I decided to replace the shackle on the 5/16" BBB chain and the swivel that I have never wanted in the system. The chain was put on the
boat when I purchased the
boat new in 1995. I specified Campbell 5/16" BBB and it was a reputable high end sailboat brokerage that outfitted our new Caliber 40.
Today, I tried to put in a new Crosby 7/16" G209A shackle that has a 1/2" pin. The pin can be driven thru the BBB chain but the weld on the inside of the chain link prevents the link from rotating on the pin. The weld causes the pin to bind and prevents smooth movement of the shackle. When a load is put on the chain - the 2nd link puts sideways on the weld of the first link - not good!
That Crosby shackle works fine on the 5/16" GT HT chain that I use on my other
anchor. That chain also is specified to have a 1/2" inside link width but the the weld is smaller and smoother.
I went back thru my
maintenance log and noted that in 2000 I had the same problem with a 1/2" pin and that is why I put the swivel in the system because it's pin was slightly smaller and fit thru the 5/16" BBB chain link.
All the other chain specs for width and length match what I would expect for a 5/16" BBB chain.
So what kind of chain do I have ?
Is there a way to get the 1/2" shackle pin to rotate freely?