chain sizes*arrgh*

[rrgane]

okay .. i am confused.. WAY confused.

i am trying to match chain to my windlass.

what i have learned is:

g7 = g70
g4 = g40/g43
bbb = 3b/b3/30

what in heck is 'proof coil'?

my windlass (s-l anchorman) requires either g7 1/4", or bbb 5/16" or g4 5/16".

is there a size of proof coil that would work? i want a lot of it, and i have a rather light and low profile boat, so the strength issue is not as much an issue for me as keeping me out of the poor house.

[TheFrog]

A quick google search turned up the following web page that has proof coil specs (you will have to compare the dimensions to the higher grades that your windlass calls out). Product Specifications

To quote the page:

PROOF COIL, known also as Common Coil chain, is the standard commercial quality regularly stocked by hardware and industrial supply houses. It is a general purpose chain for pulling or restraining applications requiring neither a maximum of tensile nor impact strength. It is commonly used for log chains and towing.

Material: Basic carbon steel. The material diameter may be larger than that shown below but may not be 3% or more smaller. Larger sizes are are available on request.

[TejasSailer]

I agree chain is real confusing. Chain manufactures publish specs that can help. Here's one online: http://www.accochain.com/Chain-Catalog.pdf

BTW, I'd read the windlass chain specifications closely. The windlass I have specified 10MM ISO, and the same manufacture had 10MM chain with different measurements for ISO and non-ISO. I actually had a difficult time finding a supplier that offered ISO much less even knew if the chain were ISO or not.

Also, Practical Sailor had an article on chain, and chain made in China didn't do too well.

[brak]

Originally Posted by rrgane

my windlass (s-l anchorman) requires either g7 1/4", or bbb 5/16" or g4 5/16".

is there a size of proof coil that would work? i want a lot of it, and i have a rather light and low profile boat, so the strength issue is not as much an issue for me as keeping me out of the poor house.

as far as I understand (and a quick search confirms) g7 1/4" is the same size as g4 1/4". They differ in strength (g7 is stronger) but for the windlass it should make no difference, as long as the links fit?

[RhosynMor]

You should be able to use G4 1/4 if you can use G7 1/4.
Do not buy proof coil.
Let me rephrase that;
Do NOT buy proof coil.
if you use G4 chain its lighter and stronger.
hope thius helps