Chain

[Sandero]

I thought I have 5/16" BBB galvanized chain. In fact when I ordered a replacement for my Maxwell windlass I measured 10 links and the seller confirmed it to be 5/16" BBB.

I decided to add 2 feet of stainless chain. I found a supplier who I spoke with on the fun (referred to me by Suncor who makes the chain). He supplied me with what was supposed to be 5/16" BBB stainless chain.

I used a supposed 5/16" galvanized split link to connect the two" the galvanized and the stainless. What I discovered is that all these items have different cross sections.

None of them are 5/16" diameter. The galvanized chain measured .35", the stainless measure .30" and the split link was just over .25 ( I wonder if they gave me a 1/4" split link.

The length of the links were shorter as well for the stainless. Both chain were stamped 3B on the links.

What gives?

[craigsmith]

Galvanized chain will measure a little more on account of the galvanizing, which is typically about 0.1 mm thick, but that doesn't really explain such a difference.

Is any of this chain calibrated? Proof cert'ed?

I have to say I don't really like any of what I see here, BBB chain is weak and needs to be unnecessarily heavy, why mix stainless with galv? - not as big a problem as some will make out but you will end up with slightly faster corrosion of the zinc near the stainless for no good reason, and split-links are never as strong as even BBB chain. You might have good reasons but from what you've described if I was replacing the windlass I would get rid of the BBB chain and replace with G40 / high-test, 1/4" depending on the anchor.

Chain (Rocna Knowledge Base)

[GordMay]

See the National Association of Chain Manufactuirers (NACM) “Welded Steel Chain Specifications”
Goto ➥ http://www.nacm.info/Downloads/NACM_Welded.pdf

[foggysail]

Originally Posted by craigsmith

You might have good reasons but from what you've described if I was replacing the windlass I would get rid of the BBB chain and replace with G40 / high-test, 1/4" depending on the anchor.

Chain (Rocna Knowledge Base)

Also depends on the windlass manufacturer offering gypsies for 1/4". My Maxwell HWC2200 does not or at least I have not found one. I use 5/16"HT but as I have mentioned before, most boats will survive nicely on 1/4HT" without cramping the chain locker with the heavier chain.

Foggy