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colemj · 04-10-2012, 16:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailmonkey

True,
but it took three months of shallow anchoring to even get to the point where I found it worthwhile to let the chain spin out.

Ah, now we may be getting somewhere - shallow anchoring. Most of our anchoring is in 5-15' of water and we experience chain twist that is ameliorated by our swivel.

These swivel debates always seem to divide people into a group that experiences twist and another that does not. Perhaps the average anchoring depths come into play? Certainly I can see where hauling an anchor up from 50' depths can allow it to untwist the chain during that time, every time. For us, the anchor/chain only has a few feet to untwist before being aboard, so without a swivel most twist works its way back through the windlass and into the locker.

Mark

Bash · 04-10-2012, 16:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

One never wants to put a pin through the anchor shank except for a shackle. Always use a shackle so the pin on the swivel, if you use one, rotates off the curved portion of the shackle. Basic Ground Tackle 101.

That is correct. If anyone is in doubt, this link will show the incorrect way to use a kong swivel in the top photo, and the best practice, as I described in the previous post, in the lower photo:

Swivels (Rocna Knowledge Base)

sailorboy1 · 04-10-2012, 16:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemj

There is a good chance that its pin would not fit the 5/16" chain.

Mark

You have to use shackles between them.

colemj · 04-10-2012, 16:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bash

Latitude 38 reported some controversy about Kong swivels a few years back, and the West Marine Product Lab got involved. It turns out that they work best when not attached directly to the anchor, so as to avoid side loading. I have mine set up between the main rode and a small section (18") of chain that attaches to the anchor shackle.

Here's the article, but you'll have to scroll down: Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

Side torque on any swivel has the potential for damage. Kong's are much better than the other straight swivels in this regard.

The WASI Powerball is not a straight swivel and has 30* or so of free movement. Beyond that, it is built so strongly that I think the anchor shank would bend first - the "ears" are twice as thick as our Rocna shank.

Don't be fooled by non Kong articulating swivels - these have many reports of failures.

Of course, your suggestion of a shackle and/or short piece of chain solves the problem completely, but does add in another link point in the anchor system.

Mark

Bash · 04-10-2012, 16:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemj

Of course, your suggestion of a shackle and/or short piece of chain solves the problem completely, but does add in another link point in the anchor system.

Right. Under many circumstances, adding another link point would be unwise, because it's just one more component that can fail. However, our situation, where we anchor in semi-dirunal tides that swing ever 6 hours, using an anchor that sets so well that it almost never resets after a shift, it's advisable to use a swivel.

In our favorite anchorage, we anticipate going through at least two 180-degree shifts every time we drop the hook. I'm convinced that the swivel results in significantly less stress being transmitted to the anchor shackle itself.

ranger58sb · 05-10-2012, 04:57

I think we have a couple Kongs and a Suncor. Or maybe it's a Kong and a couple Suncors

-Chris

Capt.Don · 05-10-2012, 06:29

We also have the Kong, about 12 years old. These are supplied by Airsports LLC, out of Bristol, RI. They were very helpful in discussing use, quality, reliability and recalls (none that they are aware of) and even sent a replacement screw pin. The only issue is inspecting and securing the pin each year (that reminds me, I need to do this!).
Don