I am a saltwater sailor and have a newly replaced anchor chain ... after use, does it do any good to wash the chain with freshwater to reduce rusting?
It would help to know what kind/grade of chain. Proof Coil, BBB, G4, G7, hot dipped galvanized, galvanized, non-galvanized, USA made versus off-shore? Each grade has different degrees of corrosion resistance/strength. We have ACCO brand, G4 hot dipped galvanized, made in the USA. All bets are off with off shore stuff. Different/inconsistent specs, quality control, etc., etc., etc.
We keep our boat in sea water year around. As a rule, I always rinse the anchor and chain/rode with fresh water upon returning from a cruise. Our 1991 hot dipped galvanized Danforth anchor shows no sign of corrosion. Ditto the original chain that I replaced a few years ago because I wanted a longer chain section. Our current ACCO brand chain that is four seasons old shows no sign of corrosion.