Anchor chain....

[ean_p]

How critical is the size of chain when it is to be used on a manual and or driven winch.....is 5/16 = to 8mm and is 3/8 ok for 10mm.....does it matter if the chain is galved or not?????

 

[PaulJ]

It would depend on the gypsy - I have a Lofrans windlass on which the chain fits very exactly onto the gypsy and I found it very difficult to find chain that would fit. I have seen "tapered" gypsies which I imagine would be much more tollerant of different sizes of chain. Take your gypsy with you when you buy the chain and try it to make sure that it doesn't snag.

 

[Boathook]

When I made enquiries with Griff Chains (adverts in PBO) they needed to know what make of whinch was being used as it made a difference to the chain size. I thought it was all standard now days .......

 

[billskip]

I have been advised that the chain must be calibrated ..they also seem to sell metric or imperial size gypsie so i think it must be necessary to fit correct size...as said ..get advice from manufacturer..


Happy new year bill

 

[PaulJ]

I mentioned in my previous posting that I had had difficulty in getting suitable chain - in fact it was Griff that I went to in the end and they made me a chain to fit my gypsy..... for a price less than I could by chain "off the shelf" at a chandlery.

 

[aztec]

what's a gypsy?

 

[david_bagshaw]

Galved chain is essential, otherwise you end up with a rusty lump! after a few uses. The big problem is when the galving wears off, leading to mess in the locker & stains on the topsides & deck paintwork .

Others have mentioned the need for a calibrated chain,

David
www.yachtman.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Windlassses have to be set to the correct size chain for them to work properly. Chain comes in different widths ie: 5/16th, 3/8, but chainlinks also vary in length, which is what messes up windlasses. Some companies such as Simpson Lawrence need their own calibrated chain or otherwise the chain will jump every few turns.

 

[PaulJ]

Aztec, a "gypsy" is the wheel on a windlass that engages with the links of the chain - the problem is that the "Teeth" (for want of a better word) on the gypsy have to have exactly the same pitch as the links of the chain otherwise the chain slips. I believe a gypsy is also known as a "wildcat" in some quarters.

 

[HaraldS]

I also have a Lofrans and I remeber that I saw about five or six different gypsy sizes listed in the spares list. So it should be possible to order the right gypsy. Also, saw that when ordering a new windlass, they ask you to specify the chain size.
I think having the right size is very important and more so on a capstan where the chain wrappes around for over 180 degrees.
If the links are shorter than the groves in the gypsy, then the chain will not sink into the gypsy all around and jam, if the links are longer they can get pushed towards each other a bit and would appear to fit, but all the load would be on one link at a time and it would probably start to jump under load.