Anchor chain question

Mischief Managed

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
1,928
Re: Anchor chain question

1/4" chain from 20 to 25 feet should be adequate. More chain is great for anchoring, but not great for hauling in and hauling around.
 

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Re: Anchor chain question

I run 1/4" chain and 1/2" line. That's what works with my OEM windlass. My boat weighs in at something like 8500 lbs fully loaded.
 

MarkSee

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 10, 2010
Messages
1,172
Re: Anchor chain question

Assuming you do have a windlass, the more chain the better especially if potential areas you might be anchoring are prone to high activity with wind, swells, etc.

Mark
 

Mischief Managed

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
1,928
Re: Anchor chain question

If you have a windlass, chain choice becomes important. You need to make sure you buy the type of chain specified for the windlass.
 

emilsr

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Dec 16, 2010
Messages
774
Re: Anchor chain question

I went with 20' of 5/16" G40 which was a bit of "overkill" but we occasionally get 40+mph wind gusts. 26' boat, 5,000lb dry weight, no windlass.
 

JoLin

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 18, 2007
Messages
5,146
Re: Anchor chain question

I went with 20' of 5/16" G40 which was a bit of "overkill" but we occasionally get 40+mph wind gusts. 26' boat, 5,000lb dry weight, no windlass.

The key is whether or not the OP is using a windlass. If he is, it's sized to a specific line, or line/chain combination. Overkill isn't possible unless you can change the gypsy. You might be able to do that with some (not sure), but I can't change mine. I'm locked into what I have now.

My .02
 
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