Stainless or Galvanized?

[capecodphyllis]

Today I saw a beautiful, shiny, brand-spanking-new, stainless anchor (Manson?) hanging from a boat in the harbor.

Are there benefits to using a stainless chain and anchor (over galvanized) that I am unaware of?

Please fill me in, if you can.

[Giulietta]

Shows how rich you are.

Other than that, also looks good, other than that.....none.

Ask Camaraderie to explain about anaerobic corrosion where he goes or lives.

[redcorvette1995]

Not entirely true.

Stainless steel has much better corrosion resistance.
It will last longer and look better much longer.
Still you never get your money back in extra time.

As stated it is mostly about eye appeal.
A shiney stainless anchor looks better than a grey galvanized one and much better than a rusty one.

Depending on the size of the anchor they don't cost that much more.
Maybe a couple hundred more for an anchor for a 30 fotter is you shop around.

[Giulietta]

Ahhhh now you've done it....

you just wait right there... Camaraderie will tell you about the corrosion... you just wait there. Don't move...

And when I bought my anchor, the difference between mine and a "good-looking-shiny-make-you-cry-when- you-can't-get-it-back-on-the-boat-or else-dive-to-get-it-but-otherwise-does-the-same-job-on-a-boat-SS-achor" was almost 400 Euros ($500).

But wait for Cam. he will tell you that they are not good in certain beds where there is no oxygen, and CAM!!!!!!!!!

[Cruisingdad]

Giulietta and all,

THat is why I only use a solid gold anchor. It looks like its galvanized on the outside, but I was guaranteed (for what I paid for it) that is was sold gold on the inside.

And just to set the record straight, Giulietta, you cry when you lose ANY anchor... especially when it is attached to 250 feet of chain and you don't have a set of bolt cutters!!!

[Giulietta]

CD,

You're right on the crying part, any anchor indeed.... as for the Gold, well...I didn't understand the first time.... but I got it. From now on, you're "Goldanchor" to me.

[sailingdog]

Basically, stainless steel anchors and chains are great for people who don't expect to use them much. If you're a long-term cruiser, and spend any significant time on the hook, a stainless anchor or rode will rust faster than a galvanized one, since stainless doesn't do well if it is deprived of a constant source of oxygen. Also, if the stainless is the cheaper, but stronger 304 grade, it is subject to chloride stress cracking, and can fail catastrophically, with little warning.

Personally, I'd avoid stainless chain and anchors. They're more expensive and less useful than their galvanized steel counterparts.

[camaraderie]

Well here I am! Red Corvette is right!! On your bow pulpit at the marina, a stainless steel anchor is MUCH more corrosion resistant than galvanized.
Unfortunately, anchors are made to be used IN the water and IN the water in a nice warm muddy bottom there is no oxygen and THERE crevice corrosion begins to set in quickly in stainless steel and the anchor or shackle or chain will rapidly lose strength and let go just when you need it most. If you just use the anchor for weekending and then head back to the marina for a washdown there is no problem if you want to spend the extra bucks for a shiny anchor but if you live aboard and anchor out consistently, you don't want a stainless anchor/swivel/chain. Even worse would be a stainless anchor connected to a galvanized chain which would then add Galvanic corrosion to the mix!

[Giulietta]

Red,

see, I told you, I told you....

Besides, fish don't need shinny things down there.....

[zfactor]

I'd guess that the roughness of the galvanizing on a CQR anchor allows it to have a holding power that is 10% more than an equivalent shiny stainless steel anchor. Just a guess...wonder if any tests have been done.