New Ground Tackle Query

[Neil McDonald]

Last weekend I ordered a new Rocna anchor for my H35. The existing Bruce and its chain & rope combination rode will be consigned to a backup role. I plan to buy 50 feet of chain and 250 ft of 3 strand 1/2" diam rope for the new rode. I have a VRC 1000 Muir windlass fitted with both a gypsy for the chain and a drum for the rope. Naturally I want to ensure that the new chain will works with the existing gypsy on the windlass... but am clueless about anchor chain specs.

Short of dragging my old ground tackle into the chandlers or bringing several short chain samples to the boat, is there an easy way to determine what chain spec will fit my gypsy? I understand that the existing chain is likely either a BBB or G40 specification plus there will also be some sort of size designation.

Cam some one please help me solve my problem and demistify anchor chain specifications for me?

 

[Ron20324]

Isn't there a part number on the gypsy that would lead you to its sizing? Certainly for the 35 you'd want at least 5/16 HT G40. There should be a stamp on each link of the chain. The general rule is a boatlength of chain, but I find for most situations 62 feet (instead of 32) usually is sufficient with a little line for stretch. The 1/2 line may be be a little light if you are using this for storm use also.

 

[Stu Jackson]

Anchor chain specs

1. See the West Marine Advisor, they have a good chain description. Also try Google on anchor chain. There is so much information out there it's astounding.

2. You new windlass specs will tell you what chain to use, no mystery there. If you don't have the windlass specs, look it up on the Internet or in the WM catalog, which will tell you what chain works with that windlass. If the windlass is not yet installed, take IT to the chandlery and they can match the chain for you.

3. Don't guess on the rode; size the hole anchoring SYSTEM. Calder's Cruising Handbook has a very good section on sizing for boat size and type against wind strength you expect to encounter and leads you step-by-step to sizing each piece of the system: chain, rode, shackles, swivels, etc. Do it right.

 

[Neil McDonald]

You new windlass specs will tell you what chain to use, no mystery there. If you don't have the windlass specs, look it up on the Internet or in the WM catalog, which will tell you what chain works with that windlass.

Thanks Stu. Unfortunately the windlass was installed by a previous owner and I do not have the specs. The Muir website is quite "flashy" but a bit short on hard info for none current items and this unit does not seem to be a WM stocked line. I will pursue a Muir distributor for technical info.

 

[Ross]

A measure of the diameter of the wire in the links and a count of the number of links per foot is what you need to match. Chain construction is pretty standard and the grades are well established.

 

[sailndive345]

If all you are trying to do is idetify the current chain, there is such a table of info at the cruisersforum. Here is the link to the posting:
http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-...95-choosing-installing-electric-windlass.html

Good luck!

Sailndive345

 

[sailndive345]

I'll try to attach the image; I hope this works

 

[sailingdog]

Also, if your current chain fits the windlass, it will generally be marked. G43 or high-test chain should have a G4 stamped on the links, BBB will often have a "3B" stamped on the links, and Proof coil will have "PC" stamped on the links. Might want to look at the Acco chain PDF, located HERE.

 

[Neil McDonald]

Thanks everyone. The answer is that my current chain is 5/16 inch G4. One of the confusing things is what Sailing Dog referred to - this chain is stamped, and sometimes called G4, is made from G43 grade steel and is sometimes called HT or high test!!!

I assume that a marina based recreational boater does not need the anchor chain galvanized. Right?

 

[Stu Jackson]

I assume that a marina based recreational boater does not need the anchor chain galvanized. Right?

What does that have to do with anything? Anything that goes underwater has a lot better chance of surviving if it is galvanized. That's why they invented galvanizing. It's your boat, your whole boat, that, if you when you anchor even if your boat lives in a marina, is being kept alive by a trustworthy anchoring system.

 

[sailingdog]

Yes, if you plan on using the chain for anchor chain, it needs to be galvanized.

Thanks everyone. The answer is that my current chain is 5/16 inch G4. One of the confusing things is what Sailing Dog referred to - this chain is stamped, and sometimes called G4, is made from G43 grade steel and is sometimes called HT or high test!!!

I assume that a marina based recreational boater does not need the anchor chain galvanized. Right?