Grade 30 vs 40 chain?

[Tim Good]

Ok so I have read that Grade 30 comes from China and 40 from Europe. Italy maybe.

Chandlers appear to sell both in tested format. My question... is G40 really necessary for an 8m boat not using a windlass or will 30 be perfectly fine for such a small boat?

Anyone had experience with both?

 

[noelex]

The advantage of higher tensile chain is that for the same strength you can reduce the size the chain. This helps reduce weight this particuarly applies to G70 chain, but there are gains from G30 to G40, although its often only enough to take a chain size from marginal (in G30) to OK in (G40).
If you can reduce the size, more chain can be carried for the same weight, or a larger anchor can be used. On an 8m boat if you don't have a windlass the weight savings are particarly attractive.

Most chain is from china these days and most boats manage OK with it, but European chain has a better reputation for quality control. Lower grades are more likely to Chinese, but really the grade and place of manufacture are separate things.

When I replaced my chain recently I went for Italian G70 chain, but I anchor over 300 days a year so the gear needs to keep me safe.

 

[Tim Good]

Ok so you're suggesting that I might be best looking for 7mm Grade 40 chain rather than 8mm Grade 30 chain which is basically the equivalent strength?

That sounds ideal I suppose considering my boat only weighs in at 2T.

 

[noelex]

Ok so you're suggesting that I might be best looking for 7mm Grade 40 chain rather than 8mm Grade 30 chain which is basically the equivalent strength?

That sounds ideal I suppose considering my boat only weighs in at 2T.

You don't say in your post, or profile, what type of boat, or what conditions you anchor in. Windage etc can make a big difference, but 6mm G40 should be OK.

I cruised in a 2T yacht (nominal displacement, I think we had that much again in supplies) quite a few years ago and used to anchor in some very exposed areas with 6mm chain. Some of the anchorages were close to 20m deep and coral dictated an all chain rode, so chain weight was critical with no windlass available.

 

[Tim Good]

You don't say in your post, or profile, what type of boat, or what conditions you anchor in. Windage etc can make a big difference, but 6mm G40 should be OK.

Fair point.

It is a Beneteau 26 so approx 2T. I'm on the south coast at the moment so that's no problem but next year will be in the Bristol Channel hence wanting to upgrade by 10m of 8m chain and 30m of warp to 30m of chain and the 30m of warp on top.

So I have Grade 30 8mm now but wondering based on this feedback if I should consider 30/40m of 6/7mm Grade 40 instead.

 

[TSB240]

I managed to get 30M of 8mm high tensile galvanised chain from a local chain hoist and lifting gear specialist. It only cost me £25 quid

Ok it second hand but I think my brand new Kong anchor swivel will probably fail before the chain does.

My boats design weight is 2912lbs but is probably nearer 3500 with all the gear and the stores full.

Regularly use anchor in similar tidal conditions in North Wales

 

[Avocet]

I thought heavy chain was good though? (at least from the perspective of keeping the pull on the anchor as close to horizontal as possible). Otherwise, we'd all be better off with nylon, wouldn't we?

 

[Tim Good]

I thought heavy chain was good though? (at least from the perspective of keeping the pull on the anchor as close to horizontal as possible). Otherwise, we'd all be better off with nylon, wouldn't we?

I think the point Noelex was making is that 40m of 6m is better than 30m of 8mm if they weight the same and are the same strength providing the 6mm is grade 40.

Its probably not a straight line graph. I mean even if the thinner chain was lighter than more light chain could be better than less heavy chain to give a better horizontal pull? I.e. length is better than weight.

Don't quote me on that I'm just guessing for the point of the debate.

 

[vyv_cox]

I thought heavy chain was good though? (at least from the perspective of keeping the pull on the anchor as close to horizontal as possible). Otherwise, we'd all be better off with nylon, wouldn't we?

This subject has been calculated by some and observed by many. Once the wind strength reaches more than about force 6 the effects of catenary disappear and the rode will be straight or very nearly so, regardless of rode composition. Even adding weight, in the form of an angel or something similar, has very little effect in stronger winds. From this point of view yes, we would be better off with nylon other than a shortish length of chain to rub on the seabed for most of the time.

However, there are plenty of other considerations, including the fact that boats on rope rodes tend to move great deal more than those on chain, leading to collisions in tight anchorages, warp wraps around keels and props, higher wear rates, etc.

 

[vyv_cox]

Ok so I have read that Grade 30 comes from China and 40 from Europe. Italy maybe.

Not entirely true. The vast majority of chain sold in UK chandleries comes from China. The two big suppliers are Bainbridge and Navimo, both sourced in China. However, G30 and G40 chain is still made in Italy, France and the Netherlands, possibly others also. I have been told by a UK chain dealer, confirmed by my own experience, that Italian chain can be worse than Chinese. The galvanising on mine was completely lost in three seasons.

Your best bet is to buy from a good UK supplier, e.g. Jimmy Green or Island Chain and some others. I have not dealt with Griff Chain but I understand them to make their chain in UK and to be good to deal with. Bradney chain import smaller sizes from China after suitable proof testing. Any of these would replace defective or faulty chain if necessary.