Galvanizing Anchor Chain

[lifeofreilly57]

My anchor chain is in excellent condition but the galvanized coating on it is not. This anchor chain has not seen much use prior to my ownership of the boat, the previous owner usually stayed at docks or moorings, for the most part it sat in the chain locker. The galvinizing is deteriorated but not gone, the chain has little to no wear, we are leaving this fall on a 3-5 year cruise and I'd feel better if the galvinized coating were fresh.
Is it worth getting a new galvy coating done?
Can it be done without causing any damage or loss of strength in the chain?
Is it more economical to get it galvanized or buy new chain?
Thanks in advance, all information is appreciated.

[Paul L]

It really depends on how much hassle it is to find a regalvanizer near you or on your way out on your start of cruising. There are fewer of them.around in the US.
If the original chain is grade 40 or less, then there will be no practical weakening.

[puffcard]

Find a nice sandy anchorage and drag the chain around a little to clean up discoloration.

[sy_gilana]

Absolutely have it Hot Dip Galvanized.
We have done it three times. Currently we are hauled out at Ferroalquimar in Cartagena Colombia. The cost was $288.00 and that was for 100m of 1/2" chain, One 110Lb anchor, one 5Lb anchor, and two 5/8" bow shackles. There is a lot of hype about loss of strength, in practical terms though, the "degraded" chain will still pull your cleats out before it breaks.


Brand new chain is rarely hot-dip-galvanized. In fact another boat that hauled here a few days ago bought a new chain, and was shocked to find it was Electro-Galvanized very pretty but will last about 6 months. Hot-dip is way better. The bath temperature is 450 degrees C.


Put Cartagena on to your itinerary. Although the plant is in Barranquilla, you don't want to go there, however if you come to Ferroalquimar for a bottom job, the manager here, Jesus, will arrange free transport there and back provided the yard does some work for you. You can see the plant at Galvanizado por Inmersión en Caliente - Centrifugado - Polyuprotec S.A


The yard has a web page too, FERROALQUIMAR S.A.S. Very reasonable, and we are very picky. You can get ANYTHING done here...