A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

[kfa4303]

Hi all. Just wondering what type of chain is ok to use on my anchor. Does it need to be SS or galvanized, or treated in some way, or can I just go to Lowes/HD and buy a few feet of the chain they have on the spools and sell by the foot? If so, how many feet should I get? Also, what is the best way to attach it to the anchor itself? There is a large ring on the anchor that I currently have the line tied to, but I'm not sure how I would attach a chain link to it. I have a 14' aluminum runabout turned fishing boat with a 20 hp Johnson, so the boat is pretty light. I currently have a med sized Danforth anchor. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[marcoalza]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

For what it's worth kfa, I first bought some galvanized chain but quickly replaced it with stainless for the simple reason that the rough finish in the galvanized was scratching the side of the boat if it came in contact.

A good quality stainless will glide over the paintwork.

 

[JoLin]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

Hi- you'll want galvanized or stainless, marine grade. Commonly called 'Triple-B' grade, or 'BBB' chain. I don't know where you boat, but you'll want about half the boat's length... in your case the boat is small and light, so small chain (like 1/4") should suffice.

As for attaching it to the anchor, it goes like this... anchor, a shackle, chain.

At this point you have a couple of options, but a proper anchor line should have a thimble spliced into one end of it. You can now use a second shackle to attach the chain to the thimble. Or, if you're just using some decent quality 3-strand rope for your anchor line, you can have the rope spliced directly to the chain.

Hope that wasn't too confusing. In any event, having the anchor or chain simply tied to the line, isn't a good method. You want to be able to depend on your ground tackle to keep you in place.

My .02

 

[kfa4303]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

Thanks JoLin. Is a shackle sort of a horse shoe shaped piece with a bolt in it, or something? I'm guessing a thimble is a sort of a loop or eye woven in the rope? (Any pics?) I don't really have much of a paint job, so can I save a buck by getting the galvanized, or just go for the SS? Thanks again!

 

[Fireman431]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

Shackle:

 

[NHGuy]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

If you are normally in calm waters you could do that with about 4 to 6 feet of chain. But if it is normally rough use more chain. I boat in a good sized lake & have 8 feet of galvanized chain on the anchor with shackles at the anchor end and the thimble end. I also carry an extra 6 feet of chain that can be added for a storm. This might be overkill but I was standing there trying to make up my mind, so I bought the extra and didn't install it. I use galvanized because it just sits in a carpeted locker. If you don't want to listen to it jangling around your storage spot or if you don't want to concern yourself with the chain contacting the boat there is also rubber coated chain available too.

 

[MRS]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

I have a 19ft. with in/out on it fairly heavy boat. Bought the 5/16 tow chain from harbour frieght is gold plated was 21ft. or 20ft. cannot remember, so I cut in three pieces. Been useing it for three years now no rust on it works great and plenty heavy to hold anchor down. Bought it on sale for 14 bucks... I do have another anchor with chain on it for a spare ready to go....

 

[four winns 214]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

Lowe's carries anchor chain in bulk spools. They also carry stainless shackles. I use eight feet. No rust issues in two years.

 

[kfa4303]

Re: A few questions on the proper material and installation of anchor chain

sweet. thanks for all the input.