Adding chain to my Windlas system

[Cyborg Pirate]

Hello all, I have a Simpson Lawrence sprint 1500 Windlas. I currently have 80ft of 5/16 chain and 80ft of 1/2 inch rope. I would like to add an additional 50ft of chain. Can I use a connecting link and add the chain? Or do I have to start over with the 130-150 ft of chain and waste the 80ft?

Anyone know of the type of connecting link I should get or where to get it? This is the closest I can find but don't wanna blindly try it. It is only grade 30. Grade 43 or G4 if someone can send me in the right direction. Thank you.

http://www.e-rigging.com/five-sixtee...UWUfgodCL8OzQ#

 

[Frank Acampora]

Well, what grade is your current chain? The link you are showing is rated for 1900 pounds, same as the grade 30 chain. And, this working load is almost certainly higher than the 1/2 inch nylon line you have at the end.

The question becomes: How large is your boat? Do you need to anchor the Queen Mary in a blow?

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

I have G4 chain now. Yes I realize that the grade 30 connecting link is not as strong as the chain I currently have. The rope may even be 9/16.... I haven't actually measured it. It looked like 1/2 inch and according to the Simpson-Lawrence reference it's one of those two sizes. I just assumed 1/2. I am hoping someone can point me in right direction for the connecting link I need and to also know if there is a link that will and does pass through the Windlas correctly. The vessel it is on is an 80ft House boat on lake pleasant. I don't like to take her out on real windy days or rough water. But also don't want to worry if the wind picks up either. Also don't want to lose my anchor and the extra chain trying to pull it up either. I can be the first person ever who has wanted to add chain to the anchorage gear.... Any advice?

 

[fhhuber]

There is nothing wrong with extending the chain and as long as the link is stronger than the rope, that should be fine.

Generally you just need chain length enough to enhance the anchor setting into the bottom... You're way past that for an anchor appropriate to the boat. I don't think you'll gain anything except more chain to deal with.

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

Do you think there Would there be any issues with the connecting link from the web site i put up earlier and my Windlas?

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

Any more thoughts? Advice, knowledge?

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

I have decided not to add extra chain, rather to splice in 150 ft of rope. I thought I had 1/2 inch.... I have either 9/16 or 5/8. Anyone know the best way to measure what rope size I have? I don't have calipers so I cannot do it that way.

 

[mr 88]

You can always use a open end wrench,grab the 9/16 + 5/8" sizes and have at it. Make sure the line is taut.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Just remember that when you splice the line you need at least three full tucks for maximum strength.

In order to have the line run smoothly, do at least three tucks with all three strands then taper by using a couple of tucks with two strands and finally a tuck or two with the last remaining strand. Finally, roll the line on a hard surface to even it out. The splice will, of course be thicker and stiffer than the line itself but if I remember correctly it will retain 90% of the line strength

If you are not proficient with splicing line, find an old timer who is and pay him to do it

 

[Cyborg Pirate]

Thank you for the tips. Yes that's actually what I did was use the wrenches to determine the size. Then I used wrenches to size rope that I knew what size they were just to compare how sliding a wrench over the rope actually fit. I for sure have 9/16. Got 150ft on order.

I have some exp with splicing. Did it as a Boy Scout. And also when I got my Marlin spike qualifications before I became a USCG 100 ton Capt. I will be utilizing the long splice with abt 2 ft of rope from each end. I wanna make sure it stays strong and won't come undone passing through the Windlas. Thank you all for the tips. Happy new year to all!