Columbus McKinnon (CM)

BALANCE · Post by **BALANCE** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 5:54 pm

Has anyone had any experience or word of mouth regarding their marine grade chain? I know Acco is considered the best and to stick with American made. Theirs is made in Mexico....

LazyGuy · Post by **LazyGuy** » Tue Jul 01, 2008 9:21 pm

I just received my Practical Sailor two days ago and it just so happens that they finished up their 30 month mooring chain test. The winner is ACCO Proof coil and the runner up is Campbel, zinc coated Proof Coil.

BALANCE · Post by **BALANCE** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 6:45 am

Thanks Lazyguy. It seems they also manufacture 'windlass chain'. Both BBB and HT. I think they are discontinuing this line though and I am trying to find out why -inferior to the competition or simply a business decision to narrow their focus. There is a guy on ebay selling it for less than 1/2 the going rate of ACCO. Rachel, this is what I was referring to in my other post. I first got suspicious when reading some of his descriptions. Here's the link and you will see what I mean....

http://motors.shop.ebay.com/merchant/mitchel10

Rachel · Post by **Rachel** » Wed Jul 02, 2008 8:51 am

I like to consider myself open-minded, but for myself, there's just no way I'd buy chain if I had a particle of doubt about it - no matter what the savings. I know there are some good businesses that sell on e-Bay, but I just don't want a sliver of doubt with chain.

For myself, I think I'm going to stick with ACCO, which I know is good. I know it's easy to falter when you see how much it costs (even I wavered once for a minute), but, if you anchor out, chain is the first "insurance policy" for your boat.

One of my co-workers is on the verge of buying a couple-hundred feet of 5/16" G4, and he's considering Weissenfels* as it is a bit more economical than ACCO. I didn't find a whole lot to recommend for or against this chain on the web, but I think I did determine that it is made in Italy, by a company that's been making chain for a long time. Weissenfels is sold through Lewis, which is a marine wholesaler (they may very well sell through other channels too).

I don't mean to disparage the e-Bay fellow, but for me chain is just too important to take chances with (unless I can get my hands on information that makes me comfortable with it).

*My co-worker is going to be sailing up to NYC soon, so perhaps you two could go in on a barrel of the Weissenfels, if it looks suitable.

BALANCE · Post by **BALANCE** » Thu Jul 03, 2008 8:23 am

I spoke with the ebayer yesterday, I also spoke with the company the day before. My DIScomfort factor has increased. I'm going with ACCO too.