Stainless chain

[seaesta]

Anyone used stainless chain?

I use a 1/4 inch / 6mm galv mild steel chain to secure to my mooring buoy and have to replace the last four feet of the chain each year as the galvanising erodes and the chain then causes rust staining.

I suspect there may be problems because the chain will loose its passivated surface. Anyone tried this ? Anyone know a good UK supplier ?

Martin

 

[dickh]

Not sure tghis is a good idea - stick to Galvanised, maybe next size up? and it will probably last 2 years.
Try www.griffchains.co.uk

dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[hylas]

I'm fully against stainless steel chains..
Like all stainless steel equipment, stainless steel chain can develop "cristalisation" phenomena, mostly at the level of the welding of each link.. and will break like glass.. without warning!
yes, it looks beautifull.. But...

 

[snowleopard]

mixed metals...

stainless in contact with galvanised steel sets up a galvanic cell which removes the galvanising in very short order so you'd have to replace all the fittings & fastenings.

 

[Gunfleet]

You can get an anode for you galvanised chain if this is a big problem

 

[steve_cronin]

Some use it for anchor chains....

Last November in Hydra a Riva motor yacht moored next to us. Surprisingly (I agree about the galvanic action when used under water) it had stainless anchor chain. They must have solved the problem. Also in Key West a few years back ALL the mooring risers on sale at West Marine were stainless chain.I brought a few back for taffrail lower wire replacements. Looked good AND were much more comfortable to sit on!

Steve Cronin

 

[seaesta]

Does bigger chain have thicker galv? If not how will a bigger chain make any difference - other than costing more?

 

[Trevor_swfyc]

The galvanising would be the same but the chain would last longer if it was thicker/heavier. The 6mm chain sounds very light for a riser chain I would recommend 1/2" riser and 3/4" ground chain for up to 27ft yacht.
The way to make the riser chain last almost indefinitly is to pass it through plastic tube and use a chain through type buoy. On the lower end of the riser between the chain and shackle bolt on an old pear anode. Coat the chain in waxoyl and fit a gaiter to the chain lower end of plastic pipe. My riser is now 5 years old and is untouched/no wear, note I do inspect it each year. The anode stops cathodic loss and the plastic tube stops the chain shaking and wearing, the gaiter keeps the sand and grit out and the waxoyl in. Another bonus is the chain cannot damage the boat.
Works for me!
Trevor.