Sale of Anchor Chains for Boat
Trying to find a reliable anchor chain for your yacht? You have come to the section of the topRik marketplace that you need. You can buy marine galvanized and stainless calibrated chains of required diameter. Choose between calibrated by the DIN standard or uncalibrated chains.
If the selection of a suitable anchor chain presents difficulties, contact experienced yachtsmen, who are the experts of the topRik marketplace . You can do this right now and completely free of charge. Our consultants will answer your questions through the website’s feedback form or by phone, the number of which is listed on this page. You can also send us a message by email ([email protected]).
Types of Anchor Chains by Calibration
There are several categories when it comes to anchor chains classification. One of the most important is calibration or lack thereof.
Calibrated Chains
The calibrated chain is made of round calibrated steel and has high precision within a given tight tolerance for:
- step;
- section diameter;
- link width;
- external and internal length.
The maximum deviation from the regulated dimensions is ±3%. Calibrated chains after heat treatment are necessarily subjected to stretching by a calibration load to obtain the specified maximum deviations of the pitch and length of the segment.
The calibrated chain is used as a flexible lifting and traction element for chain conveyors, elevators, winches, hoists and other mechanisms that have toothed drums or sprocket chain blocks with manual and mechanical drive. Sprockets or drums are typically designed and manufactured to ensure compatibility with the specified chain size and calibration for optimal engagement.
Anchor chains presented here, are calibrated to meet the precise dimensions and links required by the DIN 766 standard. The table below shows the link size ratios of anchor chain in accordance with this standard.
DIN Chain Characteristics
| d: Link diameter | t: inside length (mm) | b: Inside width (mm) | B: Outside width (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 18,5 | 7,2 | 20,4 |
| 7 | 22 | 8,4 | 23,8 |
| 8 | 24 | 9,6 | 27,2 |
| 10 | 28 | 12 | 36 |
| 11 | 31 | 13,2 | 40 |
| 13 | 36 | 15,6 | 47 |
| 14 | 41 | 16,8 | 50 |
| 16 | 45 | 19,2 | 58 |
| 18 | 50 | 21,6 | 65 |
| 20 | 56 | 21,6 | 72 |
Uncalibrated Chains
Uncalibrated chains have a normalized maximum deviation of ±10%, therefore they are designed to work on smooth drums, such as yacht anchor winches, or in static fastening systems.
Types of Anchor Chains by Material
Because anchor chains are made of steel alloys and remain in water for a long time, especially sea water, they can get destroyed by corrosion. To counter this, special steel alloys or special processing are used to make them. As a result anchor chain s are made of metal that resists rust for a long time.
Industry standards are silent on the specific steel type, and alloys can have a wide variety of properties.
Stainless Steel for Anchor Chains
This is the most common metal for making anchors chains. Yacht owners are attracted to them because they fit perfectly into the anchor locker due to the very smooth surface.
You should pay attention to the grade of stainless steel from which the chain is made - not all alloys have high corrosion resistance, especially in the very salty waters of warm seas.
In this section of the topRik marketplace you can buy anchor chains, made from AISI 316 marine grade stainless steel, providing exceptional resistance to corrosion, rust and tarnishing. This corrosion-resistant stainless steel is ideal for the harshest environments.
Galvanized Steel for Anchor Chains
In northern latitudes, hot-dip galvanized steel chains are widely used. This is because cold sea boat hulls are often made of aluminum. To prevent galvanic corrosion, less expensive galvanized steel anchor chains are used.
Why are they usually cheaper? Their surface is not as smooth as stainless steel, so they are galvanized steel chain quickly becomes overgrown with silt and algae. In addition, their rough surface wears off faster against sand and stones at the bottom, but the main thing is galvanized steel chain does not flow so tightly into the anchor box and can form a pyramid.
But the breaking load of the links of similar sizes for both types of steel are the same. Therefore, the choice of material is rather a matter of budget and it depends on you what you are willing to sacrifice for picking the right product.
How to Choose an Anchor Chain for Your Yacht
Depending on the type of winch, you can immediately decide whether you need a calibrated or uncalibrated chain. And if you have a winch with a “star” or a toothed drum, the issue with the link pitch size is also resolved for you. Actually, the calibration chain is selected so that it is fully compatible with the winch. The technical description of the anchor winch indicates the caliber of the chain used.
As for the thickness of an uncalibrated chain, there are no standards. You should focus on the manufacturer’s data about what loads the anchor can withstand chain, or to special tables that indicate the breaking load for chains of different sizes.
When determining the required thickness of the anchor chain link chain, experienced yachtsmen focus on the weight of the vessel itself and the breaking load of the anchor chain, and then, depending on the material of the chain, adjustments are made, usually upward for more reliable insurance.
For example, the minimum breaking load according to DIN 766 is 4.0 t for a round steel chain with a diameter of 10 mm.
In order for the anchor to burrow in the ground, it must lie horizontally. It is held in this position by the weight of the anchor chain. Therefore, for the minimum length of the chain released, there is a rule: the length of the chain should not be less than four depths at the parking site. When using a combination of chain and rope, as is typical for a spare anchor or a yacht up to 30-31 feet in length, the length of the chain should be at least 6 depths.
Typically, the total length of the anchor chain on a yacht is 5-7 yacht hulls, that is, approximately 50-60 m for a 36-foot boat and 80-100 m for a 50-foot boat. To get the maximum possible anchorage depth, you need to divide the length of the anchor chain on your yacht by 4. On a regular charter yacht, try not to anchor in water deeper than 10m, and if space allows, let out almost all the chain you have.
There are other, more sophisticated calculation techniques that take into account wind speed and tidal wave speed . But it’s still better to have extra meters in stock when making a rough calculation than to make a mistake of ten centimeters when making a careful calculation.
FAQ
How to choose the length of the anchor chain
When calculating the length of the anchor chain, it should be taken into account that at the mooring site it should not be less than four depths. If chain and rope are used, the length of this chain must be at least 6 depths.
What chain link thickness is right for me?
When choosing an anchor chain based on the link thickness, be guided by the weight of your yacht when loaded and data from the chain manufacturer on its breaking load.
What to do if the anchor chain starts to rust
There are several options for restoring the anti-corrosion characteristics of a chain that has begun to rust. If these are just small defects, use metal restorers, which are offered in the assortment by the topRik marketplace.
If the defects occupy a significant area, the chain must be completely cleaned with a sandblasting device and painted with a moisture-proof anti-corrosion compound.
The most effective way, in our opinion, is hot-dip galvanization.
How to properly store an anchor chain out of season
Before storage, the chain should be washed, dried well and carefully inspected for rust. Using special care products, restore the metal, removing traces of corrosion. After drying again, place the chain in a dry room or carefully place it in a dried anchor box if the boat is stored in a hangar.