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Misty Blue · 05-09-2012, 09:28 PM

Just a few thoughts...

Frist, I think that stainless steel chain is way over the top. You are anchoring a raft, not the space shuttle. A 3/8 inch galvanized chain will last for years.

Yes he S/S chain will last forever but the connection to the mooring block will not. It is made of either galvanized steel (upper shelf) or mild steel, like rebar, which is common. That will fail after a few years.

So what ruins the chain? Sand. Rust is good! It sets up an oxide film that protects the inner metal. When your chain is dragged along the bottom the sand "cleans" away the rust exposing raw metal to the water causing new corrosion and thinning of the chain. That's why PVC is used at the bottom. To keep the chain from chafeing.

The solution, or A solution...

Get a good 3/8 chain with good shackles. Use the shackle to attach the chain to the mooring anchor. Wire tie or use a tie strip (black) through the hole in the shackle to keep it from coming undone. Run "ALMOST" enough chain to reach the raft. I will explain later but let's stay with the chain for now.

The chain will wear as it is dragged through the sand. Sorry. Every year you should and every three years you MUST inspect the whole rig. Look for wear and that the shackle and mooring anchor are in good shape. In the fall the raft is only in 10 feet of warm water. If and when the lower part of the chain wears, rotate it. Take the top of the chain (Which has not been run through the sand, you will find it in very good condition) and put it on the bottom to start chafing next year and take the old bottom and put it on top where it will give you years of service.

Now why not run the chin all the way to the top?

I like to leave about six feet of 3/8 inch nylon line with a "thimble" attached to the chain and run it up to the raft. The Lake level changes up to three feet every year. You can adjust the scope of the anchor to the raft easily from above the water as the Lake level drops over the season.

We also like to use two anchors. One of one side of the raft, one on the other. This way the ladder is always facing the shore line and it makes it easier to swim to. Just a tought.

Good luck with your new toy!

Misty Blue

05-09-2012, 09:28 PM	#11
Misty Blue Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 658 Thanks: 121 Thanked 283 Times in 98 Posts	Hi Jersey! Just a few thoughts... Frist, I think that stainless steel chain is way over the top. You are anchoring a raft, not the space shuttle. A 3/8 inch galvanized chain will last for years. Yes he S/S chain will last forever but the connection to the mooring block will not. It is made of either galvanized steel (upper shelf) or mild steel, like rebar, which is common. That will fail after a few years. So what ruins the chain? Sand. Rust is good! It sets up an oxide film that protects the inner metal. When your chain is dragged along the bottom the sand "cleans" away the rust exposing raw metal to the water causing new corrosion and thinning of the chain. That's why PVC is used at the bottom. To keep the chain from chafeing. The solution, or A solution... Get a good 3/8 chain with good shackles. Use the shackle to attach the chain to the mooring anchor. Wire tie or use a tie strip (black) through the hole in the shackle to keep it from coming undone. Run "ALMOST" enough chain to reach the raft. I will explain later but let's stay with the chain for now. The chain will wear as it is dragged through the sand. Sorry. Every year you should and every three years you MUST inspect the whole rig. Look for wear and that the shackle and mooring anchor are in good shape. In the fall the raft is only in 10 feet of warm water. If and when the lower part of the chain wears, rotate it. Take the top of the chain (Which has not been run through the sand, you will find it in very good condition) and put it on the bottom to start chafing next year and take the old bottom and put it on top where it will give you years of service. Now why not run the chin all the way to the top? I like to leave about six feet of 3/8 inch nylon line with a "thimble" attached to the chain and run it up to the raft. The Lake level changes up to three feet every year. You can adjust the scope of the anchor to the raft easily from above the water as the Lake level drops over the season. We also like to use two anchors. One of one side of the raft, one on the other. This way the ladder is always facing the shore line and it makes it easier to swim to. Just a tought. Good luck with your new toy! Misty Blue