The chain on my current setup is terribly corroded and I am interested in replacing it (1989 C36 MkI, home port is in Galveston Bay TX, will be anchoring at various locations along the TX Gulf Coast). Due to the line of work I am in, I have access to 5/8" chain at a significantly reduced price (i.e. cheaper than any sizes available at my local stores). I do not have a windlass on board, so the 5/8" size isn't a concern in that regard. I do have a bow roller and my anchor is a 26lb Fluke. My biggest concern is being able to fit everything in my anchor locker. Next concern is that I don't want an excessive amount of chain to have to deal with hauling up, so my questions to you are:
- Is using 5/8" a bad idea in this scenario?
- What length of the 5/8" chain would you say to get? at 1.78 lbs. per foot, I'm thinking maybe I don't necessarliy need to follow the boat-length rule of thumb here
- I am planning on re-using the existing ~100ft of 3/4in 3-strand line for now, will be replacing at some point in the future. What length of line would you suggest I replace with? Replace in-kind w/ 3/4in or should I move to a different size?
That is a very heavy chain.7/16" is the thickest chain that I have seen used.
Sail La Vie 1999 Catalina 36 MKII,(link is external) M35B-17031, Coyote Point, San Mateo, CA (link is external)
About Sail La Vie(link is external)
All chain isn't created equal. You want a good quality marine chain BBB or H3 or better HT or G4.
I would not want to haul 5/8 up from 30' makes my shoulders hurt thinking about it 3/8 is still too heavy in the length I want (120' - too much bow weight) 5/16 is great for our boats
As far as "rope" - 5/8 8-plait is the only thing I would buy - 250' or more.
Les & Trish Troyer
Mahalo
Everett, WA
1983 C-36 Hull #0094
C-36 MK 1 Technical Editor.
Commodore