Your anchor chain should be seen as a lot more than "What we put down to stop for a sandwich and drink". The anchor chain is one of the most crucial pieces of safety equipment you have on board. When asleep on anchor and in times of emergency, depth permitting, it ensures the boat stays in place, especially in adverse weather conditions.
As the chain is kept constantly in some of the harshest conditions...salty and wet in a damp anchor locker up at the bow... it suffers more than most other equipment on the boat.
Regularly checking your anchor chain is vital for maintaining the safety and security of your passengers, crew and vessel.
Over time, however, the chain can become worn, corroded, or damaged, and neglecting to inspect it can lead to failure, putting both your boat and crew at risk. Saltwater, exposure to the elements, and frequent use can cause the chain to deteriorate, weakening its strength.
When checking your anchor chain pull the whole chain out of the locker and lay it out on the deck, ground or pontoon and work through the below list
- remove any twists / rotations in the chain
- inspect it for signs of corrosion or rust - ensure you also inspect whatever length remains in the anchor locker after taking the chain out
- Pay attention to ALL the links, looking for any that may be bent, cracked, or excessively stretched, as these can reduce the chain's overall load-bearing capacity.
- If you use chain / rope combination check the joint and the full length of the rope for frays or twists in the strands
- closely inspect where the chain is attached to the boat...this should be strong, but with the ability to cut the anchor loose quickly and safely
- inspect any shackles connecting the chain to the anchor to ensure they are properly secured, with no signs of bending, cracking, or loosening.
- inspect the gypsy / wildcat in the windlass to make sure there are no broken teeth or distortions
- check the wiring running from the helm to the windlass to ensure it's not corroded at any point
- consider when you last had your windlass serviced, is it time to give it a once over?
- Whilst the chain is out, refresh your chain markings to ensure they're clear and obvious
By consistently inspecting your anchor chain, you can identify and address any problems before they become serious, ensuring that your boat remains securely anchored, even in challenging conditions.