new chain....to fit windlass

[Franklin]

I know...don't need a windlass but it came with the boat and now that I'm getting a heavy anchor...there may be a time when I want to use it. So...now that I need a new chain for my new anchor, I want one that fits the windlass. Problem though...the old salty that I listen to tells me that 5/16", which I now have, is not the right size and I should use a 3/8". Do you think a 3/8" ISO would work? Would a 5/16" US G4 ISO = a 3/8" US G4 ISO as far as the windlass is conserned? I don't have a manual on the windlass so I'm not sure. I looked up the windlass manufacture and the model that looks like mine asks for a 5/16" US G4 ISO. I looked up the working load for it and it's listed as 2,400 lbs. That's enough, right? So if I go with the 5/16" instead of the 3/8" I'm really just paying for the extra weight, right? But also taking a chance it will not fit the windlass, right?BTW: Windlass look like this one (http://mauriprosailing.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=LEW0044120108X&Category_Code=LEWANCWIN) but definately not the shiny

 

[Bill Bell]

5/16 G4

You want 5/16 G4 chain unless you change the gipsy on the windlass.Here is the manual for the windlass... http://www.lewmar.com/support/PDF/windlass/Anchorman_Manual.pdfBill

 

[Ross]

Franklin, have you fitted your 5/16 chain

into the gypsy to check for fit?

 

[Franklin]

Yes

That's what I use now for my current anchor. I guess I'll go with the 5/16" G4. 2,400 lbs working load should be strong enough. I think my friend recommended the 3/8" not because of the windlass, but for the extra weight and strength. Thanks all!I also just built a 40 lb kellet so that will greatly help. I have noticed that if I use a stern anchor that my current anchor holds much better. Not too long ago I read that it's the swing that causes anchors to bust loose. When the boat swings it greatly adds to the windage and therefore adding a lot more pull on the anchor. The kellet is supposed to help reduce the swing. I haven't tried it yet but the theory is good.If the kellet doesn't reduce the swing then I will look into an anchor sail. I don't want to use the stern anchor in a crowded anchorage anymore after almost being smacked by a boat who shifted a lot faster then I did one night when the wind shifted because of the stern anchor.

 

[Tom H]

Chain Spec

Franklin,You need to physically check the chain on the gypsy. The chain should fall freely as it comes off and fall thru the hawspipe. If the occasional link binds as the windlass turns you may have the right size but the wrong rating. Don't stop with just the number of links to fill the gypsy when it's stationary, the chain may start binding after 3-4 rotations. The manual is a great referance but in this case the small differance in the chain from one manufacturer to another could make a big differance in performance.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Kellet is also called sentinel

Try this link, and consider using a bridle before you go to the expense and complication of a riding sail.http://c34.org/bbs/index.php?topic=2827.0

 

[Franklin]

Kellet easier to spell

As for the bridle, I've used it in the past. Not sure of the result but it does the same thing as a swing when it comes to pull on the anchor, no? A bridle will pull the stern around and therefore increase the windage, no? Maybe I can get away with just a tag of an angle that is less then a full swing. In anycase, I'll give the kellet a try first.Theory is this: If you take a line and tie a weight on the end of it and then hold it the other end up and swing it just a tad, the weighted end will swing much more then the top end. If you take the weight off the line, then the bottom will not swing as much. Since we can't move much weight from the stern to the bow, or we don't want to, then it's best to stop the movement of the bow. Adding a Kellet to the bow end of the rode helps with that (kind of acting like a mooring).Now, does Kellet = Sentinel? I'm not sure. I do know there are two ways of using a weight on the rode. A) deploy the anchor and scope and then attach the weight to the rode. Attach a line to the shackle of that weight and then lower it 2' less then the (depth of the water + bow height) so that it will always stay off the bottom. This pulls the rode down to give a more horizontal pull and also acts like a mooring which is supposed to help with swing. B) Attach a weight to the end of the chain and then deploy the anchor along with the weight. You want the weight to touch the ground in this setup to increase resistance on the rode.So, maybe, there are two terms that people confuse to be the same but actually refer to two different ways to use a weight. Just a thought. If that is so, I sure wish I knew which was which but I'm sure I'd forget it 5 minutes after I learned it (Not much into names. Women hate that about me)

 

[Franklin]

Tom...

That ahhhhhh...can't cuss now So it sounds like what I need is for the chain manufactures to come out to my boat and give me demonstrations as to the effectiveness of their chain to work with my windlass. Let me get on the phone now. I'm sure they will be more then eager to wait in line to do so Just playing. I'm sure you are right...I just don't know how to go about finding the exact match if you are right.