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Kiwikat · 26-12-2011, 14:37

We were just wondering what you other Bahia owners are running with for your anchor chain. Is it 10mm (3/8") or 12-13mm (1/2")? We are having issues with our anchor windlass and are probably going to have to replace it. There are more options if we go for a 10mm gypsy but we currently run 12mm chain and have been recommended to stick with it rather than downsize to the 10mm. Any opinions on this would be most welcome. Thanks.

Cheers
Lisa

**cfarrar** · 26-12-2011, 14:50

Lisa,

What grade are you using? Would that be grade 'M' (G40)?

Colin

saylor240 · 26-12-2011, 14:51

I would not put 3/8 on a 46' boat..

Kiwikat · 26-12-2011, 15:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfarrar

Lisa,

What grade are you using? Would that be grade 'M' (G40)?

Colin

Hi Colin, we have no idea what grade the current chain is. We bought the boat second hand with the existing chain, the previous owner having upsized it from the original 10mm the boat was commissioned with. We will probably stay with the larger chain but were just tossing around with the idea of going smaller because of the new age anchor types that seem to have much better holding. We would like to go to a Lewmar Winch as it is readily compatible with our chain counter but they appear to come only with a 10mm gypsy, hence our dilemna.

**colemj** · 26-12-2011, 15:20

I would be perfectly happy with 3/8" (10mm) chain on a 46' Bahia. G30 or G40, but would prefer G40. I would also be happy with 5/16" (8mm) G70.

1/2" (12mm) is overkill for your boat.

Mark

**s/v Jedi** · 26-12-2011, 15:24

We have 3/8" on a 64' 55,000 lbs boat. No need to go to 1/2" or 12mm, just select a higher grade if needed. This saves weight which can be put into the anchor and extra length of chain which both are better options.

We use schedule 70 which is 6,600 pounds test. Schedule 40/42 should be way strong enough in your case. Or you can even go to 5/16" schedule 70, like the Sundeer 56's do.

cheers,
Nick.

**cfarrar** · 26-12-2011, 15:40

Quote:

We would like to go to a Lewmar Winch as it is readily compatible with our chain counter but they appear to come only with a 10mm gypsy

With a working load limit over 5000# and breaking strength a few times more, the 10mm G40/43 (grade M in Australia) makes perfect sense... especially if you save money on the windlass. You'll save a lot of weight, too.

Colin

edowen · 29-12-2011, 15:00

I own a Bahia 46 and use 150 feet of 5/16th and 150 feet of line with a Lexmar with the 10 mm gipsy, so far very happy with it....it works great

I do recommend it

Happy sailing!

Ed

Kiwikat · 30-12-2011, 12:42

Thanks guys, for all of your comments. We have just been in to pick up a new Maxwell Windlass and 10mm chain. Now we just have to wait for the weather to clear before we can do the changeover. The 10mm chain will give us a much better fall into the anchor locker but we will still be lugging around the 12mm until we can find some way of disposing of it

Can't wait to get rid of the weight

Cheers
Lisa

raphaella · 02-01-2012, 07:27

Hello friends, I am in the process of changing chain on my 46ft Bahia also, would like to know should I change the gypsy at the same time? Is it the same as changing a motor bike chain, when you do so you have the change the gears also, for the gear andx chain stretches ans workd together thus new chain will not do good on old gears!!!

**mdvick** · 02-01-2012, 07:47

I put my old chain on the dock and it was sold within the day. Good luck with the new set up. Mike...

**cfarrar** · 02-01-2012, 07:54

Raphaella,

No, the chain doesn't stretch. Just realize that each size / style of chain requires a compatible gypsy (though some gypsies can handle more than one size chain). If you replace your old chain with the same size as before then your gypsy should be fine.

Cheers, Colin