Is my chain rode too small?

[unbusted67]

I have 300ft of 1/4" chain rode for a 35 ft CAL. What do you think, too Small? The previous owner set it up so that that is the largest diameter chain that can fit through the deck haws and wildcat.

[Kettlewell]

You're borderline for standard proof coil at quarter inch, but if you want you can double the breaking strain by going to G40 chain. I wouldn't change everything just to be able to handle bigger chain. Keep an eye on it for corrosion and you should be fine.

[tallyhorob]

what type/ grade of chain ?

[unbusted67]

I do not know. I am embarrassed to say I don't know how to find out either.

[Sam Plan B]

I bought a Goiot windlass on ebay. It takes metric chain. Does anyone know of a supplier in the US?

[Kettlewell]

Take a look here for information on identifying the type of chain you have.

[barnakiel]

It will also depend on how you use the chain. If cruising extensively and expecting to sit out in some iffy conditions then max the grade if you cannot or do not want to max the size. If just using the hook to lunch ...

b.

[unbusted67]

Thanks Kettlewell. I looked at the chain and it says WB4 on every link. But there doesn't seem to be any further evidence of what the grade is.

[Wotname]

Maybe it is different in your part of the world but I would be thinking that for general cruising (i.e. not lunch stops on day sails), you would be thinking at least 5/16" and perhaps 3/8" for peace of mind for your size boat.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Thanks Kettlewell. I looked at the chain and it says WB4 on every link. But there doesn't seem to be any further evidence of what the grade is.

Sounds to me like "WB" is the manufacturer, and "4" is the grade -- G40 or high test chain. That's good news. G40 is about 30% stronger than BBB chain (not double as stated in Kettlewell's article).

The bad news is that it's still pretty small for your boat. SWL is only 2600 pounds or so, and Rocna (for example) recommend it for their 10kg anchor. Chain (Rocna Knowledge Base)

I don't think it will kill you, but I would think twice before using it in extreme conditions.

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by Sam Plan B

I bought a Goiot windlass on ebay. It takes metric chain. Does anyone know of a supplier in the US?

Some metric chain is very close to the imperial equivalent and often the gypsies will do both. Take your gypsy off and and see how the chain fits at a chandlery.
I got some very good and reasonably and reasonably priced metric Italian chain recently from the magi group, which may be an option even with a high delivery cost. The chain is better than the usual Chinese offerings.
The only warning is they make the chain to order so it took 3 months to get.

[noelex 77]

Upgrading to G7 would help.

[sailorboy1]

I'm going the other direction; I think it is fine. Most people using bigger chain for the strength probably have something weaker in the system anyway.

I would look more at the shackles etc and other parts of the rode "system" before worrying about the chain size. And of course you aren't going to change the chain size, just maybe upgrade the grade someday.

[marshmat]

If it is 1/4" G40, it can handle 2600 pounds routinely, and should take 7800 pounds to break.

Can every other piece of the system (the windlass bolt backing plates, the snubber cleats, the shackle, etc.) handle three and a half tons without breaking?

Going to heavier chain doesn't make much sense unless the chain is the weakest link in an otherwise sturdy system. If an upgrade is called for, higher-strength chain and a heavy anchor is usually a better bet than heavier chain and a light anchor.

[Katiusha]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

Some metric chain is very close to the imperial equivalent and often the gypsies will do both. Take your gypsy off and and see how the chain fits at a chandlery.
I got some very good and reasonably and reasonably priced metric Italian chain recently from the magi group, which may be an option even with a high delivery cost. The chain is better than the usual Chinese offerings.
The only warning is they make the chain to order so it took 3 months to get.

+1 on Maggi Group - their G7 chain is also sold in the Caribbean, though delivery from Italy might be cheaper.