In this segment, host John Greviskis demonstrates the different styles of anchor chain.
- Galvanized Steel -- This chain holds up extremely well in saltwater conditions.
- Stainless Steel Chain -- Solid, shiny chain that's a bit pricey but productive and long-lasting in most any type of water.
- Vinyl Coated Chain -- This particular chain is perfect for fresh water or salt water, but it will rust over time, which means down the road you'll have to replace it.
How Long Does the Chain Need to Be? It's important to know the proper length of chain that will be needed when your anchoring your boat. Here are some illustrative guidelines: - Figure A -- If you're going to be in 25' of water or less, a 6' length of chain is more than adequate.
- Figure B -- If you're anchoring in 50' of water or less, a 12' length of chain is what you'll need.
- Figure C -- If you're anchoring in 75' of water or less, you'll need at least 18' of chain.
Tip: As a general rule, for every 25' extra of water depth, add at least 6' of chain. Attaching the Chain to the Anchor To attach the chain to an anchor, you'll need a shackle (figure D) that slides through the end of the anchor shank, and then slide the chain through the shackle. Complete the process by screwing in the steel pin (figure E). Be sure to tighten the pin with a pair of pliers. You want the shackle and chain to be as secure as possible. Over time the pin can loosen and back out, and the best way to prevent this is to use .0025 stainless steel safety wire or Monel wire (found at any hardware store). Simply cut off a length of 8" to 10" wire, insert it through the hole at end of the pin (figure F) and give it a good twist. This is called a positive safety, where if there's any kind of turning going on (in this case with the shackle and chain) the twisted wire will secure the pin completely. To complete this end of the chain, take one end or length of the wire and run it through the shackle opening and take the other end or length and twist the two together, creating a positive safety. Wrap at least four or five rotations, and then you can snip off the remaining wire. Be sure to tuck the twisted wire up inside the shackle to prevent being cut when you're holding the anchor. Now it's time to attach the other side of the anchor chain. On this side you'll attach the chain using something called Anchor Rode (figure G), which come in boxes of 150' or 200'. At the end of the rhode is a stainless steel thimble that holds up beautifully in marine conditions. Others can come in galvanized steel or nylon. Note: Before you attach the anchor rhode, be sure to remove the complete line out of the box and stretch it out to where there are no tangles or knots. To attach the anchor rhode, you'll need to copy the steps used previously for the other end of the chain. Be sure to use a shackle and safety wire.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Book of Anchoring and Mooring
Model: 0870335391
Author: Earl L. Hinz
(October, 2001)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Cornell Maritime Press
Centreville, MD 21617
Phone: 410-758-1075
Fax: 410-758-6849
Heavy Weather Tactics Using Sea Anchors and Drogues
Model: 0939837374
Author: Earl R. Hinz
(October, 2000)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Paradise Cay Publications
Arcata, CA 95518-0029
Phone: 707-822-9036
Fax: 707-822-9163
Heart Marine Books Complete Guide to Anchoring and Line Handling: Putting Rope to Work for You
Model: 0688137342
Author: David G. Brown
(February, 1996)
To order this title from Amazon, click here.
Hearst Marine Books
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