looking for the "best" swivel for my 5/16" chain

[rebel heart]

Getting ready to split the country and although I haven't used one before I'd like to add one to the ground tackle bag with the spare shackles and mousing wire. I've seen the ones with the bolt head (Chicago Steel?), and the stainless.

I'm using 3/8 Crosby shackles, for whatever that's worth.

[Stu Jackson]

Whenever someone asks a question that includes the phrase: "What's the BEST"...something, I'm always reminded of my mother: "This girl would be the BEST for you..." She never, ever nailed it. OTOH, some of my choices she would have rejected, and I should have, too.

That said, there is an ongoing difference of opinions about the use of swivels in anchor systems.

Not only would I caution about even considering ss, many of us have seen no need for swivels after many years of experience. Some do. Not only for finding little twist in our chains, but for avoiding yet another "weak link" in the system.

Your boat, your choice.

[colemj]

If you go stainless, only get a Kong or WASI Powerball. The others are either of unknown origin or known to have problems. These two are expensive (less so the Kong), but you do not want to go cheap here.

We have the WASI Powerball and it works well and is rated higher working load than our chain. WL is an issue for matching shackles and swivels with high test chain.

Why do you want a swivel as a spare? If you do not need it now, I can't imagine why you would need it later.

Unless you are thinking of the possibility of creating a temporary mooring system out of several anchors. Then that type of swivel and its use is a different beast altogether.

Mark

[rebel heart]

Regarding why I'd bring one, I've talked to some great sailors who never touch them and others who swear by them. A shackle is a "weak link" as well, but quality hardware in good shape snapping is pretty rare.

[colemj]

I agree with you, but if you don't need one now, I don't think you will need one in the future - and they can be a pricey piece of spare equipment kept around "just in case".

Mark

[Stu Jackson]

That's not necessarily a good comparison. Why? 'Cuz the WL is vastly different and shackles are much simpler pieces of gear. Plus, they are there already in the system.

[sailorboy1]

Don't know if it is the "best", but I have a Kong. If worried about a wek link get the one for the 3/8" chain and it will be as strong as anything else in the ground tackle.

[Sailmonkey]

the worst twist our chain got in it from 6 months of anchoring was taken care of by anchoring in 100' of water. On the way up I just let the chain spin out for a few minutes every 25'.

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

Don't know if it is the "best", but I have a Kong. If worried about a wek link get the one for the 3/8" chain and it will be as strong as anything else in the ground tackle.

There is a good chance that its pin would not fit the 5/16" chain.

Mark

[jcapo]

If you are using G4 chain you should use 209A shackles to match chain WLL.

Crosby G-209A Alloy Screw Pin Rigging Shackles from WRS

John

[Bash]

Latitude 38 reported some controversy about Kong swivels a few years back, and the West Marine Product Lab got involved. It turns out that they work best when not attached directly to the anchor, so as to avoid side loading. I have mine set up between the main rode and a small section (18") of chain that attaches to the anchor shackle.

Here's the article, but you'll have to scroll down: Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by colemj

I agree with you, but if you don't need one now, I don't think you will need one in the future - and they can be a pricey piece of spare equipment kept around "just in case".

Mark

Fair enough, but I really haven't anchored anywhere but here in Southern California which although diverse and sometimes challenging doesn't have coral or huge tidal swings. For the price of one of those bolt models it didn't seem too cost prohibitive, but I get your point.

Regarding letting them dangle for a while to untwist I try that as well, but sometimes the conditions are a little screwed up and sitting there in hover with 100lbs of gear dangling off your bow isn't exactly what you'd like to be doing.

[Sailmonkey]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Regarding letting them dangle for a while to untwist I try that as well, but sometimes the conditions are a little screwed up and sitting there in hover with 100lbs of gear dangling off your bow isn't exactly what you'd like to be doing.

True,
but it took three months of shallow anchoring to even get to the point where I found it worthwhile to let the chain spin out.

[DWT]

I put a S.S. swival on my galvinized chain and anchor 9 years ago after being told that S.S. and Galv. don't mix.

Just check it and still look as good as the day I put it on!

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by Bash

Latitude 38 reported some controversy about Kong swivels a few years back, and the West Marine Product Lab got involved. It turns out that they work best when not attached directly to the anchor, so as to avoid side loading. I have mine set up between the main rode and a small section (18") of chain that attaches to the anchor shackle.

Here's the article, but you'll have to scroll down: Latitude 38 - 'Lectronic Latitude

One never wants to put a pin through the anchor shank except for a shackle. Always use a shackle so the pin on the swivel, if you use one, rotates off the curved portion of the shackle. Basic Ground Tackle 101.