PSC34 Chain Stowage

[DaveMancini]

Does anyone have any real life data on how many feet of chain the forward chain lockers on a PSC 34 will stow, without modification, of 3/8" and 5/16"? Our 34 is being built and I am trying to put together a bulk chain purchase for her.

Thanks,

Dave

[Vasco]

I don't know but you'd be surprised how little room 300 ft of chain takes, weight is more of a consideration.

[DaveMancini]

Rick,

I agree on the weight thing. I usually try to pull chain aft away from the bows on a passage, but leave it in the locker when moving around locally. On my previous boat, smaller than the 34, I could fit 300' of 5/16" in the anchor locker, but it made the boat pitch deeper. So, I rigged the padeye aft of the locker under the vee berth just forward of the mast and enlarged the hole at the bottom of the anchor locker bulkhead and could pull chain aft under the vee berth for better balance. Worked real well.

I'm just curious to find what I will have to work with on the 34 from owners who use all chain. I'm planning on 3/8" on the primary anchor, so the info will help if I have to work with the factory on any appropriate changes. I've gotten some pretty good answers on the PSC Sailnet List already.

Thanks.

Dave

[richnren]

100' of chain will essentially fit in a milk crate, and the PSC34 has an unusually large forepeak due to the long bow overhang.

I think you could put 300' of chain on each side up there without difficulty. But, it would weigh 800-900 lbs., which I think is too much for the forepeak.

On the starboard side of my PSC34 I have 100' of chain backed with 100' of rope. It would be no problem if I had another 100' of chain up there. The rope is FAR bulkier than the chain and there's room for more.

The port side has just as much room. It has an all rope rode that came with the boat. I am not sure how long it is, but it is fairly long.

[DaveMancini]

Thanks richnren,

That tells me a lot. I shouldn't have to modify at all in order to accomplish my plans. We're going out to the factory next week to see the boat in progress. It will be nice to look at that area and visualize the room involved.
Dave