Chain stopper for anchor chain

[sbrin]

I am thinking about my fall projects (already!) and would like to install an anchor chain stopper ( I have 5/16 chain). Ones I see listed range from $9 to over $200. Thus, am interested to hear what brands people have on their boats and how they have held up.


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[Catalpa1]

$20 galvanised chain hook and a piece of 16mm braided line. Four years and still going strong!


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[noelex 77]

Maxwell and Muir are the best, but are the most expensive.

The thin plate Stainless steel, cheap, generic versions seem OK, but I have some lingering doubts if they could bend and jam under extreme conditions which would be a nightmare.

As suggested by the previous poster some rope and chain hook, or even better a soft shackle is cheap and with the latter option it can always be cut. However these don't grip automatically like a chain stopper which acts as a one way valve like a rope clutch. This is very handy if you have to lift the anchor by hand.

[sbrin]

Appreciate the inputs. I use a snubber now and plan to continue, but the stopper would help to hold the chain while "snubbed" and keep the anchor in the bow roller a bit more securely. Has any person using the less expensive ones and if so, how is it holding up?


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[bobofthenorth]

We use a bridle on an Ultra hook and love it. About 80% of the time it will self trip off the chain when it hits the bow roller on retrieval. That's a really nice bonus that I never expected. I suppose a slotted plate would do that too.

R.J.(Bob) Evans
www.travellingwithgeorge.blogspot.com

[roverhi]

This is about the best price for a strong chain stopper. Anchor Accessories

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by sbrin

Appreciate the inputs. I use a snubber now and plan to continue, but the stopper would help to hold the chain while "snubbed" and keep the anchor in the bow roller a bit more securely. Has any person using the less expensive ones and if so, how is it holding up?

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A snubber is no substitute for a chain stopper or other secure means of belaying the chain. To be effective as a snubber, your snubber needs to be light enough to be stretchy. So it will be far less strong than your chain. Your ground tackle is only as strong as the weakest link.

[olivert]

In the UK at least, an agricultural merchant is the place to go for a chain hook - half the price and excellent quality every time

[pupuce]

As for me, I had this stainless steel piece made, for an average coast of 20 euro.
It is fastened to the cleats with two ropes (I'm using a 8mm chain, but it may be made for a bigger one)

[Tory Salvia]

After considerable research on chain stoppers, finding models priced from a few dollars to over $400, I determined my basic requirement would be a cast fitting rather than a stamped fitting to insure strength. I ended up purchasing two Lewmar chain stoppers, model 66840069 from Defender for $50USD each. These are heavy, cast SS units that accomodate 1/4 to 3/8 inch chain (I have 5/16).

Chain from two anchors runs thru the stoppers to a horizontal Lofrans Tigris power windlass that was the impetus for installing the stoppers. Forward of the new stoppers, a link of each chain is secured by a lock pin, then attaches to the anchors with swivels.



Previously the boat had a manual Simpson-Lawrence windlass. Once anchored, I always attached at least one snubber line to the chain, secured to a bow cleat. I decided to add the chain stopper to protect the windlass before and after I detach the snubber. The stoppers are thru-bolted to the deck and have safety lanyards for the pins.



I'm about to complete wiring of the new windlass system. And with spring's arrival will shortly be testing it out. I plan on editing a video of the new windlass installation.