450: Replacement anchor chain

[Millerslocal]

Hi all,

Our anchor chain is now 6 years old and is rusting rather badly.

Can anyone recommend a good replacement chain (ours is 12mm galvanised steel on a 1700w Quick windlass).

We are at anchor almost 365 days/year, so do want to invest in good quality chain. Google tells me Maggi, Titan and Acco are good brands. Any comment on these or other alternatives? And also where to purchase.

Being based in Maldives means potentially prohibitive shipping costs.

Thanks in advance,

Kerry

[NahanniV]

What about re-galvanizing ?

[Millerslocal]

Unfortunately not possible here in Maldives - otherwise would have been my first choice

[Ded reckoner]

The Maldives is a long way from Houston, but Madden Bolt will strip chain and re-galvanize for about 80 cents a pound. The way they weighed, a pound was about a foot of 3/8 G4 chain. I think there's a minimum of 400 pounds for the batch that's done. That's a lot of chain, so perhaps you know of someone else that wants to do the same thing?

[PaulinOz]

Quote: "I think there's a minimum of 400 pounds for the batch that's done. That's a lot of chain, so perhaps you know of someone else that wants to do the same thing?"

L450 12mm chain x 80 meters at approx 8lb per meter = 640 lb. The freight cost is going to high as well.

[Paul L]

From my experience I'd recommend Maggi over Acco. Much better galvanizing. No experience with Titan.

[NahanniV]

Originally Posted by Millerslocal

Unfortunately not possible here in Maldives - otherwise would have been my first choice

Worth the trip to Sri Lanka ?

[Bean Counter]

Your gypsy is probably a 12 -13mm. This I believe is for European chain. If you plan to use chain from the USA the recommended chain for that Gypsy is 7/16" G4 hi-test.

[Millerslocal]

Hi Bean Counter,

Yes, the gypsy is rated for 12mm ISO or 13mm DIN 766 chain, or 7/16th imperial.

Any idea what chain the Lagoon is actually supplied with? It had looked fine when we purchased the yacht (2011 L450), but after just 6 months in tropical waters it's looking very rusty, and throwing flakes of rust out onto the deck.

I have priced Maggi chain from a UK supplier. The Maggi 40 Aqua 4 galvanised would cost £1184.00 and shipping would be £876.30.

I am able to go to Sri Lanka on my visa run (boat must leave every 6 months), but doubt will find any decent European chain there - probably just Chinese chain which I want to avoid.

Ideally want to try find a supplier in Asia who has chain in stock -so shipping costs are less. But would still very much appreciate suggestions on the best type of chain to be looking for.

Regards
Kerry

[Paul L]

You might try these guys in NZ. They ship Maggi chain overseas
Chains Ropes and Anchors | Chains Ropes and Anchors

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Millerslocal

I am able to go to Sri Lanka on my visa run (boat must leave every 6 months), but doubt will find any decent European chain there - probably just Chinese chain which I want to avoid.

Given the high cost of importing European chain, I would think again about the option of Chinese chain. I can understand your reservations, but it seems to test very well. Here is an independent test that includes Chinese chain:

https://coxengineering.sharepoint.co...finitions.aspx


Generally, it seems Chinese chain has better galvanising than the more expensive European chain. I suspect the minimal heath and safety restrictions in the country mean there is less incentive to make the galvanising as thin as possible.

12mm chain is quite thick for your boat. I would be cautious about quality control if you were using 10mm chain, but with 12mm there are considerable reserves if the chain is slightly under spec (which is unlikely anyway).

If you do decide to go with the Chinese product the link above includes a simple test that can be done on a sample to check the weld quality and adherence of the zinc.