Temporary joining of two anchor chains. Best method?

[Franziska]

Hi, we have currently two anchor chains, one with 25m and one with 15m.

So far we have just used a long rope rode with the 15m. The 25m is a new addition.

As we also carry two anchors we like to have maximum flexibility, including the option to join both chains to get a 40m when needed.

What would be the best/safest method to join the chains temporarily when used together.

Shakles with the same breaking load rarely pass through the chain links.
I'm considering splicing in some endless Dyneema loops at the ends and then join with a metal shackle between chains or to the anchor.
I do not trust soft shackles under water.
Good idea? Better ideas?

Anchor windlass is not an issue we'll get passed the splice by hand once the first chain is up.

Please do not suggest to buy another 40m chain in one piece. It's currently not an option.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[Orion Jim]

I believe you want a Campbell connecting link, available in various sizes. A good temporary solution only.

[Muaddib1116]

If you don't need to get through a windlass gypsy, then this might work. I bought one to give myself the option to join two pieces of chain for my stern anchor. It's SWL is as high as the G40 chain it fits.


https://www.westmarine.com/buy/seafi...05_154_002_503

[Muaddib1116]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

I believe you want a Campbell connecting link, available in various sizes. A good temporary solution only.

I thought these were intended to be permanent, since you are supposed to peen over the pin heads.

[deblen]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

I believe you want a Campbell connecting link, available in various sizes. A good temporary solution only.

This ^^

or browse Crosby https://www.thecrosbygroup.com/catal...d-accessories/

[team karst]

2 shackles

[wsmurdoch]

Like post #3, I have a couple of double clevis pin links on board. While I have never used them "in anger" they do pass over my gypsy with only a little protest. Mine are old and are hot dipped galvanized rather than plated. They are in my collection of things that might be useful some day.

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by team karst

2 shackles

Of course.

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Of course.

Sounds simple, but all shackles I found which fit through the chain links have a considerable lower breaking strength than the chain, hence that is not the ideal solution.

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by Muaddib1116

If you don't need to get through a windlass gypsy, then this might work. I bought one to give myself the option to join two pieces of chain for my stern anchor. It's SWL is as high as the G40 chain it fits.


https://www.westmarine.com/buy/seafi...05_154_002_503

That sounds like a good solution. I'll see if I can find one over here in France. Thank you.

[Franziska]

Originally Posted by Orion Jim

I believe you want a Campbell connecting link, available in various sizes. A good temporary solution only.

Thanks, we have those on board, but they are not for a real temporary link on the fly.
We like this connection to be made and unmade whenever we need the longer chain.
Usually we use the shorter chain.

[Franziska]

Any thoughts on the Dyneema loops I proposed in my initial post?

[team karst]

Originally Posted by Franziska

Sounds simple, but all shackles I found which fit through the chain links have a considerable lower breaking strength than the chain, hence that is not the ideal solution.

Go one size up on the shackles. Just the pin goes thru the link. A 3/8” chain takes a 7/16” shackle. Go HDG too.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by team karst

2 shackles

Report back on how that goes through the windlass

To save time....it won't.

[Hudson Force]

My choice in the past was a pair of Crosby shackles. 'just a brief stutter bump over the chain gypsy for my manual windlass.