Anchor chain specifications

[johnkeith]

I need to buy anchor chain for my boat but I'm a bit confused by the different specifiactions. Chandler's sites in the UK refer to DIN 766, whereas books on the subject talk about Hi-test and BBB. Is DIN 766 the British equivilant of Hi test? I'm thinking about using 6mm chain as my boat is fairly light displacement (Albin Vega 27) and my anchor is a 7.5kg Bruce. Any relevant advice appreciated. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Salty John]

DIN 766 is Grade 30 short link, suitable for most windlasses. Hi-Test in the UK is Grade 40 (or 4) (BS EN 818-3), short link. BBB is also short link chain but seems to be more difficult to get hold of now. My choice has always been Hi-Test (Gr.40) because I use all chain and I can use a smaller, more flexible, size for the same safe working load. 6mm G4 would be fine for your boat, although I'd rather see a 10 - 12 kg Bruce or CQR.

 

[johnkeith]

Thanks thats very helpful- BUT can't find a supplier of that type of chain on the internet - any ideas?

 

[Rick]

Due to it's weight, buying chain over the net is not likely to yield big savings. Also US chain uses different link sizes to almost everywhere else - here in Aus lots of US cruising boats ending up buying new anchor winches when they change chain, as you cannot buy US length (typically BBB) chain here.

There is now lots of Chinese made chain on the Aus market, but in Brisbane, locally made test chain is comparable in price and what I switched to to fix my anchor windless problems. Suspect similar may apply to the UK market?

 

[Salty John]

Try www.williamhackett.co.uk They manufacture chain and can probably tell you where to get Grade 40.

 

[GMac]

HT and BBB are US sized chains and not commonly available outside the US. HT is a G40 and the BBB a proof coil close to G30. If you're in Scotland don't even consider them as options.

You want a DIN766/A standard chain. 7mm would be fine or 8mm if you want a bit extra strength and holding. Going to a G4 6mm will mean you loss a lot of the good stuff chain does. Going to a 6mm means only 20kg per 100mts saving, not worth the extra drama and cost.

MAKE SURE IT IS THE SIZE FOR YOUR WINCH IF YOU HAVE ONE. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

Don't bother with a EN G4, it is far in excess of what you need and all you will be doing is giving money away.

If your boat can exert more than 2500kg on your anchor chain, your anchor hold more than and etc, I'm one of the Queens Corgis. Minimum 2500kg break on a 7mm DIN. 3200kg on a 8mm.

There is a crowd how do lots of mooring stuff over there called Eye Co, or very similar. Try them and tell them you want some of the DIN766/A short link. I know they carry italian stuff which is very good and to spec. They are on the Interweb.

7.5kg will make a nice 2nd anchor, cause you wanted 2 at least don't you . I'd think 10kg area. Consider some of the new designs. CQR, Delta, Bruce are all OK but there is better.