rusting anchor shackle & chain

[FairweatherDave]

Thanks for that.

So, my original question; given that I don't anticipate anchoring in severe weather, or using a chain gypsy, how inadequate is the strength of a decent shackle (of which I have plenty) for linking chain?

I realise that relying on anything but a costlier solution (such as replacing the whole rode) is for fair weather only; but I'll endeavour not to be at sea at all if it's blowing hard.

Hi Dan
Is this still for the Osprey, or have I missed something? I'm sure you know this but most dinghy cruisers only go for a short length of chain (the length of the boat) before rope rode. Your definition of a decent shackle is a bit open but I can't see any issue with decent size ideally galvanised shackles (moused) joining chain (other than a lump to get over the bow roller). Any boat on a mooring is relying on a shackle somewhere in the set up.

 

[Poignard]

...

Its easy - but I cut chain with bolt croppers

Jonathan

And, you won't have tiny specks of steel flying all over the place; ready to rust and disfigure your deck (and, even worse, your neigbours')

 

[vyv_cox]

Tecni may be cheaper but

I did want to say so

But you have taken the words, almost, out of my mouth.

I trust Vyv's work, without question - but could not quite steel myself to use one (no pun intended).

Irrationally,

Jonathan

Thanks for the trust

Years ago, before I knew anything about such matters, I joined three or four lengths of chain with chandlery bought C-links. I anchored on the chain for a number of years with no issues at all. Only after carrying out the test work did I realise what I had been doing and scrapped the chain. One of the C- links was not even the same size as the chain, having a longer link length, but had been passing through a windlass many times.

 

[Greenheart]

Is this still for the Osprey? ...most dinghy cruisers only go for a short chain (the length of the boat) before rope rode.

I actually bought five metres of 6mm chain about five years ago with exactly the set-up you describe, in mind...and as yet, I've never dropped the anchor. But when twenty metres of rather tired chain (less far-gone than Steve's) came my way, I adopted it. I also have a king-size fender I found on a beach at Totland in 1996. Not ideal for the Osprey, but I like it.

I can't see any issue with decent size ideally galvanised shackles (moused) joining chain (other than a lump to get over the bow roller).

Thanks Dave, that'll be my solution. :encouragement:

...if you have an angle grinder you are more than a non diy'er than you admit. (They must be the most dangerous tool in a DIY'ers toolbox)

Echo that. Great bit of kit, but use with care. And goggles.