Advice Request- Anchor Swivel or Shackle

rudolph_hart

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Connecting a 15Kg Delta Anchor to 8mm chain, which should I use and why?

(I worry that a swivel could be the weak link?)

Thanks in advance

I have exactly the same ground tackle as you (but I think your Delta may be 16kg). I have long s/s shackle on anchor shank, then 4 links of chain, then swivel. Attaching swivel to shank can cause strain when boat swings to change of tide, as the swivel can jam in the shank slot, causing a sideways pull on it.
 

Seajet

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Why are you using a swivel on an anchor ?

It IS the weak point, ( though that's regarding proper moorings, surely an anchor will drag long before a swivel is overstressed, unless the anchor is fouled in severe conditions ) - unnecessary unless planning to stay anchored a while.

Normally with each change of tide an anchor will 're-set' itself in the new direction, this is a temporary arrangement not a mooring.
 
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prv

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Why are you using a swivel on an anchor ?

Some people use them because their CQR-style anchor has a tendency to arrive on the roller upside down when hauled up with a windlass. The swivel allows it to roll over so the flukes hang down.

My suggestion was for the OP to see whether he has this problem before trying to solve it.

Pete
 

vyv_cox

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Good swivels are stronger than shackles and are most definitely not the weakest point. When I carried out destructive tests on a large number of them (shown here) the connectors tested were all 8 mm, whereas all the shackles were at least 10 mm, a couple were bigger. As can be seen in the plots, many of the connectors were as strong or stronger than 8 mm chain, whereas many of the shackles were seriously weaker.

Many people decide on a connector because a shackle will not pass through the cheeks of the roller. Whether you choose to have a swivel or not is a matter for your preference but if you buy a Kong or Osculati one you can be assured that it will not break. If you choose to use a shackle select a 10 mm stainless steel one from a good manufacturer. My preference is Wichard, who were making one in 17/4PH, a particularly good grade of heat-treatable stainless.
 
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