How To Measure Chain Size For Windlass

6 or 7mm chain to 12mm rope; Short link is the preferred type of chain of marine gypsies and windlasses.

4x4 Parts Roller Fairlead Cover WNMMRFC Your 1 Source

Chain and the size of the rope match the specifications for the windlass gypsy.

How to measure chain size for windlass. If you do not know the chain size and manufacturer, then use the illustrated chain diagram (below) and indicated dimensions information to ‘measure’ your chain. If your yacht has coped with 6mm chain for years (and if the chain is rusty and the windlass old) there was never a need for 8mm. This number will likely be to the right of either the brand name or the drive link number.

It is best to measure a few links just in case you grab a bum one, unlikely but possible. 8 or 9mm chain to 14mm. Often availability and the cost of the right gypsy enter the calculus of which chain size and type is right.

All calibrated chain supplied by william hackett has a batch number marked approximately every 20th link, this ensures that we can maintain our traceability once the chain has been put into service. If your windlass is vertical the gear box and motor are below deck. What matters most in the windlass for correct fit in the gypsy is the number of links per foot in the chain.

They don't mark the chain, but they can provide a reliable measurement of how much chain is out. Anchor chain is measured by the thickness of the steel making up the links. If ground tackle is too heavy or close to the windlass’s maximum pulling power, or if the boat has lots of windage and/or displacement, select the next larger size of windlass.

Chain counters are mechnical devices which count the links in your chain as they pass the windlass. All 8mm or 10mm tells you is the diameter of the wire used to bend and weld into links. Two possible gypsies (opt.1/2) are possible.

The size of your anchor locker and available fall. Identify the number printed in both millimeters and inches. Select a few at random and not next to each other.

The chain rod diameter is only one critical number, but the length of chain may vary based on the purpose of the chain. The weight of your anchor. Marking as a backup is still a good idea.

First, determine the total weight of the anchor and rode. The most useful way to rate windlass performance is by looking at what it will lift and at what speed. Why not keep the 6mm chain and invest in some decent snubbers and maybe a better anchor.

If it is horizontal your unit is all above deck. For anchor chain the calibration is very important. This then becomes the size of the chain for example 8mm, 10mm etc.

It cannot be joined to the chain with a shackle or any other mechanical coupling device. A windlass gypsy designed for 5/16″ high test chain will not work on 5/16″ bbb, which has shorter, more compact links. This is the diameter of the wire used to manufacture the link of chain.

Many windlasses have a selection of gypsies, which can be special ordered to fit the rode on your boat. Calibration size/diameter pitch 10 links; Take a section of your chain, lay it out in a straight line, and measure the dimensions as shown below.

Measure away from the weld, the weld zone can be both bigger and smaller than the wire size depending on exactly what machinery it was made on. Rope size on an auto rope to chain winch is dictated pretty much by the chain size. Determine the length of your boat.

For example, if your chainsaw read “.050/1.3,” this means that the chain’s gauge. By the way, the size of the chain in regards to the diameter of the metal is not the important factor. This measurement refers to the gauge of the chainsaw.

You multiply the total weight of your anchor and chain x4 (x2 for v6 to v12). Likewise, how do you measure a windlass chain? Two possible gypsies (opt.1/2) are possible.

How to measure an anchor chain anchor chain is measured by the thickness of the steel making up the links. A consistent pitch throughout the length of chain enables the chains to run smoothly on the gypsy. Please complete the table below the drawings with the dimensions and other information requested, and forward to maxwell marine limited.

Requirements can vary, even for the same model of windlass, so always confirm the listed dimensions with your windlass manual. Measure the depth of the anchor locker to determine the amount of “fall” available (distance between the top of the anchor locker and the top of the anchor rode when it is. This plate is located on the gear case of your windlass and tells you the model and serial numbers of the windlass.

This describes the type of chain. However, if you’re unsure of your boat length, measure the hull, from the tip of the bow to the center of the stern. Also, the rope must be spliced to the chain.

If you know the chain size and manufacturer, then simply go to the maxwell web site, look up your chain, scroll down to your windlass and a dot in the matrix will indicate and guide you to the chainwheel to be used with your specific windlass and chain. Another issue is matching the gypsy on the windlass to the chain size and type. The boat’s specification sheet and sometimes the owner’s manual will have your boat length listed.

Your windlass gypsy is specifically engineered to catch links of a certain dimension. This number should be less than the maximum pull of the windlass you have selected. Measure one foot of the chain with a tape, then count the links.

If the links are the correct diameter but the length wrong, the gypsy may not catch the links to get traction. That’s important, because it is gravity that stows the chain, and that requires at least 15in of fall between the capstan and the top of the heaped chain. Calibrated chain measurement range for each calibration;

P = pitch inside link. Having selected the vertical or horizontal windlass sized for your boat length and displacement, the correct windlass pulling power for your needs must be determined using the following formula: To identify your ideal windlass first look for our nameplate.

If you know what size chain the rope is easy. The 8mm chain will cost more than 6mm. The most popular gypsy is for 1/4ht and 1/2 rope.

Instructions for sizing an anchor chain.

C26412SILVER Integy Portable Winch Anchor w/Chain 1/10