Anchor chain type, why not G4?

[JiminVA]

My new Maxwell windlass says it will accept either 5/16" BBB or 5/16" Hi Test G4 chain. Given that G4 is much stronger, slightly lighter, and slightly less expensive, is there any reason NOT to go with G4?

Why is BBB more expensive?

[Cheechako]

Not sure why it's more expensive but G4 is fine. BBB may last longer.

[Cotemar]

G4 chain is the way to go for sure

[SVNeko]

Good G4 should be more $$ than BBB.

[zboss]

Which Maxwell windlass?

[HopCar]

BBB should be less expensive. If you feel you need the strength of G4, be sure to use a connector that matches the strength of the G4 or you're just wasting your money.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by SVNeko

Good G4 should be more $$ than BBB.

Should be, but when I bought mine a couple of years ago, it wasn't.
I know illogical, maybe bbb is becoming less common?
I went G4 for weight saving

[model 10]

[QUOTE=JiminVA;2389389]sive, is there any reason NOT to go with G4?

Weight on the bottom. bbb is heaver and the steel does not corrode as quickly. G4 gets an intergranular looking corrosion and falls apart. Great big flakes and rust stains all over your deck.

[CSY Man]

[QUOTE=Guy;2389542]

Originally Posted by JiminVA

sive, is there any reason NOT to go with G4?

Weight on the bottom. bbb is heaver and the steel does not corrode as quickly. G4 gets an intergranular looking corrosion and falls apart. Great big flakes and rust stains all over your deck.

Used the same G4 chain for 12 years on previous boat, not a flake of rust on my deck.
Anchored hundreds of times in salt water, but also rinsed and dried the chain before putting it back in the chain locker.
Do the same with present boat and it's G4 chain, rinse with fresh water, dry in the sun, then below.

[groundtackle]

CSY, care to share the manufacturer of that chain?
ce

[pcmm]

Originally Posted by HopCar

BBB should be less expensive. If you feel you need the strength of G4, be sure to use a connector that matches the strength of the G4 or you're just wasting your money.

Size being equal my experience has been that BBB is always more expensive than G4 chain. Makes me think that G4 has more use and therefore production volume than BBB.

[skipmac]

When I shopped chain the 3/8" BBB was definitely more expensive that 5/16 G4. Either works in my gypsy. Was going to buy the G4 for the same reasons; cheaper, lighter and stronger but I got a deal on 250' of slightly used 3/8 BBB.

My theory why the 3/8" BBB is more expensive per foot than the 5/16" G4, there's a good deal more steel per foot in the 3/8. Maybe compare the price by the pound instead of by the foot.

[HopCar]

Skipmac, the OP was saying that 5/16 BBB was more expensive than 5/16 G4.

[thinwater]

All things being equal, I always go with the weaker option.

I would like to know the size of the OP's boat. That might tell us the answer.

[noelex 77]

G40 chain would always be my choice if there is an option.

Keep in mind that for imperial chain the two specifications of chain are often a different size and it is unusual for both types to fit the same windlass. Metric chain stays the same size irrespective of the type of steel used.

It is commonly reported that G40 chain is much stronger than G30. While there is a difference, it is not as great as many people assume. This is because different standards are used when calculating the working load on imperial chain. The working load of G40 chain is listed as 1/3 of the break strength whereas the working load of BBB chain is 1/4 of the break strength. There have also been independent tests which suggest most G30 chain is actually made from G40 steel. However, buying chain labeled as G40 is a better guarantee of this standard and would always be my choice even if it was a little dearer. If G40 is cheaper it is the obvious preference.

I think there is some evidence high test chain does rust slightly more rapidly than lower specified material. This is a consideration when choosing G70 chain, but if there is any difference between G30 and G40 it is overshadowed by the overall quality of the galvanising which varies considerably from manufacturer to manufacturer.