Do you know that you can choose from the three kinds of anchor chain? For many people, they may pick the poor quality marine chain that becomes a weak link in your ground tackle system, unless they know what they are looking for.
All boats need to have some stud link attached to their anchor rode. You can find that there are several kinds of chafe chain to choose from in many marine hardware stores. Now, I would like to tell you some tips so that you can make the best choice every time.
1. Proof Coil
It’s easy to spot because it has the longest links of any other type of marine chain. Made from low-carbon steel, proof coil should not be used for most marine applications unless no other choices are available.
2. BBB chain
It has the shortest link length of any other type of offshore mooring chain. This gives you the dual advantage of less chance of fouling and it marries to just about any brand of marine anchor windlass like a well-fit glove. This single safety factor pushes it to the top over all other types of marine anchor chain.
3. High Test
Unlike BBB or proof coil, high test is made with high carbon steel. This makes it stronger but also more brittle than BBB chain. Under super high loads, high test will snap like a pole bean without any warning. This could leave you high and dry if you dragged anchor and went aground.
Having a high-quality anchor chain, you will sleep better at night knowing that you have a powerhouse studless link that will take care of you in any type of marine weather.