How does one determine the current link type in an anchor chain to retain compatibility with ones windlass ? I am looking to add (replace) chain and I want to be sure it is the same type and size.
Not looking to start a war on chain v rode or anchors or anything like that.
Anyone have a link or a resource ?
Measuring / Identifying chain type
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Mark.Wilme
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Measuring / Identifying chain type
Mark.
S/V Calypso. 2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381
Not quite a plastic classic yet
S/V Calypso. 2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381
Not quite a plastic classic yet
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Mark.Wilme
- Candidate for Boat-Obsession Medal
- Posts: 340
- Joined: Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:35 pm
- Location: MA and RI
Yea I tried holding the chain up to the screen for the online purchase and it didn't seem to help - also I can't find a USB or Firewire connection on it - maybe it's Bluetooth chain and it'll identify itself that way.
Thanks Figment, I appreciate the effort anyway.
I did just measure the chain (darned micrometer is down on the boat) - the links appear to be 1 5/8" long and 1 1/8" wide. I did not asses the thickness of the links. No rush I can do it next week after I have been down the boat. I could also inspect the gypsy and see if it is marked for chain type - that would be useful, right ?
It's only January so we should be in winter project mode anyway - so why is it forecast 60 degrees this weekend ??? The boat is going to start creeping across the yard towards the travel lift thinking it's time to launch - geez. Does thee weather man not know we are supposed to be under 3 ft of snow in New England right now ?- No, I guess that will happen in May.
Sat
60?|44?
Thanks Figment, I appreciate the effort anyway.
I did just measure the chain (darned micrometer is down on the boat) - the links appear to be 1 5/8" long and 1 1/8" wide. I did not asses the thickness of the links. No rush I can do it next week after I have been down the boat. I could also inspect the gypsy and see if it is marked for chain type - that would be useful, right ?
It's only January so we should be in winter project mode anyway - so why is it forecast 60 degrees this weekend ??? The boat is going to start creeping across the yard towards the travel lift thinking it's time to launch - geez. Does thee weather man not know we are supposed to be under 3 ft of snow in New England right now ?- No, I guess that will happen in May.
Sat
60?|44?
Mark.
S/V Calypso. 2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381
Not quite a plastic classic yet
S/V Calypso. 2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381
Not quite a plastic classic yet
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George ( C&C 40 )
- Skilled Systems Installer
- Posts: 254
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2005 12:39 pm
- Location: Williamsburg, VA
Hi Mark,
I use 1'st Chain Supply's website for all things chain. The page you most likely want is here...
http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/chain/g4 ... Dimensions
That's the page for the high test galvanized steel short link ( ISO )windlass chain ( it's G4 - aka grade 40 chain - used in most windlass's ).
If you need the stainless steel chain specs they are here...
http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/chain/stainless_spec.htm
Chain measurements are always inside the link measurements. Not outside.
Good luck with the chain,
George
I use 1'st Chain Supply's website for all things chain. The page you most likely want is here...
http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/chain/g4 ... Dimensions
That's the page for the high test galvanized steel short link ( ISO )windlass chain ( it's G4 - aka grade 40 chain - used in most windlass's ).
If you need the stainless steel chain specs they are here...
http://www.1st-chainsupply.com/chain/stainless_spec.htm
Chain measurements are always inside the link measurements. Not outside.
Good luck with the chain,
George
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Tim
- Shipwright Extraordinaire
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Your chain is likely either BBB or G4. BBB is a short-link chain used in windlasses, and G4 is a similar size, but built of a higher tensile steel that is stronger for a given size. Both of these chain types have short links with small open area, unlike regular chain that has more oblong links with a wider open area inside.
Most G4 chain is stamped as such right on each link. Some BBB also is. But to ensure compatibility with your existing windlass, checking the windlass gypsyhead or written documentation first might tell you, or else use your existing chain to match up the new stuff.
Chain is something you probably want to buy locally anyway, because of its prohibitive shipping weight, so you have the opportunity to visually inspect the actual product you're considering to ensure that it is the right thing.
Most G4 chain is stamped as such right on each link. Some BBB also is. But to ensure compatibility with your existing windlass, checking the windlass gypsyhead or written documentation first might tell you, or else use your existing chain to match up the new stuff.
Chain is something you probably want to buy locally anyway, because of its prohibitive shipping weight, so you have the opportunity to visually inspect the actual product you're considering to ensure that it is the right thing.
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Mark.Wilme
- Candidate for Boat-Obsession Medal
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- Joined: Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:35 pm
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Thanks George and Tim. It does look like it measures to BBB but I will check the Gypsy this weekend and also I'll take the chain with me when I get new - or actually I'll probably cut one link off the end and take that with me, I don't want to be hauling 25ft of chain and 150ft of spliced three strand with me and I sure as heck don't want to have to resplice non-new rope.
I am thinking that I'll see if Defender can supply 100ft of chain and 150ft of three strand Nylon (my gypsy isn't designed for 8 plait or double braid) that I could pick up when they have their sale - otherwise as you say it's a locla pickup because shipping can be 100's of dollars.
Thanks
I am thinking that I'll see if Defender can supply 100ft of chain and 150ft of three strand Nylon (my gypsy isn't designed for 8 plait or double braid) that I could pick up when they have their sale - otherwise as you say it's a locla pickup because shipping can be 100's of dollars.
Thanks
Mark.
S/V Calypso. 2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381
Not quite a plastic classic yet
S/V Calypso. 2001 Beneteau Oceanis 381
Not quite a plastic classic yet
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Figment
- Damned Because It's All Connected
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- Boat Type: Grand Banks 42
- Location: L.I. Sound
Heck, if you have the gypsy off, there must be some sort of marking on it that you could call into the manufacturer and have them tell you what chain.
This all reminds me of the guy with the Valiant 40 who fetched his own chain from Defender one year. A full barrel of chain in the back of a subaru wagon. He says the trip back wasn't so bad after he stopped at a gas station to put another 15 pounds of air in the tires.
Oh and the NOISE that chain made as it dragged down the aluminum ramp and the full length of the dock! It probably only took the windlass ten minutes or so to feed it from the car into the chain locker, but man that ten minutes seemed like an hour.
This all reminds me of the guy with the Valiant 40 who fetched his own chain from Defender one year. A full barrel of chain in the back of a subaru wagon. He says the trip back wasn't so bad after he stopped at a gas station to put another 15 pounds of air in the tires.
Oh and the NOISE that chain made as it dragged down the aluminum ramp and the full length of the dock! It probably only took the windlass ten minutes or so to feed it from the car into the chain locker, but man that ten minutes seemed like an hour.
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Mark.Wilme
- Candidate for Boat-Obsession Medal
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- Joined: Tue Jun 20, 2006 8:35 pm
- Location: MA and RI