46' Cat 5/16" HT or 3/8 BBB chain?

[KP44]

Originally Posted by mrybas

Hi,
I have a 46' 7 ton cat. I plan on using 200' of chain with another 200' of rode. I'd like to keep weight down as much as possible, is 5/16 HT chain strong enough?

Everyone needs to make this decision based on his own wants or needs.

A friend met one of the Cousteau boats in southern Chili. He noticed the boat was using a 25 pound CQR anchor. When asked, the French explorer answered, "The chain. It's the chain." They had 1/2" BBB rode and the weight of the chain made the small anchor powerful and dependable.

I opted for the lighter, stronger HT 5/16" chain. I bought a barrel, which makes it reasonable price, and I have two rodes; 400 feet and 200 feet. Plus a 50 foot piece. I use the 400' rode as my main rode with a 30 kg Bruce. I have a 16 ton 45' monohull.