Safety chains...S-hooks? S-hooks with safety clips?

[ajgraz]

Since the recent thread about vinyl-covered safety cables hiding corrosion (and mine looking pretty tired), I've decided to go to chains.

Most chains I see use S-hooks to attach to the hitch. What is the consensus on the safety and security of S-hooks?
(If it matters, the whole rig (hull, OB, gear, gas, trailer) comes in about 2800#...I'd be looking to go with class III / 5000# chains regardless of that)

Also, what about "plain" S-hooks versus the ones that have the little "safety clips" on them? Are these clips a good thing, or not?:
(If it matters, this will be 100% saltwater use)

 

[89retta]

Get the ones with the safety clip. Had my chains come lose and drop off once on my sled trailer.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

You could replace the hooks with the 5000 pound rated quick links.

 

[boatman37]

In PA the hooks with safety clip is required to be legal as far as I know

 

[mike_i]

The regular open S hooks are not legal here in California. here's a picture of my setup.

 

[dingbat]

No "S" hooks here. Clevis only

 

[ajgraz]

The regular open S hooks are not legal here in California. here's a picture of my setup.

I did not know that, do you have a link?

 

[ajgraz]

I decided to go with class 3, 5000 lb stainless chain with quick links:

http://www.iboats.com/SeaSense-S-S-...3155448--session_id.669292269--view_id.341144