Is it time to replace this anchor shackle?

[RaymondR]

There appears to be two schools of opinion here; one proposes replace and chuck it at the first sign of poor appearance, and the other use it until it reaches the end of it's functional life whether or not the appearance is poor.

From the functional life viewpoint the relevant question is how long the shackle has been in service and the working loads exposed to, whether there are any signs of fatigue and how much reduction in cross sectional area the pin has suffered.

It may be a relatively cheap item but some of us are offended by unnecessary wastage.

On the cheap item viewpoint I am reminded of a debate in the U.S. Senate.

A senator propounded the expenditure of a sum of money stating that it was only a billion or so dollars. An opponent replied that a billion or so here and a billion or so there and pretty soon you are talking about real money.

[sailingunity]

That is an astute point and I hate wastage as well. I really don't know the age of the shackle, as it came with the boat. Could be 10 years old? 4 years old? I'm not a metallurgical specialist, but what is at risk here? At the very least I'll look my anchor, and at the most wind up on the rocks! So - I ordered a new shackle yesterday!

[thomm225]

That's probably best.

I don't know the age of the rusty shackle I posted on this thread earlier either but the pin does have a wear groove. I probably should saw it off and replace it.

I have spares onboard.......

[Ike]

If in doubt, throw it out.