Everything I read about Cromox seems to be complimentary. Some people have used it for years without really carrying out any maintenance other than occasionally washing it. Most galvanising lasts around three years if used frequently in warm climates.
Given chain failure of any kind is so rare it would be useful if the poster provided more information about thye failure.
I don't see how you can say the ss chain is the weakest link. There has been no mention of chain size or sizer of boat. It is most likely that the 10m of chain is over rated in strength compared to the rope, anchor itself or deck fixing. specially considering anchoring is in itself an unreliable attachment to the bottom. ol'will
But you are sensitive to the issues. If you used galvanised chain, same size as the stainless, you could follow the same practice as you use fr the stainless, wash at end of season, hang up in your airing cupboard to dry, and it would last your lifetime. If the gal was a bit thin you would soon see the problem - the stainless weaknesses tend to be invisible (until they aren't)
. Unless ones chain matches the anchor and is on public display stainless is a waste of money. Gal chain used frequently, live aboard, will last 4 years (typical life time of live aboard chain on PBO and CF). Used infrequently, only in the summer maybe a few overnights - it will last for ever if you wash it and keep the chain locker sweet smelling.I would hope the rope would be at least as strong as the chain, or stronger. I also think it more likely some one would be careful of their choice of rope - there are few ways of being careful about stainless chain - except seeing a test certificate for the specific batch.
It was an offcut. We’re ok with the weight, cruising. A serious race we’d just take the kedge, like other MOCRA multis. It is now 2 seasons old. I am the crew, Mrs C steers during retrieval. Not that she’s shy or weak, but ladies hands were not made for ingrained Solent mud. It is lighter than the galv it replaced, and it’s always all on the bottom. Anchorplait spliced on, wired shackle to the anchor. All of it still very shiny.But you are sensitive to the issues. If you used galvanised chain, same size as the stainless, you could follow the same practice as you use fr the stainless, wash at end of season, hang up in your airing cupboard to dry, and it would last your lifetime. If the gal was a bit thin you would soon see the problem - the stainless weaknesses tend to be invisible (until they aren't)
There is a widespread assumption that stainless is tough (because being stainless it is surely tough) its not. If you are lucky it will not rust - but otherwise its not much different in toughness terms, to G30. I know which is cheaper.
For Chiara I'd be speaking to Jimmy Green and buying a new length, 10m of the next size down G70. It will save weight (and room in the locker). Swap 10mm to 8mm or 6mm for 8mm. G70 will give you similar UTS as the G30 it replaces. Fit the anchor shackle when you buy the chain - you will find one to fit (see my thread on shackles a few weeks ago).
I'm assuming you deploy and retrieve by hand - gypsies are extortionate. If you do retrieve by hand the crew will support the move to down size - the weight savings make rode retrieval a pleasure.
Jonathan
"statistics" do not really come into it. The important thing with rare events like this is to get more information about the circumstances. The poster in ~31 gave some information but admitted to being confused. Maybe details such as boat, make and size of chain, anchor, mode of failure etc would help. 35 knots of wind is not much and certainly not enough to result in loads that would challenge sound chain.
Jonathan, I think your fetishes are getting the better of you. When you posted your response, you knew absolutely nothing about Chiara's chain, except that it was stainless and 10mm.
I’m just wondering what else he can tell about our boat, from 10 000 miles away.
What about the fact that stainless chain is far less likely to pile up under the windlass? It’s one of the major reasons people buy the stuff from what I’ve read on here and elsewhere.
Interesting, thanks for the post. Can you tell us any more about the chain/context? Age of chain, grade, condition, diameter? Did you have a snubber deployed? Was the anchorage inflicting a violent snatching when it broke? Did it break near the anchor or mid chain? Any information helps to set the scene. Thanks.
Its a hefty price to pay for self stowing chain (when most people with a problem use a stick to knock the, gal, chain towers over.
Good gal chain will not rust until its about 3 - 4 years old. If its 10m long its hardly a major investment to buy new. If you have a fetish you would not use a worn mainsail - why does anyone expect a chain protected by a 70 micron gal coating to last ..... for ever?
I wonder what people learn about your chain unless you tell us at the outset, not later when you realise your parsimony with details.
Exactly.