Anchor chain

Gunni · Feb 5, 2015

Yeah, I don't reverse mine either. I inspect the 6 feet or so attached to the anchor and look for signs of distortion, or cracks in the links. Other than that when the galvanizing wears off, I'll have to decide whether to ship it off for re-galvanizing, or replace it. 12 years, so far, so good.

ALNims · Feb 5, 2015

I would inspect the chain and look for any suspect links . Use a micrometer and measure the link thicknesses. If still good then keep it. A good visual inspection should be more than enough. Most chain is built to last and shouldn't require routine replacement. The only other thing I would suggest is to rinse the chain with fresh water after use.

Rich Stidger · Feb 5, 2015

My boat lives on a mooring so there is very little opportunity for a fresh water rinse. I anchor all the time. I rarely take a mooring and dockage is nearly a non-event. My experience with Acco G4 5/16" chain is that I need to replace about every 7 years. By the 7-year mark the chain has lost most of the galvanizing and is quite rusty. Some links are worn to the point that they jump in the windlass gypsy.

Chain seems like it should last almost forever but that is not my experience.

Rich Stidger · Feb 5, 2015

Gunni said:
Yeah, I don't reverse mine either. I inspect the 6 feet or so attached to the anchor and look for signs of distortion, or cracks in the links. Other than that when the galvanizing wears off, I'll have to decide whether to ship it off for re-galvanizing, or replace it. 12 years, so far, so good.

Gunni- How often do you anchor? I would be ecstatic to get 12 years!

Gunni · Feb 5, 2015

Rich Stidger said:
Gunni- How often do you anchor? I would be ecstatic to get 12 years!

We anchor out pretty much every weekend 1 May - 1 Dec . (less maybe 3). 40 nights, throw in a week long sail, 50 nights per year. The rest of the time the boat is in a slip. I use BBB 3/8" chain.

Charlie Jones s/v Tehani · Feb 5, 2015

I got 4 years, full time cruising for 2 1/2 of those years. The chain was beginning to really show rust when on deck so I replaced. Probably 500- 600 nights on the anchors in that time.

capta · Feb 6, 2015

For us and most of the cruisers we know, it's time to replace the chain when it no longer works well in the gypsy.
For your use, I can't think of any reason not turn it end for end as more often than not, you aren't putting out more than half when you anchor and most of the wear should be between 50' & 80'.
Our new 1/2" chain has arrived and we will be putting it aboard Monday. I'm really excited because I've always felt that 3/8" was a bit light for these boats, so I figure I'll be sleeping more soundly than I have in years.

woodster · Feb 6, 2015

All U Get said:
I'm in salt water mostly and had anchored most of the time as we traveled south. The chain looked pretty good when we hauled but I will give it some close scrutiny this spring. I had also painted the first ten feet with cold galvanic paint both years before our trip. That seems to last for a while if we're anchoring in mud.

I'm thinking I could have measured the first fifty feet and marked that link. Then after a couple years measure it again and see if it got longer. Thanks for your thoughts.

All U Get

go measure the unused end and count the links then go measure the same length on the other end and count the links and you should know if it has stretched but i personally doubt it has it takes a lot to stretch the chain links

Rich Stidger · Feb 6, 2015

Woody- The chain doesn't stretch. The links wear and become thinner and then the chain becomes longer due to the thinner links.

capta · Feb 6, 2015

Rich Stidger said:
Woody- The chain doesn't stretch. The links wear and become thinner and then the chain becomes longer due to the thinner links.

It does actually. I have seen elongated links from time to time on chain stretched beyond it's limits.
Once again, if it runs through your gypsy it's fine. No need to measure anything. When the chain corrodes till the links are thinner it begins to slip in the gypsy, also.