Stainless Chain Question

grey99 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002

Somone gave me a nice length of stainless chain and I am thinking of using it on the anchor, which is galvanized. I have a nagging thought that this might not be a good idea because of the dissimilar metals problem weakening the stainless -- is this true? Any comments appreciated. Thanks.

windship · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002

grey99,
Good morning.
What you say about dissimilar metals is true. I don''t think I would use it because it will probably cause the zinc coating on your anchor to sacrifice.
I think I would only use SS chain with a SS anchor.

Dennis

Jeff_H · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2002

The way that most anchors are used (i.e. on deck far more than they are in the water) the stainless steel chain should be fine. If you have any concerns about dissimilar metals I would put a piece of plastic hose around the shackle pin and sides of the shackle to isolate the chain from the galvanized steel. I would not use the stainless steel chain for a permanent anchor or if you exclusively anchor your boat rather than occasionally anchor your boat.

Jeff

asailor · #4 (**permalink**) 10-15-2002

Im not quite sure why you would want to piece together 2 different chains of any type. Anyway, the shackle is going to be your weakest link. Therefore, i would use a stainless steal shackle, as there breaking point is much stronger than others.

grey99 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-15-2002

Hi-- And thanks for the advice. I think I am going to find another use for this beautiful stainless steel chain, or if I do go with hooking it up (cause my anchor does stay up mostly) your suggestions on how to do it safely are most useful. This board is great! Thanks!