Is 5/16" BBB Large Enough?

[scoobert]

i noticed my chain is 5/16" bbb. is this really large enough for my 15-18 ton yacht? i mean i has worked for all this time, is it ok for big storms?
i have upgraded the anchor to a 45# QCR, so i want to make sure it is robust enough for that.

[Jim Cate]

At the risk of starting another acrimonious anchoring thread, the 45 lb CQR is not sufficient for your yacht, and neither is the chain. If you are going out into the real world of cruising you will need more serious ground tackle.

As an example, on our 46 foot ~11 tonne yacht we have 10 mm short link chain and a 60 lb Manson Supreme. A brief experience with a 44 lb Bruce showed it to be inadequate and a 66 lb Bruce knockoff was marginal.

I won't make a specific recommendation for anchor type for the risk of assassination is too high, but some sort of new style hook of 60-80 lbs on 3/8 chain would be about right IMO.

Cheers,

Jim

[scoobert]

YES!!! i am not trying to start an anchor thread!
i upgraded her from a 35# qcr to the 45#...
i had thought of going heavier, but i would need something bigger then my seawolf to pull it in.
i am glad i noticed a little note inside the windlass hatch that said 150' 5/16 bbb. i was about to add 200' of 3/8.... woops.

[robert sailor]

Consider buying hi-test chain instead of bbb and you should be good to go. You can lift a 50-60 lb anchor with your seawolf, it grunts but it will do it.

[skipmac]

Hi Jim,

First, I've read lots of previous threads on this and still feel a little confused/conflicted/uncertain so wanted to hear your opinion. My boat is about 10 ton displacement and currently has 3/8" chain. It's original 25 year old and unmarked but based on the link dimensions I'm pretty sure it's BBB.

After hours looking at specs and recommendations and am thinking about 5/16" G4/HT. Compared to 3/8" BBBIt's rated higher WLL, higher breaking strength, lighter AND it's cheaper. So what's not to like?

By the way, that's not a rhetorical question, I'm actually asking, what's not to like?

Also, I do have gypsies for both sizes so that's not an issue.

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by robert sailor

Consider buying hi-test chain instead of bbb and you should be good to go. You can lift a 50-60 lb anchor with your seawolf, it grunts but it will do it.

50-60# plus 300' of chain?

[Stu Jackson]

Skippers, there are rode sizing tables available in books and on the internet that answer your question. It involves the size of the boat, the freeboard and the anticipated wind strengths you design your ANCHORING SYSTEM for.

Here's one example:

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

Your boat, your choice.

I also noticed in your blog that you have a swivel. Not necessarily such a good idea. Do a search here on swivel and read about folks' comments on them. They are also discussed in that link.

[boatpoker]

[QUOTE=scoobert;1346497]i noticed my chain is 5/16" bbb. is this really large enough for my 15-18 ton yacht?QUOTE]

15 to 18 tons ? pretty big discrepancy. Don't you know how much your boat weighs ?

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Skippers, there are rode sizing tables available in books and on the internet that answer your question. It involves the size of the boat, the freeboard and the anticipated wind strengths you design your ANCHORING SYSTEM for.

Here's one example:

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

Your boat, your choice.

I also noticed in your blog that you have a swivel. Not necessarily such a good idea. Do a search here on swivel and read about folks' comments on them. They are also discussed in that link.

Hi Stu,

I have looked at many tables and am a bit skeptical of the recommendations. Usually anchor maker's tables I think go too small, and the chain tables you linked to look a bit big. Based on your link, a 40' boat in 60 kt winds loads would be 4800 lbs. The WLL of 1/2" BBB is only 4500 lbs, 3/8" G4/HT would be the min at WLL 5400 lbs. Since I'm 42' and moderately high freeboard I would have to go with at least 3/8" HT to anchor in a storm.

That is way more than any other Pearson 42s I know of are using. Not saying that just because the other guy does it then that makes it right, but there's a number of 42 Pearsons cruised by very knowledgeable owners and been round the world and I think most used 3/8" BBB or 5/16" HT. I don't believe any of them have 1/2" chain of any type.

Of course the breaking strength is far higher than the safe working load limit but does one want to get into that kind of load on the chain?

[scoobert]

[QUOTE=boatpoker;1346557]

Originally Posted by scoobert

i noticed my chain is 5/16" bbb. is this really large enough for my 15-18 ton yacht?QUOTE]

15 to 18 tons ? pretty big discrepancy. Don't you know how much your boat weighs ?

5 were made. all with different rigs. they did not post specs.
i also allow 3 tons for stocks, fuel, water, ect.

[barnakiel]

I would use 10mm g4 or else 12mm plain vanilla.

b.

[robert sailor]

Your sea wolf doesn't have to lift 50 lbs plus 300 feet of chain, its got to lift 50 lbs and whatever depth your in. I suspect that if you are anchored in something over 60-70 feet then its going to be working pretty hard.

[cheoah]

I think you're a little undersized there. 3/8 G4 prolly a little more appropriate and like others, I'd encourage you to step up the anchor. You're moving in the right direction with the 45

[scoobert]

Originally Posted by cheoah

I think you're a little undersized there. 3/8 G4 prolly a little more appropriate and like others, I'd encourage you to step up the anchor. You're moving in the right direction with the 45

i have been considering adding a second anchor, maybe a danforth 65#. but i would only keep 100' of chain, then 200' of rode.

my idea would be to drop the anchor in very deep water, long before a storm blows me close to shore. then even if i drag, and i am sure i will, i have time to do something about it.

[Stu Jackson]

You should, WADR, buy a book about anchoring.

And then, if you haven't yet, go out and practice, a LOT.

Good luck.

PS Sorry to hear about the loss in your family.