Seems that the more places you look, the more answers you get. I would like to know the proper chain size for a 45' sloop, weight approx. 26K. Would appreciate your feedback? Thanks Andy
Correct Chain Size
- Thread starter Capt Andy
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3/8 would be adequate........
1/2 inch might be overkill, but in anchoring sometimes there is no overkill.
1/2 inch might be overkill, but in anchoring sometimes there is no overkill.
table
from the West Advisor site: Light Medium Heavy 3 Strand Nylon Chain 26'-30' 23'-27' 21'-24' 3/8" 3/16" PC 31'-35' 28'-32' 25'-28' 7/16" 1/4" PC 36'–40' 32'–36' 29'–32' 1/2" 1/4" PC 41'–45' 37'–40' 33'–36' 9/16" 5/16" PC/BBB or 1/4" HT 46'–50' 41'–45' 37'–40' 5/8" 5/16" PC/BBB/HT 51'–60' 46'–54' 41'–48' 3/4" 3/8" PC/BBB or 5/16" HT 61'–70' 55'–63' 49'–56' 7/8" 1/2" PC or 3/8" HT 71'–80' 64'–72' 57'-64' 1" 5/8" PC or 1/2" HT you might want to read the whole thing - link
from the West Advisor site: Light Medium Heavy 3 Strand Nylon Chain 26'-30' 23'-27' 21'-24' 3/8" 3/16" PC 31'-35' 28'-32' 25'-28' 7/16" 1/4" PC 36'–40' 32'–36' 29'–32' 1/2" 1/4" PC 41'–45' 37'–40' 33'–36' 9/16" 5/16" PC/BBB or 1/4" HT 46'–50' 41'–45' 37'–40' 5/8" 5/16" PC/BBB/HT 51'–60' 46'–54' 41'–48' 3/4" 3/8" PC/BBB or 5/16" HT 61'–70' 55'–63' 49'–56' 7/8" 1/2" PC or 3/8" HT 71'–80' 64'–72' 57'-64' 1" 5/8" PC or 1/2" HT you might want to read the whole thing - link
Your choice will also depend on where you anchor
If your anchorage is well sheltered you won't need as heavy a ground tackle as you would if it were exposed. Anchoring in a gale on a lee shore would make you wish that you had chosen heavier no matter what size you had. You could have one inch chain but if your anchor wasn't sized to the chain you would be wasting your money.
If your anchorage is well sheltered you won't need as heavy a ground tackle as you would if it were exposed. Anchoring in a gale on a lee shore would make you wish that you had chosen heavier no matter what size you had. You could have one inch chain but if your anchor wasn't sized to the chain you would be wasting your money.
Must have a windlass on a vessel that size
One thing to remember is that most windlasses require short-link chain which is usually BBB in whatever size that's appropriate 3/8" - 1/2" is probably the right size but need more info. The first place to check is with the manufacturer of the windlass. Bob V
One thing to remember is that most windlasses require short-link chain which is usually BBB in whatever size that's appropriate 3/8" - 1/2" is probably the right size but need more info. The first place to check is with the manufacturer of the windlass. Bob V
Calder's Cruising Handbook
has a good sizing writeup. I would expect that any good anchoring book would also have that information, in addition to Don's very good suggestion. West Marine Advisors have been one of the first sources for information for me for quite some time for many issues, and many of us have suggested to others to do the same.
has a good sizing writeup. I would expect that any good anchoring book would also have that information, in addition to Don's very good suggestion. West Marine Advisors have been one of the first sources for information for me for quite some time for many issues, and many of us have suggested to others to do the same.
As to windlass needs. I use my port side 2 speed sheet winch
on the nylon rode and have a grab hook spliced to a length of 3/8 laid nylon to pull the chain . I can get most of the chain on deck by hauling the rode-chain splice all the way to the sheet winch, then with the grab hook and a halyard winch I can finish the job.
on the nylon rode and have a grab hook spliced to a length of 3/8 laid nylon to pull the chain . I can get most of the chain on deck by hauling the rode-chain splice all the way to the sheet winch, then with the grab hook and a halyard winch I can finish the job.
I use 5/16" G40(43) on a 26000# boat.
LOA @ 43' LOD @ 37' ... fully 'loaded' displacement ~26000 lb.. Primary: 200 ft. G40 onto 200 ft. of 3/4" nylon. ...... gypsy/capstan Other side has 75 ft. of 3/8 G40 plus 300 ft. of 3/4" nylon .... but gotta pull this side by hand. ... but the REAL answer is what will your gypsy handle????? The HEAVIER/STRONGER you can go the better if you are 'cruising' -IMHO Lots of 'asian crap' being sold as anchor chain ... buy from a very reputable domestic source so you're not 'surprised'.
LOA @ 43' LOD @ 37' ... fully 'loaded' displacement ~26000 lb.. Primary: 200 ft. G40 onto 200 ft. of 3/4" nylon. ...... gypsy/capstan Other side has 75 ft. of 3/8 G40 plus 300 ft. of 3/4" nylon .... but gotta pull this side by hand. ... but the REAL answer is what will your gypsy handle????? The HEAVIER/STRONGER you can go the better if you are 'cruising' -IMHO Lots of 'asian crap' being sold as anchor chain ... buy from a very reputable domestic source so you're not 'surprised'.
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