anchor

[exposure]

3B=BBB=G3=Grade 30, G4=Grade 40 Industrial high test (HT), G7=Grade 70 Transportation (G4 that has been heat treated I think).

My chain was bought by the previous owners (in England) who I think found it galvanized. I have not seen it galvanized state side, but have known folks who have had it done. They had to ask for a special galvanizing process in order not to reduce the strength.

Here is a site that shows it galvanized as a special order...

http://www.trawlworks.com/general.htm

Woody

[irwinsailor]

This question may make me look dumb but what the heck. I have been looking at the 3/8 galvanized chain at Loews for about $2.89 a foot. I think the working load is 5600lb. Is thee something special about marine chain over galvanized chain from someplace like loews?

[exposure]

I would guess it's proof coil chain...

There are only two types of chain that voyagers generally consider up to the task of a life at sea – BBB and high test. Proof coil is the least expensive form of low-carbon steel chain on the market. While its rated breaking strengths are similar to BBB, proof coil has longer chain links and these do not fit into the gypsys of most modern windlasses. Moreover, under extreme loads, proof coils longer links have a higher tendency to collapse than either BBB or high test. Good for fixed moorings, proof coil is not the choice for a cruising boat.

From a well written article at...

http://www.bwsailing.com/01articles/gear/chain.htm

[Alan Wheeler]

The galv process on marine chain is usually a high Zinc level. This enables two things, it can be coated at a lower temp and it has a higher zinc coating to act as protection.

[Alan Wheeler]

Oh and one other thing, Marine grade tested chain should be stamped on each link with the initials PWB. Of course, this maybe different in other countries, but as I don't think chain is made in NZ, I suspect it that will be some international marking anyway. The main criteria of PWB, (other than link size) is the way the links are made and that it is tested and comes with a rating. Any survey rated vessel must use this chain.

[Vasco]

Irwinsailor,

Nearly all the 3/8 BBB chain sold in the US is manufactured by Acco. WM sells this, so does Defender. You'll find the price varies greatly from nearly $5 a foot (WM) to about $2.75 a foot. Make sure you factor in delivery! Your best bet is buying 1/2 a barrel (200') or a barrel (400'). I recently bought 1/2 a barrel from Defender delivered for under $3 a ft. The following site quotes delivered prices for under $3 a ft.
http://1st-chainsupply.com/chain/gbb...lass_chain.htm
Shop around.

[exposure]

I had not heard of PWB so I did a web search. It looks like PWB is a chain manufacturer out of Australia. I imagine that by buying PWB chain you are buying from a manufacturer that has demostrated adherence to a accepted specification. In the states Acco is the largest supplier. Either way, the chain should still be stamped with its grade, ie 3B, G4, G7, etc.

[Alan Wheeler]

Thanks Exposure, I didn't know that. It is just amazing what you can find on the internet eh!

[snakebird]

Good source, Vasco. Thanks! (I need some more 3/8HT chain).

[delmarrey]

Why are you guys paying so much for BBB chain? 3/8" shouldn't be more than $2 a foot if you shop around. I just paid $1.49 a foot for 60' of 5/16" BBB.

[jim lee]

About three years ago I went into Home Depot (House fixing super store) and picked up a box of, I think it was 100 ft of 3/8 galvinized chain.

The computer was messed up as was the poor girl at the check out counter. $2.xx / ft ended up being $2.xx per box. I actually felt bad enough to point out the err in their ways. The manager told me "If the computer wants to charge you $2 per box, then that's the price."

"Fine" I said and walked out with my 100 feet of 3/8" chain purchased at 2 cents a foot. (Yes I looked for more boxes and I'd gotten the last one.)

I guess karma has a way of deaing with things like this. Not much later I sold my truck and forgot that the chain was in the back.

Oh well, Life...

-jim lee

[Vasco]

delmarrey once whispered in the wind:
Why are you guys paying so much for BBB chain? 3/8" shouldn't be more than $2 a foot if you shop around. I just paid $1.49 a foot for 60' of 5/16" BBB.

Delmarrey,

I've shopped for days and can't get 3/8 BBB, galvanized chain for under $2 a foot. Can you please share your source. Thanks.

[delmarrey]

Here in Seattle I was quoted at US$2.10 a foot for 100 feet. The stuff is made on the Central East Coast, so I would think you would be able to get a better price over there. I Know Defender sells it at $3 per foot. But I think I would make several phone calls!
Get yourself a Detroit or Cleveland and maybe even Buffalo yellow pages, look under chain, and call around. I'll bet you can beat $3 per foot. And if you pick it up yourself that saves on the cost......................_/)

[CSY Man]

Accor chain, made here in Florida is pretty good stuff.

If one buys a barrel of 400 feet 3/8 HT, the price is around $950.00 wholesale....With a few connections in the marine business, that is doable.

Then split the 400 feet with yer buddy and ya have a hell of a good deal:
$2.37 per foot, West Marine wants $5.39 or so...Althougt last years West prices for that chain was $6.39, guess they dropped it a bit.

Keep in mind that HT (G-4) chain is stronger per pound than Proof Coil or BBB, and also fits quite a few windlass gypsies.

On my 33' cutter I have 215 feet of 5/16 HT chain.
Any bigger boat than that I would go with 3/8 HT.

Overkill is good, especially if the price is also good.....

[sv_makai]

practical-sailor.com has done several years of testing on the various anochors. Very informative as across the years they have tested in various conditons with straight and lateral pulls, while determining average reset.

We made our primary anhcoring descion based on comparisons rather than straight recommendations. Anchors and those who use them all have different methods and places where they anchor that helps deterimine what each feels the best.