Anchor chain size help

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Danfarry

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Apologies for another anchor related thread, just purchased a new anchor, the last was too small and in bad condition. I have removed the stickers now too! I think my current chain size is 6mm, in my opinion it looks way too small for the anchor and also the windlass. Would 8mm chain be a better bet, as well as improving holding?

 
The size is determined by the gypsy on the windlass. Take the drum off and the size will be cast in. Chain size has little impact on anchor setting - it is strength that is the main issue. Your windlass and anchor look appropriate, but the chain is not sitting in the gypsy and looks like 6mm and the gypsy is 8. Once you have established the gypsy size buy the appropriate chain. In the unlikely event the chain size is not marked, take the gypsy to the supplier to get a match.
 
Tranona said:
The size is determined by the gypsy on the windlass. Take the drum off and the size will be cast in. Chain size has little impact on anchor setting - it is strength that is the main issue. Your windlass and anchor look appropriate, but the chain is not sitting in the gypsy and looks like 6mm and the gypsy is 8. Once you have established the gypsy size buy the appropriate chain. In the unlikely event the chain size is not marked, take the gypsy to the supplier to get a match.
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I don't have a windlass so have to rely on red corpuscles and muscular fibre - for a 9m sloop what would be the recommended (HUMAN WINDLASS) chain size and Bruce-type anchor; I'm thinking of renewing mine as they are of unknown age.
 
Can you be more specific ie type of boat, existing anchor size? Looks like a Delta anchor
 
The chain certainly looks the wrong size for the Gypsy as the links should fit neatly into the recesses.

Good idea to remove the stickers because you get corrosion marks under them which take years to wear off.

When one says 6mm or 8mm chain etc it is the thickness of the wire ( rod) that we are talking about. Use a Vernier to measure it.

You will need calibrated anchor chain, my chandlery keeps a couple of metres so customers can try a sample of chain around the gypsy to ensure it fits well and does not jam, perhaps you have a chandlery that has some off cuts or samples near by?
 
Bandit, that sounds sensible testing the chain. I will probably dismantle the windlass as well just to double check as suggested above. The current chain does not look right though.

Stickers are off!
 
Robert Wilson said:
I don't have a windlass so have to rely on red corpuscles and muscular fibre - for a 9m sloop what would be the recommended (HUMAN WINDLASS) chain size and Bruce-type anchor; I'm thinking of renewing mine as they are of unknown age.
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Would not bother with a Bruce. Genuine ones no longer available in small sizes and copies are rubbish. good all rounder is a Delta. 10kg would be the right size and 6 or 7mm chain to keep weight down. Plenty strong enough and lighter to handle than 8mm which is often used with a windlass. If you do a lot of anchoring you would be amazed at what good value an electric windlass offers!
 
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Tranona said:
Would not bother with a Bruce. Genuine ones no longer available in small sizes and copies are rubbish. good all rounder is a Delta. 10kg would be the right size and 6 or 7mm chain to keep weight down. Plenty strong enough and lighter to handle than 8mm which is often used with a windlass. If you do a lot of anchoring you would be amazed at what good value an electric windlass offers!
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Yes, you'll be right there; fortunately I don't !

Thanks for the advice
 
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