Chain worth it?

[Nheels]

Good day, all,
Currently running a 10kg Delta anchor with 10ft if 1/4 chain and 150ft of nylon rope. I have a 35 cabin cruiser that weighs about 12k.

I am wanting to run all chain, but my windlass will only run a max of 1/4 chain. Think it's worth buying the chain, even though it is only 1/4 inch? I believe the recommended chain size is 5/16th.

Think the chain upgrade will be worth it? My goal is an added layer of security, but I don't want to end up replacing my windlass.

 

[dingbat]

Good day, all,
Currently running a 10kg Delta anchor with 10ft if 1/4 chain and 150ft of nylon rope. I have a 35 cabin cruiser that weighs about 12k.

I am wanting to run all chain, but my windlass will only run a max of 1/4 chain. Think it's worth buying the chain, even though it is only 1/4 inch? I believe the recommended chain size is 5/16th.

Think the chain upgrade will be worth it? My goal is an added layer of security, but I don't want to end up replacing my windlass.

What happens when you hang the anchor?
Do you carry a hack saw or cutting torch to cut the chain?
Sounds risky to me

 

[Scott Danforth]

the chain is for weight (not strength)
the line in the rode is for strength.

going to all chain will be less strong than what you have, and a whole lot more expensive.

5/16" stainless chain has a max working strength of 2400#, with a breaking strength of #9600 when new. 1/4" is significantly less.

1/2" anchor line has a working strength of about 8300#

 

[flashback]

Anchorage location ?

 

[mr 88]

Using line will also absorb more wave action vs chain as it stretches a bit before maxing out. It's less stressful on the deck hardware and not so jarring to passengers while onboard .

 

[Nheels]

Anchorage location ?

Freshwater locations, with mostly sand bottoms. Georgian Bay if you know where that is.

 

[Nheels]

Using line will also absorb more wave action vs chain as it stretches a bit before maxing out. It's less stressful on the deck hardware and not so jarring to passengers while onboard .

Thought about that, but I could do a bridal.

 

[Nheels]

the chain is for weight (not strength)
the line in the rode is for strength.

going to all chain will be less strong than what you have, and a whole lot more expensive.

5/16" stainless chain has a max working strength of 2400#, with a breaking strength of #9600 when new. 1/4" is significantly less.

1/2" anchor line has a working strength of about 8300#

View attachment 406801


View attachment 406802

Yeah, I was thinking more for anchor security with the extra chain weight. An alternative could be just a bigger anchor as well .

 

[arks]

Our 34 footer weighs 12K and I was in a similar situation. The windlass only takes 5/8” double braid, so instead of replacing it I simply got a bigger anchor. The old 22# Delta was sized correctly for the boat but I was uncomfortable after an overnight where a stiff breeze was blowing into the cove where I was anchored. Since I liked the Delta (it never let me down) I got a 35# model. I had to slightly modify the pulpit to make it work, but I feel way more confident now because the new anchor is rated for vessels up to 45’. As far as chain- if the windlass accepted it I would use some, but I’ve found it is not needed as long as you deploy adequate scope. See pic below:

 

[bajaman123]

I would resist having all chain...for the reasons already mentioned. In an emergency situation where you need to cut the anchor loose, having all-chain would give me the willies!

 

[cyclops222]

Use a 2' length of rope in the chain locker. Have a cutting knife.

 

[rolmops]

Freshwater locations, with mostly sand bottoms. Georgian Bay if you know where that is.

Are you out of Parry Sound?

 

[Nheels]

Our 34 footer weighs 12K and I was in a similar situation. The windlass only takes 5/8” double braid, so instead of replacing it I simply got a bigger anchor. The old 22# Delta was sized correctly for the boat but I was uncomfortable after an overnight where a stiff breeze was blowing into the cove where I was anchored. Since I liked the Delta (it never let me down) I got a 35# model. I had to slightly modify the pulpit to make it work, but I feel way more confident now because the new anchor is rated for vessels up to 45’. As far as chain- if the windlass accepted it I would use some, but I’ve found it is not needed as long as you deploy adequate scope. See pic below:
View attachment 406811

I like this line of thinking. For the price of the new chain, I could probably get a 35LB Delta as well. Thanks for the insight.

 

[Nheels]

Are you out of Parry Sound?

No, direct West of there! Been over that way though a few summers ago. Need to go back!

 

[Pmt133]

My 33 has ~150 feet of chain in the bow on top of ~500 feet of rode. I always joke it was rigged that way to help keep the bow down. In the bay it's totally unnecessary and I keep meaning to shorten it. The clunk when anchored is quite annoying. Works great offshore.

 

[Nheels]

My 33 has ~150 feet of chain in the bow on top of ~500 feet of rode. I always joke it was rigged that way to help keep the bow down. In the bay it's totally unnecessary and I keep meaning to shorten it. The clunk when anchored is quite annoying. Works great offshore.

What size of chain and anchor do you run?

 

[alldodge]

All Formula cruisers come from the factory with all chain
Had a 27PC and loved the way it held. Hung up twice in all the many years I had it. Had to drop the chain and come back with scuba gear

 

[Pmt133]

What size of chain and anchor do you run?

Whatever it was rigged with. I believe 5/16 chain. The anchor I don't remember the weight but it is a traditional danforth. Next time I'm down I can check the weight.

 

[Horigan]

If I were you I would get a bigger anchor and add more chain to your rode, like 50'. On our 10K lb Commander 30 we run 200' of 1/4 chain and another 150' of 1/2" rode, primarily for deep anchorages in BC and southern Alaska. We like the damping that all chain (effectively) provides.

Your windlass may be able to handle a different gypsy that can take 5/16" chain. Just make sure it has the load capacity to lift at least three times your complete anchor rode weight.

 

[racerone]

Are you out of Tobermory ?----We were at anchor with 33' sailboat off Hope Island.----Vicious squall came through.---Our anchor dragged for a while.----Out of 25 boats only 1 powerboat went ashore.----Video of this event does look scary.----So yes , a hefty anchor and chain are hard to buy when you need them.