Bow shackles

(...) they were the only company who refused to submit samples for testing, (...)

by whom?

If it's you for, I would happily offer you a few links of my Griff chain to test but I have a enlarged large link at each end so I don't want to cut it.

Anyway, it probably doesn't matter how good it is in my case because I have one of the universally-loathed 'genuine CQR' anchors attached to it so the the chain is never likely to get loaded. :D
 
I too have a 20+ ton boat (Bruce Roberts 53) and am in the process of fitting a new windlass which will require a new chain. I have pretty much decided on 10mm Aqua 7 chain from http://www.aquachain.it/pagina/en/14/AQUA-7.aspx. which has a similar strength to 12mm G40/13mm G30.
I spoke to them about the shackles and they have offered suitable end links and shackles, although they are a tad vague on exactly what the shackles are other than they match Aqua 7 strength wise. The only info I have for them is a very poor quality pdf/photocopy from a catalog, they look huge with an overall width of 80mm and a pin diameter of 26mm.

I don't seem to be able to upload the document but if you give me an email address I will sent it
 
Thank you everyone so far.

I quite like the look of the Ultra Flip Swivel - it seems a very neat solution, very secure and of course has a swivel component.

Does anyone have any specific experience or thoughts generally?
 

I tested 13 chains in all from a variety of sources, about two years ago. Big mail-order chandleries, small local ones, Bradney, William Hackett, Island Chains etc. Every one was most helpful, some providing several 1.5 metre samples of chain and much useful information. I contacted Griff Chains in exactly the same way as many of the others by e-mail, their initial response was that they would have to think about it. They did not reply to any further requests.
 
That's a shame. I would be interested to know how the last remaining British chainmaker's products compared with imports.

I can't see why they would have anything to hide, as you suggest. The chain I bought fitted the windlass perfectly and the welds seem fine. I know that's a long way from conclusive but a firm like that has many more customers besides yachtsmen and I'm sure if their chain was no good, word would have got around.

I see that the Aqua chain sold by Jimmy Green is claimed to be proof-tested. I wonder if Griff's is.
 
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