Chains - which is best

[SacandagaBrad]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Did you figure the grade 70 isn't supposed to rust? )</font>

No, but it is plated and I figured with the extra hardness of the steel, it should last a few years, at least as long as galvanized. I live on a large flood control reservoir, so most years it is drained out enough in the fall to inspect all the connections and the chain. The galvanized holds up well except where the links contact each other where the coating wears off with the bouncing of the boat over the seasons. For the price, I figured it was worth a try - only time will tell.

Brad

 

[SacandagaBrad]

UPDATE - Just pulled that binder chain out of the water after 5 years of being submersed. Rusted up a bit, and has had a 4000 lb boat weather some pretty heavy waves on the mooring, and still had a couple of seasons left on it. We leave a boat in the water about 4 to 5 months out of the year. No noticable wear at the contact points between the links.

Can't say the same for the neighbor's galvanized chain. It too was 5/16, put in the same year, and a smaller boat broke loose last year. Where the links contact, the galvinization wears off and there was little left. And he was the one that told me I was making a mistake and didn't know what I was doing by using the binder chain. I'll take harder steel any day now that I have seen it in action.

The worst wear and corrosion on both chains occurs about 1 to 7 feet below the float where the water is warmer.

Just set a new mooring with 3/8 binder and heavier anchor. Should be good for another 6 or 7 years.

Brad