Attaching anchor to its chain?

[Poignard]

(...)
I would not introduce a stainless link or shackle between a galvanised anchor and galvanised chain. I have had a serious loss of galvanising from my chain doing this (admittedly after leaving my boat anchored for four weeks).

Neither would I use one. I have had the end of my chain rust when I used a s/s shackle. Now I use a galvanised shackle seized with galvanised wire and there's no problem.

 

[Neeves]

There are a couple of swivels that seem reliable, Kong being one of them, maybe also an Ultra. Most swivels are unbranded and are the type of which failure is not uncommon, see Vyv's website. To use an unreliable component in the rode simply to turn an anchor though a maximum of 180 degrees when Norman's bent link will do it for you - looks ludicrous.

A swivel will not take twists out of a chain if any of the chain is sitting on the seabed. So if you are drifting round and round in light winds - the swivel will do nothing for you. I tested a stainless swivel and it takes 6.5 x 360 degree twists in a 10m length before there is enough torque to overcome the friction of the swivel. Virtually all twists will unravel when you lift the anchor, you might be left with one or half a twist when the anchor reaches the bow roller. Norman's bent link, a broom handle - or invest in an more expensive Kong are solutions - but these cheap stainless, unbranded swivels - you are asking for trouble. You then double the trouble when you attach the swivel direct to the anchor.

Jonathan

 

[steve yates]

I think I'll just get a galvanised shackle and seizing wire, thx all.

 

[Spi D]

The self-turning swivel works. Never had an issue with it but must say that we use anchor only for short(ish) stops.

 

[LadyInBed]

I use ss shackle to join anchor but I sleeve it both ends with plastic tube.
The tube seeme to last surprisingly long, I anchor more than I use marinas.

 

[NormanS]

The self-turning swivel works. Never had an issue with it but must say that we use anchor only for short(ish) stops.

That is exactly how my bent link works, with no swivel.

 

[macd]

That is exactly how my bent link works, with no swivel.

Thanks. That was my thought on first seeing the video: it looked as though the half-turn was caused by the crank in the connector aligning with the roller, rather than any swivel action.

 

[Neeves]

And based on Norman's idea we built one ourselves, that does not need any welding skills - sorry its been posted before/

No moving parts

http://www.mysailing.com.au/cruising/how-to-boomerang-you-anchor-right-back-at-you

Operates as per the video, cheap to make.

Some popularity here, a like minded group got together had 20 of them laser cur, batch galvanised.

Jonathan

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

see.... Vyv's post 36 here http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?387757-Anchor-Swivel/page4


I use this Osculati type with 8mm chain as I was constantly getting the Rocna loading up backward with a twisted chain on my previous boat, but as yet still want to put 3 x 10mm chain links between anchor and swivel.

Anyone got 3 x 10mm links? :numbness:

S.

 

[GrahamM376]

We use a Kong swivel, 3 chain links then attach the anchor with a forged stainless shackle with countersunk pin. Much easier to rotate the anchor on the swivel to get it pointed the right way.

 

[Neeves]

If you use Norman's bent link the anchor is automatically rotated - no human intervention needed.

First time, every time

You can also do the whole procedure from the helm.

Jonathan