Re-galvanizing chain, North Florida

[Vasco]

I am preparing for next season's cruising and have to get my chain
re-galvanized. There is a shop in Jacksonville (metalplate.com). I only have 200 ft of 3/3 BBB which comes to 330 pounds. At$0.43 a pound that only amounts to $142, much less than the minimum charge of $300. Anybody in the area want to go in with me (I'm in Fernandina Beach, I know a lot of cruisers store in Fernandina and St. Marys) . I intend doing this late Nov. or early Dec.

[skipmac]

Hi Rick,

I might want to join in but want to reinspect my chain before I decide whether to re-galvanize or replace. Is this hot dip, or some other process? Any experience or knowledge about the company that would do the job?

The decision would be easier if you volunteered to drive to Gainesville to pick up my chain.

[Vasco]

It's hot dip. I have no personal info re the company but they are members of AGA (American Galvanizers Association) and there are only two companies in FL that are members. They do not shake the chain so you'll have to hit it with a hammer every so often when you get it back. I have another guy in St. Mary's that's interested but it won't be easy to coordinate this. You're less than 1 1/2 hours from the shop in Jacksonville which is near 295 in the west end. I'm about the same distance in Fernandina.

[CSY Man]

Who is the other shop in Florida?
How bad is your chain right now? A bll of rust or just a few just spots where the links have been rubbing...?

[Vasco]

Valmont Coatings in Tampa and Miami.

My chain is eight years old. The first 100 ft is crappy, black and rusty. I've been told you should get it done every four years or so. New chain is now $4.60 per ft. for half a drum (200 ft.) so re-galvanizing is worth it.

[CSY Man]

My chain is 12 years old (5/16 HT) and starting to get rusty on the first 100 feet, but turned it about 5 years ago. Not sure how the other half looks like right now, but probably time to do something as the rust will surely accelerate with more salt water baths..

Thanks for the heads up and the info, will call those guys in Miami.

[Ortolan]

Not meaning to highjack this thread ... but ... a question on galvanized chain: Our 250' of 5/16" galvanized anchor chain is completely rusted after only 2 years, which made a mess all over our bow & anchor locker. Temporarily, we've reversed the chain end-to-end. Unfortunately, we're in CT & not FL, but looking into having it re-galvanized.

One concern I have: Is all chain physically marked with it's type i.e. BBB, G-4, etc.? I see that Acco brand is. My chain is unmarked, but appears to be the size of G-4. I don't want to bother re-galvanzing it if it's some Made-in-China non-rated, non-tested junk.

Thanks.

Russ

[skipmac]

No shaking is not a problem. I am fully trained and qualified to hit things with a hammer.

I have a good deal less than 200' myself. It was already a bit less than 200' when I bought the boat but both ends were seriously rusted so trimmed them off. l I'm guessing 120-130' left but would need to measure.

I'm in no hurry yet, still a few months from launching so can work on coordinating the job.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by Ortolan

Not meaning to highjack this thread ... but ... a question on galvanized chain: Our 250' of 5/16" galvanized anchor chain is completely rusted after only 2 years, which made a mess all over our bow & anchor locker. Temporarily, we've reversed the chain end-to-end. Unfortunately, we're in CT & not FL, but looking into having it re-galvanized.

One concern I have: Is all chain physically marked with it's type i.e. BBB, G-4, etc.? I see that Acco brand is. My chain is unmarked, but appears to be the size of G-4. I don't want to bother re-galvanzing it if it's some Made-in-China non-rated, non-tested junk.

Thanks.

Russ

Hi Russ. Say hello to Lori.

I guess the chain came with the boat when you bought it so no idea where it came from? Was it new two years ago?

Not sure if all good chain is marked but I would be suspicious of unmarked chain, especially if it rusted away from new in only two years. Maybe a chain expert will chime in on this.

Considering the importance of the anchoring system you might want to go to Defender and price new Acco.

[CSY Man]

Pretty sure all good chain is marked.
Throw away the rust ball and get quality stuff.