Anchor connector through narrow fairlead

[prv]

I am now the proud owner of an S100 Spade and a good length of Bradney G40 with enlarged links on the ends. The trouble is, I also have a stemhead fitting with a rather narrow channel for the chain and the shank of the anchor to run through.

EDIT: Problem solved now.

I originally ordered one of Bradney's 2-tonne SWL galvanised shackles with recessed pin (the smallest they do) - but that was miles too large.

I currently have a Wichard 10mm stainless "long dee" shackle from my rigging bag, with the head of the pin sawn off after fitting. This doesn't really fit either - the windlass just about manages to drag it through diagonally, and on lowering the 20kg weight of the anchor is not enough to drag it back out again. (I haven't actually been out since loading the new chain, this is all experimentation on the berth.)

So now I'm looking at specialist anchor connectors like http://www.seamarknunn.com/acatalog...-steel-aisi-316-8-12mm-6096.html#.Ubifb3E-sto . I've been sticking to the principle on this system that nothing should be weaker than the chain, which means I'd need the 8 - 12mm version - Kong's own site says the break load for the 6 - 8mm one is 25kN whereas the chain is 40kN. I don't know yet whether this will fit through the fairlead (going to go down to the boat after work and measure it), but let's assume it does, just.

I then have the problem Vyv has mentioned a couple of times in relation to swivels, where the connector is at risk of being levered open by the anchor shank if pulled sideways, and for which he advises putting two or three links of chain between the anchor and the swivel to allow it to articulate. Obviously I can't do that because I would need to connect that piece of chain to the anchor via a slim connector of some kind...

Not really sure what I'm asking here

I guess I go with the Kong device if it will fit, and assume that any load strong enough to break it sideways will swivel the anchor round into line instead.

If it won't fit, then any pointers to an even narrower fitting (I'll be able to give an actual figure by then) with a break load of 40kN or above, will be welcome. I'm using break load everywhere because not everybody uses the same safety factor on their SWL.

I realise that for a lot of anchor systems the depth of engineering extends no further than "this is the biggest shackle in my bits box that fits", and they don't all pile onto the rocks, but I've spent a lot of money on the anchor and the chain and it seems daft to insert a weaker link in between the two.

Pete

 

[alahol2]

I use one of these as an anchor/chain connector... http://www.s3i.co.uk/rapide_link_unstamped.php

 

[vyv_cox]

First question is whether you want a swivel? If not I would look at the Wichard 17/4 PH countersunk shackles. Some people have said that they are no longer made, or stocked, but recently I was told they are available up to 10 mm and maybe 12 mm. 17/4 PH is one of the few heat treatable grades of corrosion resistant stainless steels and will definitely be stronger than the chain. I use one myself.

With the possibility of lateral loading on connectors I cannot see much point in a non-swivel connector unless it is the only one that will pass through the bow roller.

The SWL quoted by Kong is the bending load with the swivel at 90 degrees to the force, so not directly comparable with the chain SWL.

My iPad cannot cope with Alahol's link but I assume this is a rigging link? I would assume, and have said so in YM some time ago, that these are probably OK, with threadlok, but I would still think there is a possibility that the connecting nut might loosen in some configurations. They would almost fail safe even if it did, so quite probably a good option.

 

[prv]

OK, so I've been and measured the fairlead and it's only 34mm wide. That rules out the Kong connector, and all the 10mm shackles I've seen. However, I have found an 8mm shackle from S3i with a SWL of 10kN and a width of 32mm, so that's what I'm going to go with. I'm assuming a 4:1 safety factor though they don't state one, which makes it equivalent to the chain's 40kN break load.

I would look at the Wichard 17/4 PH countersunk shackles. Some people have said that they are no longer made, or stocked, but recently I was told they are available up to 10 mm and maybe 12 mm.

I assume these are probably Wichard's version of the S3i shackle I've ordered. I can't have a 10 or 12mm one though, they won't fit.

With the possibility of lateral loading on connectors I cannot see much point in a non-swivel connector unless it is the only one that will pass through the bow roller.

The old anchor used a non-swivelling connector that fitted, which is why I thought to use one for the new system. But it seems the old one would have been undersized against the rest of the new system (and quite possibly against the old one).

The SWL quoted by Kong is the bending load with the swivel at 90 degrees to the force, so not directly comparable with the chain SWL.

Nope - they quote both on their site. The direction of the arrow symbols is a little confusing, but they have a key at the top of the page. I was using the "kN breaking load [major axis]" - the "kN breaking load [minor axis]" is much less.

My iPad cannot cope with Alahol's link but I assume this is a rigging link? I would assume, and have said so in YM some time ago, that these are probably OK

Won't fit through the fairlead though - even the 8mm version.

Pete

 

[vyv_cox]

I think it is safe to assume a factor of safety of 4 in shackles not intended for lifting and hoisting, in which case it would be 6. The reality of breaking a 40 kN chain or shackle in anchoring is impossible, your deck cleats would pull out before that.

I had not checked the Kong site for a while, when I last looked they only quoted the lateral strength.

 

[cryan]

Change the bow roller and plate to one that fits your anchoring gear.

 

[prv]

Change the bow roller and plate to one that fits your anchoring gear.

Tail wagging the dog. The stemhead fitting holds the forestay and the pulpit as well as the bow rollers, and apart from being narrow it's quite well constructed. The anchor fits in it very nicely when stowed; in a wider one it might wag from side to side. Replacing it would cost hundreds. The right shackle has just cost about 25 quid.

Pete

 

[cryan]

Sorry misread your post I thought you were unable to purchase gear to fit your bow lead.