Anchor chain type, why not G4?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by HopCar

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

Oh, correct. My bad. Was thinking about my gypsy which will take 3/8 BBB or 5/16 G4.

I would be surprised if the OP's gypsy would work with 5/16 BBB or 5/16 G4 as the links are longer in the G4. Same diameter wire of course but the critical spec for fitting in a gypsy will be the length of the links (which also determines the number of links/ft).

My Simpson Lawrence manual claimed my gypsy would work with a whole list of chain types and sizes including 9 mm, 3/8 G4 or BBB, 5/16 G4 or BBB, and several more. Testing with short sections of chains confirmed that it will not work with most of the options listed. Beware of manufacture claims and always verify with a short piece of chain of the size you want to use before buying.

[CSY Man]

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

Acco.

[ShaktisBoy]

[QUOTE=CSY Man;2389736]

Originally Posted by Guy

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.

How much chain do you have and how do you dry it before it goes back in the locker? We have 225 feet all chain rode and I cannot for the life of me figure out how I would dry it on deck before it goes in the locker.

[savoir]

You can get almost as good a result by hosing the chain then leaving the locker lid up all day.

[barnakiel]

G-40 is a very good grade. I used it on my ex job (50' Stevens).

b.

[model 10]

[QUOTE=ShaktisBoy;2389966]

Originally Posted by CSY Man

How much chain do you have and how do you dry it before it goes back in the locker? We have 225 feet all chain rode and I cannot for the life of me figure out how I would dry it on deck before it goes in the locker.

That must be a miss print or something. Maybe he uses a yaed blower or something

[a64pilot]

G70 is of course a higher heat treat, and I believe that re-galvanizing is enough heat to slightly anneal G70 chain, so that it loses strength slightly if regalvanized.;
When it comes time to replace, if its available, I'll likely go with G70.

I have not yet, but plan on installing a fresh water rinse down for the chain.
Hopcar found me some real nice looking investment cast 316 SS spigots, look like jewelry

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by CSY Man

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.

My chain said it wants to come and visit your boat for little holiday .

[LLizzard]

On my last boat, I had G4 for 10 years and anchored regularly in salt water only. I never washed it with fresh water and had no rust, just left the locker door open. I guess it depends on the quality of the gal. finish. I believe the brand was Acco.

[dick sargent]

I chose the grade of chain universally used and easiest to obtain in other parts of world. Years ago it was called "proof coil". Plain double dipped galvanizing. it was, heavier than sophisticated stainless, high tech, etc, but tougher and required less chain to obtain a good catenary (? sp.). Also check out swivel vs no swivel.

[JiminVA]

I greatly appreciate all the feedback and advice I've received so far.

There have been a few questions about the details, so I thought I'd add a bit more information.
G4 5/16"--Peerless/Acco. $3.40 per foot at Defender. Length=1.030" Width=0.500"

BBB 5/16--Peerless/Acco. $3.85 per foot at Defender. Length=1.000" Width=0.500"

For 140' of chain, the G4 only saves about 13 pounds over the BBB, but the WL is 3,900 versus 1,900.

Windlass is a Maxwell HRC-8 FF

My chain gets hosed off with an anchor wash to get the mud off, but goes down the hawse wet. If rusting is a real factor, I'd consider BBB instead, but from the comments above that's not clear.

[marlin driver]

[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.

Is it possible you got chain from a bad batch? My G4 chain comes out of the saltwater and goes through the windlass and into the locker without even a rinse. I anchor multiple times per day while fishing and fish 50+ days a year for the past 7 years. My chain looks great, no corrosion.

[CSY Man]

. Originally Posted by CSY Man View Post
How much chain do you have and how do you dry it before it goes back in the locker? We have 225 feet all chain rode and I cannot for the life of me figure out how I would dry it on deck before it goes in the locker.

I usually put out 75' of chain in Florida and the Bahamas. Leave it on deck until the next anchorage, not in the locker. With a bit of luck a rain shower will get some of the salt.
If not a bucket of water.
Being a part-time cruiser we are back at the dock after 2-4 weeks. Then the chain gets a good rinse and a good dry before it goes in the locker. No salt allowed down there.
I have seen enough rusty and nasty chains in my life. All it needs is a bit of TLC and should last a long time.

[KP44]

Originally Posted by 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?

3/8" BBB might be more expensive than 5/16" high test.
I bought a barrel of 5/16" G4 and had it cut into 400', 200', and 50' lengths. So I have a 400' rode, a 200' rode, and a 50' piece in case I want to use a line rode or use 2 anchors on one rode.
I have a Maxwell windlass and the high test chain rode works perfectly. Be sure your chain gypsy matches the chain. My Maxwell came with a gypsy for 3/8" BBB and I replaced it with the correct gypsy.

[model 10]

[QUOTE=KP44;2390542]
I bought a barrel of 5/16" G4 and had it cut into 400', 200', and 50' lengths.


I have been geting screwed. I have bought 2, half barrels of 5/16 chain and and they have both been only 270'