Although
stainless steel indeed has a much higher working load limit then G-40 chain there would be the issues of
corrosion. Stainless is wonderful stuff but when used below the waterline it must be bonded or protected with zinc. Micro fractures can form and the chain although looking like new might fail. But galvanized
steel gives warning or
corrosion with rust. On my 40ft
boat I use Acco 3/8 HT G-40 chain. The
anchor is a Spade S120, 25KG in weight. I believe the
anchor would drag before the chain
parts.
I like your thinking in terms of good anchor
gear, but stainless chain is expensive and its hard to know when its at its life's end (all things wear out). Stainless becomes brittle and just fails under high shock/loads. Loosing your anchor in foul
weather might bring lots of troubles.
Not all chains are equal as well. The
cheap China chain ? I think the better American made Acco chain is the way to go. The galvanization is second to none and the
steel if a true test.