Going all chain

be_prepared said:
Dean, I have 125' 5/16" chain and another 125' 5/8" nylon backing. If you've ever done an eye splice, it's really not much harder to do a chain to 3 strand splice. However, there are a couple different schools of thought on the splice.
Some splices use all three strands through the chain link, with one passing through in one direction and two passing thru the opposite, for full strength, but the splice is a slightly larger diameter than the original line.
Others only put 2 through the chain and lay the strands back into the missing gap from the 3rd removed strand to reduce the diameter of the spliced section so it passes through your windlass easier. Obviously you weaken the breaking strength if only 2 strands, but it makes for a more compact splice, less likely to jam.
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I've watched two folks learn how to splice line to chain "from scratch" around the docks. Both experiences lead me to believe it's damn near impossible, even sober :)
 
Irie308 said:
Mike, you're right forgot about their spring sale. Will keep them on my calendar.
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Just a fyi. I was at Defender this weekend to buy a new dinghy. Their sale is going on now until spring. Same prices. The person who helped me with the dinghy told me this is because unsure of details for spring sale due to you know what.( covid) . There will be longer dates for spring sale, not sure about venders. I got very good price on dinghy. Happy shopping
 
Mark.60 said:
Just a fyi. I was at Defender this weekend to buy a new dinghy. Their sale is going on now until spring. Same prices. The person who helped me with the dinghy told me this is because unsure of details for spring sale due to you know what.( covid) . There will be longer dates for spring sale, not sure about venders. I got very good price on dinghy. Happy shopping
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Makes sense. I’m sure that helps with limited inventory. Good to know. I may take a drive.
 
Went to all chain 2 seasons ago. One of best upgrades we did. Used a joiner link similar to what JimG used above. Actually got everything @ WM. They had a really good chain sale and it ended up being with in $20 of anything I found on line. The joiner goes thru the windless just fine. Marked it every 25 feet with red and every 50 feet with white.
 
I don't know how you guy sleep at night with clips on your chain :)

I had an anchor splice fail in 2020, prompting the upgrade to all chain. I still have flashbacks seeing my boat 10' from beaching itself in Lake Michigan...

To be honest I have the same feelings about my Mantus anchor swivel. Just one more thing waiting to break on me!
 
I also had some reservations. So I tested the strength of the joiner by securing the chain to a rather large tree and the other end to a bobcat loader. Pulled tight until tires slipped. My joiner is 175 feet in from anchor. Rarely do I need to let out more than 125 ft. Inspect swivel often for wear, etc.
 
Ok, so I ended up getting 200’ of chain and spliced (all 3 strands) to 60’ of rope. Don’t think I’ll ever get to the rope but just in case. My only question now is how to mark the chain. I tried the color inserts but they were garbage. They mostly fell out while the chain was still in my garage. I don’t want to paint it just to have to redo it every few seasons. Was thinking to do color zip ties? Thoughts?
 
I bought the colored inserts from Defender Marine. I've never had one fall out. Did you buy the right size?
 
Irie308 said:
Ok, so I ended up getting 200’ of chain and spliced (all 3 strands) to 60’ of rope. Don’t think I’ll ever get to the rope but just in case. My only question now is how to mark the chain. I tried the color inserts but they were garbage. They mostly fell out while the chain was still in my garage. I don’t want to paint it just to have to redo it every few seasons. Was thinking to do color zip ties? Thoughts?
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I have used colored zip ties on 2-boats and have a dock neighbor that did same. Through 3-years on the 44DB, not one came off....just my &0.02...

Bennett
 
I painted mine every 25 feet a different color for a foot. Been around 5 years since I painted it. When I hit red I know I’m close to the end of the chain
 
Stee6043 said:
I bought the colored inserts from Defender Marine. I've never had one fall out. Did you buy the right size?
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Yes, 5/16 for 5/16 chain. They fit very loosely. A good shake of the chain and they fall out.
 
superwa said:
I painted mine every 25 feet a different color for a foot. Been around 5 years since I painted it. When I hit red I know I’m close to the end of the chain
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I hear mixed reviews on painting, but most say it lasts about 2 seasons.
 
bbwhitejr said:
I have used colored zip ties on 2-boats and have a dock neighbor that did same. Through 3-years on the 44DB, not one came off....just my &0.02...

Bennett
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I thinking to give this a try, not much to loose if they come off. Cheap experiment if not.
 
Irie308 said:
Ok, so I ended up getting 200’ of chain and spliced (all 3 strands) to 60’ of rope. Don’t think I’ll ever get to the rope but just in case. My only question now is how to mark the chain. I tried the color inserts but they were garbage. They mostly fell out while the chain was still in my garage. I don’t want to paint it just to have to redo it every few seasons. Was thinking to do color zip ties? Thoughts?
Click to expand...
Where did you get the chain ?
 
So I've added the 200' of chain and a Rocna anchor. Now I'm working on a bridle setup. Figured I would save my self a few boat bucks and make up my own. I've made up 2 10' lines with a thimble in one end and eye splice on the other. I plan to use a single as a snubber most of the time but when I want to overnight in current or wind I would use the full bridle. I'm working with a Mantus chain hook and I'm trying to come up with the best way to attach both thimbles to the Mantus chain hook. One works fine but 2 is too big for any shackles I've seen. Any recommendations? Have been looking at soft shackles as well.
bridle.jpg
 
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