CHAIN SIZE - WHAT DO YOU RECKON?

alisdair4

alisdair4

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 Jan 2004
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Isle of Bute
midnightdrifter.net
I am based in Germany, and my boat is in Scotland. I am considering fitting a windlass and asked the yard manager at Ardmaleish to measure it (as I want to order the windlass beforehand and fit it during Easter hols. However, he excelled himself and sent a photograph, rather than a measurement. I would like to send it for a "squad average". FWIW, I think it is 8mm!

MDChain1.JPG
 
could also be 3/8".which is 9.5mm, which is what I have on my #33000lb 45ft ketch.

Also I agree that if you are fitting a new windlass, then you should also order the correct calibrated chain as recommended by the windlass manufacturer.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Windlasses require calibrated chain It is usual to buy particular chain for particular windlasses.

[/ QUOTE ]


Yep, I suggest relegating the existing chain back to the kedge and buying new - it is different for different windlass manufacturers.
Incredible but true.
 
It's almost certainly 8mm short link chain; the inside dimension would be 24mm plus twice the wire gauge of 8mm gives that 40mm link length. However, I wouldn't consider buying a windlass without taking the chain to the gypsy or the gypsy to the chain.
 
This is irrelevant.
He needs to:-
1. Not use the existing chain unless it is calibrated and type rated for the new windlass.
If not...
2. Decide on the size of new chain.
3. Buy a windlass with matching chain.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I am based in Germany, and my boat is in Scotland.

[/ QUOTE ]

You'll need a bl**dy long bit of chain! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
DIN or ISO chain?

What is DIN or ISO chain, actually writing it jolted me to ISO as in international standard, is that right, if so, what is DIN, other than dual-in-line I have not come across that one.
 
Chain for small craft meets certain standards. DIN 766 is the German version which seems to be widely quoted and is often stamped on the windlass gypsy. It specifies the standard to which the chain is made, including the tolerences in the link size, hence its importance for chain used on a windlass.
Chain for small craft is made to BS 7160, but BS 6405 is also quoted often. The International equivalents of BS 7160 :1990 are ISO 4565 and EN24565.
No doubt there are other standards and sub-standards.
Isn't bureaucracy a wonderful thing?
 
Just so, and if your calibrated chain, which costs a bit more than regular chain, is not absolutely what the windlass considers compatible, it will seize up on first try! So, back to the handbook!

9.5mm looks very heavy - only suitable for a pretty substantial vessel - the weight along with the anchor would be formidable.

PWG
 
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