5/16 HT or 3/8 HT Chain?

[a64pilot]

38', 25,000 lb full keel cruising boat, which chain size? I guess what I'm asking is, is the 5/16 strong enough for a storm? As long as it's strong enough, I can't see any advantage to bigger chain.
I have an enormous sized anchor locker, could hold massive amounts of chain, but worry about the weight.
Gut says go with 3/8 and never worry about it, the weight isn't that big a deal?

[SV Lift]

There are trade offs for everything and could argue either way. But to answer your question, 5/16" HT is strong enough. I used the same on my 42' 30K+ boat (w/ 55lb rocna)

[RTB]

5/16" HT is stronger than 3/8 BBB http://www.wmjmarine.com/anchor---do...hor-chain.html. 3/8" is also heavier, so might provide extra holding power in strong winds. I don't have a windlass, so appreciate the lighter weight of the 5/16 HT, which has been fine on our 36' (but much lighter boat). If you plan to add a windlass in the future, figure out which one, and buy the appropriate chain for it. Chain isn't cheap!

Ralph

[Thin Line]

37 CSY here with 5/16 HT & 55lb Rocna... Trust it to hold my boat and family without worry.. As a matter of fact I think it's strong enough to just about lift my boat out of the water. My windless was also already on the boat when I bought it and was setup for 5/16.

[a64pilot]

I'm buying a windlass, hence the need to decide on chain size, whatever the size it's going to be HT.

Anybody ever broken a chain in a storm, how common is it to stretch a chain? I have no data on what the loads may be

[Tayana42]

28,000 lb (nominal) boat, 330 ft 3/8 G4 chain, 55 lb Rocna. Chain weighs nearly 500 lbs in the bow. The boat came with a windlass with 3/8" gypsy so I stayed with that size when I bought more chain. If not for that I would have gone with 5/16".


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[CAELESTIS]

If weight is a consideration, then consider 5/16 Grade 70. Strong as 3/8HT, but substantially lighter. On a length of 250 feet, the 5/16 G70 is 150lbs lighter than 3/8HT.

[skipmac]

Have been having a similar debate for my chain. Current setup is 3/8" BBB but I also have a gipsy for 5/16 G40 HT. The G40 is cheaper, lighter, stronger than the 3/" BBB so that decision for me is a no brainer.\

So HT is decided. The next question is 5/16 HT vs 3/8 HT. My boat is 42' about 25,000 lbs and I'm thinking the 5/16" HT will be more than adequate, even in storm conditions.

Suggestions and differing opinions welcome.

[Cheechako]

I've used 5/16HT up to 44 ft. I think on the 38 footer I would go with that. Be sure to use a 3/8 shackle... that is the weak link right?

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I'm buying a windlass, hence the need to decide on chain size, whatever the size it's going to be HT.

Anybody ever broken a chain in a storm, how common is it to stretch a chain? I have no data on what the loads may be

Anchor System Sizing Tables (Reply #6) & Swivels Ground Tackle & Anchor System Sizing TABLES & Swivels

[Cheechako]

It's not really the wind that stresses the system so bad as the water, each wave shocks the system.
In the Tobago Keys in my 42 cat I dove the anchor in 28-30 knots of wind (gusts to 42) I was amazed that the chain still had catenary in it! It was an unusual situation in that the wind was blowing hard and steady, but there was no fetch in front of us... the water was flat...

[RTB]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

Be sure to use a 3/8 shackle... that is the weak link right?

The shackle is the weak link. Go with a quality Crosby or Campbell shackle. Forget the "made in China" junk, which is about all I can usually find locally.

Ralph

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Cheechako

I've used 5/16HT up to 44 ft. I think on the 38 footer I would go with that. Be sure to use a 3/8 shackle... that is the weak link right?

I don't know, is it? I'm not sure why it would be, I've never used a swivel and don't plan to, unless I have to.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by CAELESTIS

If weight is a consideration, then consider 5/16 Grade 70. Strong as 3/8HT, but substantially lighter. On a length of 250 feet, the 5/16 G70 is 150lbs lighter than 3/8HT.

Where do I get grade 70 chain? Inexpensive source?

[gilgsn]

My apologies for stealing the thread somewhat, but what about 1/4HT for a 7000lbs boat? Thanks...
Gil.


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