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BambooSailor · 02-02-2012, 08:50

I am thinking of getting G70 chain (5/16" high strength) with max working load of 4700#. The biggest anchor shackle that has a pin small enough to pass through the link of this chain is 3/8", but such shackle is rated for #2000. Situation is the same for G4 chain (high test). Max work load for 5/16" is 3900#. I do not want to spend money on strong chain if shackle is less than half of chain strength. So, what is the advice? How you who use G4/G7 chains solve the issue?

**Charlie** · 02-02-2012, 08:53

Some anchor chain suppliers will weld a bigger link on the end for you. Hank answers questions on Windlass Chain

**cfarrar** · 02-02-2012, 08:53

Crosby 209A 3/8"" shackle has WLL of 2 tons, so that matches your G43 chain.

If you go with the G70 chain get it with custom over-sized end links so you can use larger shackles.

Colin

**rebel heart** · 02-02-2012, 09:04

I wouldn't get too caught up in the numbers if you're well into the "safe" range. I've never heard of Crosby shackle breaking; you're not going to put two thousand pounds of load on it unless you're doing something really wrong.

You can use the oversized ends as suggested to get around the issue if it's that big of a deal to you. The larger advantage to bigger chain is the weight and increased catenary capacity. Unless you're on a very large boat the deck will rip off before you'll break that shackle.

klem · 02-02-2012, 09:56

Personally, I would definitely pay attention to the numbers. Since you are considering G70 chain, I would assume that you want a lightweight setup that has the strength for extreme conditions. Numbers published by manufacturers are not perfect but they are a good start. And yes, I have seen a Crosby shackle break (not in anchoring service but they are not indestructible).

The alloy Crosby comes close for G70 and works for G40 chain. If you are going G70, you need extra large end links. Make sure that this is done by someone who knows what they are doing such as the company that you buy the chain from. ACCO used to do this and probably still will. The grade and temper of the steel are important in the end link, you don't want to create a new weak point. G70 is strong stuff, I remember S/V Jedi reporting that he had bent a 5/8" shackle with his 3/8" chain (I hope that these numbers are right).

janders · 02-02-2012, 10:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfarrar

Crosby 209A 3/8"" shackle has WLL of 2 tons, so that matches your G43 chain.

+1

We had a hard time finding Crosby shackles but we finally found them at Obert Marine in Seattle. The guy selling them to me thought I was nuts.

**Cheechako** · 02-02-2012, 10:17

I used Wichard Forged 316 SS 3/8 shackles. If I remember right rated at well over 10,000 lbs. Yeah, I know , the fussy crowd will admonish me for mixing galv with SS, but I saw no more issues than anyone esle on more than one boat...

**cfarrar** · 03-02-2012, 07:38

From the manufacturer's websites:

5/16" ACCO G43 chain WLL = 3900# or 1.77 metric tons

3/8" #209 Crosby shackle (galvanized, red pin) WLL = 1 metric ton
3/8" #209A Crosby shackle (alloy, silver pin) WLL = 2 metric tons

8mm #1444 Wichard shackle (316 stainless) WLL = 1 metric ton
8mm #11244 Wichard shackle (High Resistance stainless) WLL = 1.76 metric tons

**Cheechako** · 03-02-2012, 09:31

My link's awful slow this am, but this is likely the one I used:
Captive Pin Bow Shackle, 13/32" Pin Dia., 13/16" Inside Width, 1-13/16" Inside Length, 11,465lb.

evm1024 · 03-02-2012, 22:43

I use a 7/16" Crosby G-209A shackle on my ACCO 5/16" G70 Chain. The 7/16' pin just fits in a stndard sized link and is rated at 2.666 Tons WLL (5332 pounds) and is a good match to the 5/16 G70 (4700 # WLL)

regards