Anchor Chain Life?

[Plumper]

I have been looking at my anchor chain. I don't know how old it is or how much it has been used because it came with the boat. Can anyone tell me how much wear is acceptable and when it is prudent to change the chain? I pulled it all out and noticed that it has been end for ended once already. Can I cut the most heavily used portion off and connect a new bit on? What is the point at which regalvanizing becomes foolish and a new chain is required?

Thanks.

[sailingdog]

Plumper-

You should probably measure the links... if they've stretched or thinned much from factory specifications, it may well be time to replace them. If the links are still in good shape but the galvinization has worn thin, you can get the chain re-galvanized.

Do you know what kind of chain it is? Even if you don't know the manufacturer, chain is made to international specifications, so the link size and thickness should be the same as ACCO chain, if it was from a good company to start with.

I generally don't recommend cutting off chain and then adding more, since the smaller link connectors that will fit your windlass will be a weak spot and no where close to the breaking strength of the rest of the chain, and anything large enough to be strong enough to use won't feed through your windlass gypsy.