anchor chain depth markings

[gcbist]

Is there anybody out there with an easy solution to painting 100/150/200 foot depth markings on my galvanized anchor chain? I used metal spray paint out of a can last year and the paint didn't last a season. I have gotten outrageously different answers from the two marine stores and three local paint stores with whom I have asked the question. One person even suggested I use a blow torch to heat up the chain prior to painting. Unfortunately I sold my blow torch at my last garage sale. Can anybody help? Thanks in advance.

 

[bobk]

I have used color coded plastic wire ties. I put three of the same color on three sequential links at each of the intervals that I want to mark. Seems to go through the qypsy and chain pipe OK. I'm into my third season with only one tie broken.

Bob

 

[Captned]

I use regular spray paint enamel, red at 25', white at 50', blue at 75', double red at 100', double white at 125', double blue at 150', triple red at 175'...etc,etc,etc......It's lasted a few years but I dont anchor out too much. Easy to touch up if needed.

 

[captainwjm]

I use the plastic cable ties, also. They come in a variety of colors and have lasted 3 seasons.

 

[gcbist]

Thanks for the responses. Plastic ties it will be........I was afraid to try them for fear they would hang up coming or going out of the locker. I'm marking the chain today and trying it this afternoon.

 

[Pascal]

nylon ties, even multiple, are too hard to see from the flybridge especailly at night, and i usually anchor from up there...

i use paint, short for each 25', long for 100' ... so 3 short = 75... 1 long 2 short = 150, etc... the first 3 or 4 markings only last a few months but it's easy to re spray in the anchor locker thru the fwd stateroom