Inox anchor shackles?

Onyva

Onyva

Well-Known Member
Joined
14 Feb 2005
Messages
103
Location
La Vendée, France
Visit site
Apologies for my ignorance but (innox anchor shackles) - a good or a bad thing do you think? It's just that they seem to have the highest WLL, at least in the La Rochelle chandleries....

more expensive than the normal, cheaper galv sort but I have just spent a fortune on 90m new chain! Thanx everybody by the way on previous "Anchor Pain" post - you were a great help and new anchor chain works brilliantly on old windlass. Cheers.
 
Do you mean stainless steel anchor shackles?
 
(Stainless (Inox = Acier inoxydable?) will accelerate the erosion of the galvanizing of the chain and anchor so is a bad idea for long-term use.

Better to use galvanized shackles but beware, they come in 2 types, hot dip galvanized which last for ages and plated (often with Cadmium rather than Zinc) which will be solid rust within weeks. They are easy to tell apart as the plated ones are smooth and shiny with a yellowish tinge but the dipped are rough and dull like chain.
 
I agree. You can use stainless, of course, but I would not leave it made up, long term, because of the potential difference with the zinc on the chain.

Also, a stainless shackle really has to be moused, every time, without fail, which is OK for something made up for a long time but annoying to do every time.
 
There is no problem with ss shackles on galvanised anchor chains that I have come across. Specify them for new builds and have used them for many years on my own boat - the area of the shackle is small compared to the zinc area of the chain (and anchor too if galvanised) so is acceptable in the same manner as one can use a less anodic fastener in a more anodic material without corrosion problems (eg you can safely use a ss fastener in aluminium but not an aluminium fastener in ss). Also ss shackle may be the better choice in the long run for an aluminium anchor and normally specify them for them eg Fortress.

I agree that they must be moused and I would not use one on a permanent mooring where they are always submerged (due to the possibility of the pin working loose or crevice corrosion in anaerobic conditions).

SS shackles are stronger than a galv commercial shackle (sometimes also they are heavier bodied for the same pin size, especially in bow shackles) but I do not think that you can easily (if at all) get individually tested ones such as the green pin galv ones. Also, from what I have seen, some working loads quoted by even some reputable suppliers of marine ss shackles assume a factor of safety of only 2, which I think is misleading for those selecting an untested shackle - but regardless, a ss shackle will be stronger than a commercial galv one (and probably than a tested one too) of the same size.

Generally, assuming a swivel is not used (heaven forbid) the shackle will be the weakest link in the cable even if a tested shackle is used (comparing SWL, breaking may be different), a ss shackle lessens that problem a little.

John
 
The Ships Pussy has it pretty much right. Stainless Shackles are not a problem on an anchor chain.

Problems will occur if they are left submerged but as the anchor comes up and down the system drys out. Corrsion needs the water to make it happen.

Regarding strenths - don't assume Stainless is always stronger than steel. Generally they usually are but NOT always. The strengths are more related to the manufacturer these days and the material quality they use. If you hunt around there are tested Stainless ones of Green (and the rest of the colour range) Pin specifications are out there.

As with most things in this new 'global economy' some are made by companies with good quality control and some (a growing number) are made by companies in massive volumes with questionable quality control.

In Europe I'd pay the extra few $$ and go with Wichard made or aonther European manufacturer, at least you know the material will be good and not be 'recycled'.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I agree. You can use stainless, of course, with the zinc on the chain.

There is no problem with ss shackles on galvanised anchor chains that I have come across.


[/ QUOTE ]

Sorry?? What is again the question?? Inox anchor shackles?

No comments.. but only a simple photo:
CorrosioncristalineR.jpg
 
Hi GMac

Thanks for the comment on tested ss shackles - I think you may be in NZ, if so would appreciate it if you were able to PM me a supplier.

(I am in NZ also -Kapiti Coast, boat in Wellington, going by the "inspections" part of your email address we may even have come across each other, I was Marine & Industrial Safety Inspection Services CEO for a number of years, recovering it for sale).

Regards

John
 
Hi John - no, not yet. Am still in France preparing for a 2 year circumnavigation. Leaving in 3 weeks time!

Don't know wheter we'll get to your part of the world as 2 years is a bit rushed.........
 
bit of a mixed response.....I should probably have added that over the next two years the pick will be in the water for about 18 months - which sounds as if my (acier inoxydaaaaaable) shackle could be a problem........
 
[ QUOTE ]


Sorry?? What is again the question?? Inox anchor shackles?

No comments.. but only a simple photo:
CorrosioncristalineR.jpg


[/ QUOTE ]

[ QUOTE ]
As with most things in this new 'global economy' some are made by companies with good quality control and some (a growing number) are made by companies in massive volumes with questionable quality control.

[/ QUOTE ]

Come on Hylas, one broken shackle does not make it a problem with all of them. If I knew how /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I could post photos of many many more steel ones.

Better take off my stainless anchor and chain as well, I think not!

Like anything, choose it well, use it properly, check it as required and all should be good.

Ships Cat - NZ yes, 'inspections' as in Mooring Inspections not M&I, supplier... me and others here.

/forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Disclaimer sort of thing - we sell stainless, galvanised, black steel, rated and tested steel and stainless, nylon, zinc plated and little brass shackles. I would and do use galv and stainless shackles on my boats happily for many years but then I do know what I'm using and thier limitations just like my chain and anchors. Just to scare you all I even have a nylon shackle on one of my anchors and it works magnificently by breaking when required. /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I bet that's got a few thinking.

I do like these smiley things can't figure the photo bit though.
 
[ QUOTE ]


Come on Hylas, one broken shackle does not make it a problem with all of them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perfectly right Mac..

What about this one??

shackle3.jpg


Do you whant some more?? :0) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Come on Hylas, one broken shackle does not make it a problem with all of them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Do you whant some more?? :0) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Well, 7 swallows do not a summer make, so we clearly need another 6, and your case is made ! /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]


Come on Hylas, one broken shackle does not make it a problem with all of them.

[/ QUOTE ]

Perfectly right Mac..

What about this one??



Do you whant some more?? :0) /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Now that one is a goodie. Out of interest, do we know what was happening when it broke?

No obvious signs of corrosion or deformation, I'm picking either big shock load or poor manufacture at this stage.

But 2 are still not enough to change my mind.
 
As Hylas is certainly aware that shackle was in a permanent mooring in the USA, not an anchor rode. Was documented by the owner on Cruisers Forum with that same photo (plus others) earlier this year. The chain was also ss (304) and the welds in the links on that had also eroded away in the anaerobic bottom conditions. So Hylas is using scare tactics with photos not of the same application.

Given that, I now wonder what his first shackle photo was from?

John
 
On a permanent mooring!!!!!!!!!.. no wonder.

We've run into a few SS chains and some high tensile (grade 70 & 80's) on some we've inspected and 'very scary' is the best that can be said. We had one that was actually fizzing like a glass of coke. The owners 'got a deal' or 'had a mate' and had no idea really. Stuff like that permanently under water is just silly.

Goes back to what I was saying about using "anything" properly. 99% of people who know what's what in the relevant field will gladly help if asked. We help when at all possible be it our gear or not.

The Law of the Sea - help your fellow boatie, we are all out there togeather and one day it might be your turn to ask. Not to mention it might be your boat that gets hit if the guy who had no idea was not given a hand.
 
[ QUOTE ]
As Hylas is certainly aware that shackle was in a permanent mooring in the USA, not an anchor rode. So Hylas is using scare tactics with photos not of the same application.
Given that, I now wonder what his first shackle photo was from?


[/ QUOTE ]

I apologize for my poor English understanding!!.. I was believing the subject was about stainless steel shackles!!..

I didn’t know that these shackles used for anchor rode and those used for moorings behave differently.. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

About the first photo, you are also fully right it is NOT a shackle, but a stainless steel swivel.. (but this time from an anchoring rode..)

So, beware of stainless steel SWIVELS..
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
Hi Hylas

I think you are aware that ss behaves badly in anaerobic conditions (but is not the only metal with that problem eg aluminium) so for normal anchoring that problem does not exist.

I think you use a ss rigging toggle for your own anchor attachment (or at least recommend that instead of a swivel), if ss had special problems in normal anchoring systems such toggles would not be exempt from them. Especially considering the stressed metal at the top end of the toggle where the plate has been folded back for the top swivel pin to sit in.

Am I correct - your Spade anchors are also available in ss? Do they fail /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif?

Regards

John
 
[ QUOTE ]


So, beware of stainless steel SWIVELS..
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Hylas makes a fantastic anchor and has a lot of knowledge regarding anchoring and so forth but I'm sure he ment to say

'So, beware of SOME stainless steel swivels'.

I know of one company who has recommended them to solve some issues with Auto Rope to Chain anchor winches, which they do very well. They have sold over 2000 over the last few years without even one known failure. Mind you they are built to a very high standard and not mass produced or look like the one above.

They definatly don't recommend using stainless swivels on a permenant mooring. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Ya just gotta love these smily things /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top