Source for Anchor Chain in SoCal, not WM

[montenido]

Hi all,

I am in the process of replacing the chain portion of my main anchor rode.
The current rusty chain is 5/16 proof coil (3G). So far it has worked in my manual windlass with some occasional skips. I always assumed that the skips were due to twists in the chain. I bought a sample of 5/16 BBB chain, which is recommended for windlasses, to try in mine. It works for about the first foot, then the length seems to be a bit off. I will have to check my current chain, as I have the idea that it does not really fit either, hence the skipping.

I'm not sure of the make and model of my windlass, but it came new on my boat, '88 C36. Do windlasses usually have a chain-size stamped on them anywhere?

Anyway, does anybody have a good (inexpensive) source for anchor chain in the greater Los Angeles area? WM has a fairly limited selection of chain.

Thanks, Bill

[Gene T]

Minney's Yacht Surplus in Costa Mesa has a lot of chain.

You could take your gypsy off and take it with you when you go down there.

Gene

[killarney_sailor]

Agree on taking your gypsy to the store. Not all windlasses require the same chain - depending on the brand of windlass it might be even be metric, 3/8" and 10 mm are close enough to be identical - don't think that that is the case with 5/16".

I do little shopping at WM but found that they had the best deal (among marine stores for chain). I got 200' of chain (a half drum) for a discounted price that was the same as Defender but included delivery to my local WM store.The Defender shipping was almost as much as the chain cost. Note that I had to tell the WM clerk that they had a substantial discount on larger chain purchases, they did not know.

[GeorgeB]

I believe that the Nielson-Maxwell 500 is the standard winch (at least for the MkII boats). If so, try 1/4 proof coil. But doublecheck, as the previous owner might have gone up to a larger gypsy.

[JimsCAL]

I've bought mooring chain from Defender. Still cheaper than WM with the shipping (and there's no sales tax).

[night0wl]

If you use West Marine...buy the chain online. Use a coupon code like AFFWEST to save 10% and referral links from fatwallet to get another 4% and then Gold Rewards to get another 4%

Sometimes, they have free ship to door too...that saves a bunch too.

[fordke]

You might check with Hueneme Marine Supply. They're a few miles from CI Harbor. A friend of mine picked up some chain for his stern anchor on his power boat at a substantial discount from WM.

Ken

[windward54]

I second Minney's. Last time I bought chain there, it was about half the cost of WM. Plus you get to wonder around the store and look at all the surplus and used parts. Never know what you may find.

[Vasco]

Gr 40 Windlass Anchor Chain
Try these guys. Free freight.

[velero]

I got mine from Fastenal and had it shipped to the local store.