Hi Test chain is the way to go, consider that the HT links are actually longer than 3B and therefor there are less per foot, making your chain lighter per foot. This goes against the whole principle of anchoring, using the weight of the chain as the primary safety factor because none of us can carry chain actually strong enough for the weight of our boats. Adding a good snub line to the rode makes the extra expense of HT chain completely unnecessary.
Acco chain galvanizing has not been consistent for a few years now. This has been true since a change of ownership a few years ago. The chain sold at the marine store I work at is Titan from Canada Metal. Very good quality and consistent. They know galvanizing very well - they are one of the world's largest producers of zinc anodes under the Martyr brand. They have also owned Rocna for a few years. A large percentage of our customers are commercial and demand good quality.
http://www.canmet.com/products-services/marine
http://www.canmet.com/products-services/marine