Snapped Steering Chain

[Jon magowan]

Just been watching a YouTube channel were their steering chain snapped during an Atlantic crossing. On inspection the chain had several defective links. They suggested that the steering chain should be changed every 10 years.
What is the sailing wisdom on this ? This is my first boat and I never considered that the steering needed anything other than a cursory check from time to time.
My boat is a Bavaria 33 and the chain looks very robust and over engineered but I realise how critical steering is, so am very happy to take advice on the subject !
Is it like standing rigging, it will probably last for very much longer but we still feel 10 years is a safe compromise?

Very many thanks to all.

 

[garymalmgren]

I saw that video too.
When you consider the loads (rain, sand, heat, speed, torque) that a motorcycle chain is subjected to and how often a motorcycle chain actually breaks (very rare), my guess is that that chain was very very low quality.
If in doubt, change over to some quality Japanese D.I.D. chain.
Not saying that the steering chain shouldn't be checked, but........

 

[Fr J Hackett]

I watched a video recently of someone attacked by Orcas, they snapped two chains the guy carried 4 spare chains. I have always had an aversion to chain and or cable steering preferring torque tubes since sailing on a yacht where the cable jumped of the transfer wheel and getting it rretensioned and realigned took a full morning with two of us.

 

[penberth3]

Just been watching a YouTube channel were their steering chain snapped during an Atlantic crossing. On inspection the chain had several defective links. They suggested that the steering chain should be changed every 10 years.....

"Defective links" should be obvious long before they reach the point of failure. Regular visual inspection is a good start. The usual things, wear, corrosion and security of the end fixings. not much else to go wrong.

 

[Roberto]

This was mine, I found it like that during a preventative revision of the whole steering (which I made once in 20 years), the chain was the original one so probably 30yo at the time. I might probably check it again in 10 years time, the problem is not all the chain is visible once one takes off the compass from the steering column, this half broken link was near one of the two extremities so not visible from outside. The usual contorsions are needed to take off the cables, pull them out of the pedestal, then it all comes out covered in grease and it s quite a mess.

 

[Tradewinds]

Bit clearer.