| Did you know that you have a choice of three types | | | | warning when it's about to fail; it deforms first before it |
| of marine sailboat anchor chain? But unless you know | | | | snaps. This single safety factor pushes it to the top |
| what look for, you may end up paying for poor quality | | | | over all other types of marine anchor chain. |
| chain that becomes a weak link in your ground tackle | | | | 2. High Test |
| system. Use these tips to give you the edge so that | | | | High test comes in a close second on the list. Unlike |
| you can make the best choice every time. | | | | BBB or proof coil (see below), high test is made with |
| All boats need to have some chain attached to their | | | | high carbon steel. This makes it stronger but also more |
| anchor rode. If you use a combination of rope and | | | | brittle than BBB chain. Under super high loads, high test |
| chain, attach a piece of chain equal to your boat's | | | | will snap like a pole bean without any warning. This |
| waterline (or longer) to the boat anchor. Next, join the | | | | could leave you high and dry if you dragged anchor |
| bitter end of the chain to the rope rode. The weight of | | | | and went aground. If you decide to go with high test, |
| the chain will help prevent the anchor from dragging. | | | | you might want to purchase one size larger chain size |
| And, it protects the rope part of the rode from the | | | | for peace-of-mind. |
| sharp edges of rock, coral, or oyster shell bottoms. | | | | 3. Proof Coil |
| Walk into any marine hardware store and you will | | | | Stay away from lower grade proof-coil. It's easy to |
| often have several types of chain to choose from. | | | | spot because it has the longest links of any other type |
| Use these descriptions to help you identify the types | | | | of marine chain. Made from low-carbon steel, proof coil |
| of chain and decide what's best for you. | | | | should not be used for most marine applications unless |
| 1. BBB chain | | | | no other choices are available. Under high loads, |
| Serious small cruising boat sailors love BBB, and for | | | | proof-coil will snap without deforming first. |
| good reason. It has the shortest link length of any other | | | | ******************** |
| type of marine chain. This gives you the dual | | | | Build your sailboat anchor ground tackle system with |
| advantage of less chance of fouling (knotting up or | | | | the best marine anchor chain that money can buy. |
| twisting) and it marries to just about any brand of | | | | You will sleep better at night knowing that you have a |
| marine anchor windlass like a well-fit glove. Although | | | | powerhouse anchor rode that will take care of you |
| made of low-carbon steel, BBB gives you ample | | | | and your sailing crew in any type of marine weather. |