This past weekend we performed a bit of maintenance on our windlass, which controls the anchor chain. Our boat only has 5 meters of anchor chain, so we need to buy more chain (the rest is rope). When you purchase chain, it is helpful to buy chain that fits your windlass. Figuring out which chain is right for our windlass has been a challenge, as we don’t have a manual and there isn’t anything on the windlass other than the manufacturer name (Lofrans) to tell us what model / size. We thought that if we took off the gypsy – the part that the chain rolls through – that it would have markings on it somewhere indicating exactly what the size requirements were. No such luck. But, as with all small projects on a boat, we discovered that there were parts that needed replacing and that the whole windlass needed service.
In terms of which chain to buy, we haven’t decided. There is stainless steel, which has the benefit of being smooth and falling down into the anchor box well (this might be an important consideration, we aren’t sure how the chain will fit when we have all 50 meters). For strength, galvanized steel can have better holding power (unless you buy REALLY expensive stainless); but you need to ensure that you get a chain with good quality / thickness in the coating. Otherwise a cheap thin layer of coating can result in a chain rusting very quickly.
There is also “high test” chain, which is stronger and can be taken a size smaller which will save both weight and space in the anchor box; but then we have to buy a new gypsy for our windlass. Decisions, decisions. What would you buy?
