Can you "add" more chain?

serpa4

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 20, 2020
Messages
286
Fluid Motion Model
R-23 (Sterndrive)
Hull Identification Number
FMLC3051D818
Vessel Name
DayLo
MMSI Number
368173760
Just thinking, but how do you add more chain? As a land lubber, I'd buy a quick link and splice them together. I don't think that would work with the gypsy in the boating world, or does it?
 
If you want to sleep at night I would bite the bullet and get the length of chain you want and do not couple. However, you did not say where you are using the boat, how much chain and rode you have now. You may be over thinking your needs.
 
I added 60 feet of chain to my Rode. I simply cut one link, spread it, installed it to the end, and had that link welded up. The down side is you have one link that is low on galvanizing,,,,,,'
I was not able to find any coupling link that was the same (or better) strength as the G43 chain we have. Or any link that would go through the windlass.

I hope that helps.

Rocky
 
I'm curious, the chain lockers in these boats are undersize with the stock amount of chain. How are you adding more chain without it constantly binding up in the locker?
 
Toki,
We have 60 ft of 5/16” chain and 200 ft of 5/8” 8 plait rope. Our locker isn’t even 2/3 full with it all inside. Yes, we do spread out the rode a time or two while retrieving when most of it was out but that’s it. I think we could easily have 250 ft or more of rope with the 60 ft of chain and not have any storage problems.
 
i think its less about space and more about weight. these are lightweight displacement boats. so for performance and handling you want to keep them light. sure its not impossible to add more chain, more a question do you really need it?
 
Gavin,
I hear you about unnecessary weight on our boats.
But I don’t mind a little extra weight at the bow from our bigger than stock anchor (7 extra pounds) and chain (10 extra pounds). Helps to partially offset the weight of the dinghy on the swim step, dinghy motor on the transom rail, two extra house batteries in the aft cockpit, etc...
We’re still stern heavy! But I sleep better on the hook knowing I have a total of 82 pounds on the bottom holding me in place.
 
its cheap piece of mind!
 
Toki":29eg12oy said:
I'm curious, the chain lockers in these boats are undersize with the stock amount of chain. How are you adding more chain without it constantly binding up in the locker?

I agree with Al. There is plenty of room in the R27 (and 25) Classic locker. The issue is not storage space but rather that the chain stacks up and needs to be knocked down every so often. Once you adjust things there is actually quite a bit of room. While pulling up all the nylon I pull it to one side so the chain has full depth to pile up. Still need to knock it down though. This was true even before I added more chain. Not really a problem, I always retrieve the anchor from up there anyway. Need to wash it down as it comes up and secure it anyway.

Like Al, I also think the added weight helps to balance out the dinghy and dinghy motor.

Curt
 
Makes sense, and Al mentioned he uses 8 plait rope, which I understand helps considerably with the bunching-up-in-the-locker issue.

I've installed an automatic chain de-stacker on my R27. Been married to her for 37 years!
 
ive found my de-stacker is less effective when we've been anchored in stinky mud for 3 days 😀 :shock:
 
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