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Anchor chain source for quality

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Pascal, Jan 19, 2019.

  1. Pascal, Jan 19, 2019
    #1
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Miami, FL
    i need to replace the 3/8 BBB chain on one of our windlasses. It s badly rusted to the point where it skips under load.

    Every source I find seems to carry Acco chain. Even though we rinse it every time I never seem to get more than 3 to 4 years before it turns rusty. Anything better? Or is that the way it is supposed to be.
  2. Capt Ralph, Jan 19, 2019
    #2
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Southeast rigging in Jax has been a source for my chain orders. There is a shop in Orlando.
    I call with a size and explain it's marine windlass chain, they ask Chinese or American, I answer that with what will last longer this week. Sadly, it's mostly the Chinese chain.
    We finally put 3/8 chain rode on our Bert. Year later still looks new.
  3. Pascal, Jan 19, 2019
    #3
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    I wouldn’t use Chinese chain... i am just wondering if there is better made in the US than ACCO. The chain is original to the boat (2009) but the previous owner didn’t anchor much. We anchor probably 200 times a year and in 2 1/2 the chain on the starboard windlass is done even though we rinse it every time. The chain in the port windlass (smaller anchor i never use) is still rust free
  4. AFranklin, Jan 19, 2019
    #4
    AFranklin

    AFranklin New Member

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    Sadly, no. Magi was distributing to the US but from what I've heard the recent batches have been worse than Acco.

    We just bought 250' of 1/2" Acco, expect it to last maybe 4 years swapping end for end. It's sad...
  5. Seasmaster, Jan 19, 2019
    #5
    Seasmaster

    Seasmaster Senior Member

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    I recently bought 300' of Magi Aqua 4 chain. Preston said the prior problems were on the Aqua 7 line. The chain looks good, and I guess time will tell. But, I rinse the chain with fresh water as I raise it. Old Navy habits die hard!! Maybe I'm just too '****' about it. . . LOL
  6. Capt Ralph, Jan 19, 2019
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    The numbers are close and after years of passing it on, no complaints.

    I will ad this, all seek the big numbers, anchor chain really never comes close to the working load specs.
  7. Capt Fred, Jan 20, 2019
    #7
    Capt Fred

    Capt Fred Senior Member

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    The trouble I have with the Chinese stuff is its conformity to the physical dimensions. I purchased 5/16 ISO G3 with is what is require for the windlass and it hangs up in the winch when retrieving. No rust so far, only dropped a few times. Personally I thought the ACCO is better quality wise for conformity and service life.
  8. Capt Ralph, Jan 20, 2019
    #8
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    I could not ask for a better fit on my LaFrans .
    Another customer has a GallyMaid on his Hatteras, another perfect fit.