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FlagPole · 19-08-2014, 10:26

I need to replace 200' of chain for a Lagoon 420. Is there a way to tell what size chain I have? What quality of chain should I be looking at? Would something like this be appropriate? Titan G30 ISO Hot Dip Galvanized Chain, 3/8-Inch x 200-Feet

How does one dispose or recycle 200' of rusted old chain?

Thanks
Joe
L420 Solshine
HHN Deal MD

**noelex 77** · 19-08-2014, 11:24

There are a lot of chain sizes that are very close to these dimensions so it pays to check carefully. Take the gypsy along if you can.
This link may help with the specs:

Chain

Disposing of old chain depends on local circumstances, but usually if there is someone that wants it to add weight to a mooring.

**skipmac** · 19-08-2014, 11:26

I'm sure you know that the new chain must exactly match the gypsy on your windlass so choosing the correct chain is critical.

There are two critical dimensions for chain.

First the size of the metal rod or wire used to make the chain. If you have 3/8" chain that means metal of 3/8" diameter was used to make the chain. This you can easily measure with calipers. Just make sure you measure a spot that is typical diameter and not worn thin or distorted, etc.

The other measurement is a little trickier and that is the size of the link. The most critical spec here is the length of the link. Different spec chain of the same size like 3/8" may vary slightly in the width of the links but the one that is important to fit in the gypsy is the length. Some chain may specify inside length and outside but at the end of the day the length inside is what matters.

To make thinks confusing you can buy a size chain, like 3/8" or 5/16" in different types like Proof Coil, HT, BBB and a few more. Each one can have different size links.

If any doubt the best way is to buy a 1-2' length and test it in your windlass.

Regarding brand, Peerless is the standard in the US. I would be extremely reluctant to buy Chinese chain. For saving a few hundred dollars you are betting your boat and possibly your life?

Titan chain, I don't know off the top of my head where it's made. Research very carefully before you buy.

FYI 1st Chain Supply has very good prices on Peerless chain and will ship free to a commercial address with a fork lift on site if you buy a drum or maybe half drum.

denverd0n · 20-08-2014, 05:43

Any metal scrap yard should be more than happy to take your chain, and may very well pay you something for it.

Weatherhelm · 20-08-2014, 06:05

scrap steel is at about 14 cents a pound

**GordMay** · 20-08-2014, 06:13

Titan Marine Products (like Rocna) is a brand of Canada Metal that manufactures marine chain, rodes, anchors, lines, and shackles. Their products are proof-tested and engineered in Canada; but I suspect most of their chain (like Rocna anchors) is manufactured in China.
Titan’s “Cromox” Marine Chain is made in Germany.
➥ About Us | Titanâ„¢ Marine Chain and Products

FlagPole · 20-08-2014, 08:04

Scrap steel is 8 cents / pound here in VA. Which means I can get $20 for trying to cut this mess of rust into manageable sizes, hauling it off my boat to the dock cart and into and out of my car.

Someone please tell me I can sleep at night if I just send it to the bottom of the bay....

Thanks
Joe

**HappyMdRSailor** · 20-08-2014, 08:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by FlagPole

Scrap steel is 8 cents / pound here in VA. Which means I can get $20 for trying to cut this mess of rust into manageable sizes, hauling it off my boat to the dock cart and into and out of my car.

Someone please tell me I can sleep at night if I just send it to the bottom of the bay....

Thanks
Joe

I specifically wasn't going to suggest that very thing.... 'cept offshore...

biker6977 · 20-08-2014, 08:46

Why are you tossing the old chain? If it's just rust it can be cleaned and recoated cheaper than new.

**HappyMdRSailor** · 20-08-2014, 08:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by biker6977

Why are you tossing the old chain? If it's just rust it can be cleaned and recoated cheaper than new.

I think you meant this:

" it can be cleaned and recoated thinner than new"

biker6977 · 20-08-2014, 12:30

I really did mean cheaper but then perhaps I was mistaken.....?????
I wonder if I can get cleaned and recoated to be made thinner????
This could be a money maker if it works on me

**Jim Cate** · 20-08-2014, 14:19

The future usefulness of the chain is dependent upon the degree of rust. If deep, flaking rust has significantly reduced the diameter of the link wire it isn't worth regalvanizing IMO. But,if it is superficial rust without much material loss, then regalvanizing is affordable and will not significantly impact the strength of the chain.

Our chain has been redone three times over the past 11 years, and is about due again. The cost varies with location, but is typically less than 1/4 the price of new chain. It seems that many of the worry warts on CF habitually throw away perfectly good chain and feel good about it! You can too if you want...

Oh... the frequency with which the galvo dies is related to usage. We live full time at anchor... spending less than 10% of our time in marinas, and our anchoring is often in sand or coral rubble, both of which beat up the galvo mercilessly. If you are in a soft mud area, or don't spend much time at anchor it will last much longer.

Jim

Scot McPherson · 20-08-2014, 14:35

As stated if it just needs to be galvanized there is nothing wrong with it. The galvanization just protects it from rusting. Get a new coat and it'll stop rusting again until most of the zinc on a link has been used up.