Finding Anchor Chain in the World - How hard ?

[Geoff H.]

Question: How likely am I to find 300 - 400' of HT 3/8" anchor chain, out in "the world." I am soon going to be in Manzanillo, Mx and then sailing south to Panama. Are either of these locations likely to have an affordable source?

(My 3/8" anchor chain is getting a little tired, and also have learned that it is not a very good fit for the gypsy on my windlass, which accordingly has become worn. I've just ordered a new replacement gypsy sized for 3/8" HT chain, with the assumption that this will be a readily available size. How wrong am I this time??!!)

[Hannah on 'Rita T']

Go to a West Marine store, make them give you the Defender price and then ship it to the store, free shipping, lowest price, all you gotta do is get it on the boat. Not to bad.

[Geoff H.]

Yes, I wish there was a West Marine store in this part of the world! That would be great. I got a great quote for a 400' roll from IMTRA, but getting it shipped down here isn't easy or affordable. What I'm hoping for is word on how difficult (or not) it is going to be to find/purchase same in Manzanillo, or perhaps in Panama, as I'll be heading that way shortly. But thanks -- I love Defender!

[zeehag]

geoff h-- where are ye?/is there a shrimping fleet or fishing fleet?/ they use chain to anchor-- mebbe ye can find thru them....if you are still in usa--goto sd and get at downwind marine..tell chris i sent ye....

[Geoff H.]

Yes, Manzanillo has a large fishing fleet and large industrial sized ship/freighter port, so I'm hopeful!

[zeehag]

Originally Posted by Geoff H.

Yes, Manzanillo has a large fishing fleet and large industrial sized ship/freighter port, so I'm hopeful!

should be easy then-i am in mazatlan-- large shrimping fleet here ---i am still finding my way around... but the fishers and shrimpers are excellent sources of things needed and yard work for our boats...i am envious of your 51.... trying to make mine grow just a lil..LOL-our boats do well with yards made for commercial boats and smalll ships... fabrication is good thing.
oh--and ye should be able to find 3/8...i use 5/16, so is a lil harder to find out here, i would think, as the commercial boats use larger chain. mine is like kite string to them..

[Geoff H.]

thanks Z, love mazatlan!!