Lewmar Windlass frustration

[Hillbillybuddha]

I am converting my old manual windlass to a Lewmar V4 Windlass. The install itself is pretty straight forward but the chain recommendations are driving me crazy.

Lewmar suggests that I use 10mm ISO 4565 or 3/8 Campbell S3 (downloaded the Campbell catalog and I don't even see anything marked S3, but I'm assuming Lewmar means The Campbell System 3 chain) Regardless, I can't find either chain near me and I'm in one of the big boating hubs in North America, The Chesapeake Bay.

Lewmar offers 4 different gypsys for the V4 Windlass and I considered getting a different gypsy but every chain they suggest seems no easier to find then the chains they suggest for the gypsy I already have (Lewmar 203)

I'm hoping one or more of you know where I might get metric or Campbell chain near Annapolis? Or, if anyone knows of an equivalent to either of these chains?

My boat currently has about 6 ft of chain and 200 feet of rode, but I'm heading to the Caribbean will need to replace the chain before anchoring anywhere down south.

[sv_pelagia]

If in USA or Canada...

I would think 5/16 G43 chain would be appropriate for 41-ft sailboat. Lewmar Gypsy 201 works for this. Campbell "S4" is G43

[Campbell "S3" is their G30 chain]

If you want 3/8th G43 chain, Lewmar 202

Or are you focussed on metric chain?

[Hillbillybuddha]

Thanks. I think you answered most of my question. I guess, just to clarify, since Lewmar mentions Campbell chain specifically, is there something particular about their grade 3 chain or should ACCO (or another brand's) 3/8 bbb work as well?

[sv_pelagia]

I cannot answer this specifically.

Many here would recommend first trying (buying) a short section of the chain and checking that it works.

I just purchased (last May) all new G43 chain (CMP) for the 3rd time (2 boats, 2 windlasses: 1 Lofrans and current one, Lewmar V3), and "took a chance" (didn't buy a test piece)... each time. Had no issues each time. I may have been luck, or perhaps CMP generally "fits".No idea.

I wonder if G43 has better size quality/consistency than BBB?

[double u]

"Many here would recommend first trying (buying) a short section of the chain and checking that it works."
inconclusive! Chains fitting nicely around a gypsy in the store - may still jump and/or jam when under high load (& this is pretty impossible to simulate in the warehouse) - been there & found this out...

[Hillbillybuddha]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

I wonder if G43 has better size quality/consistency than BBB?

I was reading this article on the pros and cons of each.

https://www.cruisingworld.com/how/yo...-anchor-chain/

[sv_pelagia]

Originally Posted by Hillbillybuddha

I was reading this article on the pros and cons of each.



https://www.cruisingworld.com/how/yo...-anchor-chain/

To clarify, I was wondering whether sizing of G43 was more consistent (more reliable), not which was the better grade.

Personally, I'd rather put more weight at the anchor (a bigger anchor) than on the chain. So G43 would be my choice.

But anything to do with "anchoring" always starts a cufuffle here on CF....

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by sv_pelagia

I cannot answer this specifically.

Many here would recommend first trying (buying) a short section of the chain and checking that it works.

I just purchased (last May) all new G43 chain (CMP) for the 3rd time (2 boats, 2 windlasses: 1 Lofrans and current one, Lewmar V3), and "took a chance" (didn't buy a test piece)... each time. Had no issues each time. I may have been luck, or perhaps CMP generally "fits".No idea.

I wonder if G43 has better size quality/consistency than BBB?

We keep a 20-link section to take to the chandeliers. Totally know your chain and keep a dimension sheet. Campbell is a reputable manufacturer but many sources will have chain to fit your wildcat.