When is it time to change my anchor chain

[Shaunc]

My anchor chain is 7 yrs old to me. I have 200ft of 9/32 Grade 80 chain. It is looking rusty and my 1st thought is to reverse it around as the last 100ft has hardly ever been used.
Is that a good idea, how long do they typically last? Should I just replace it?

 

[Glory]

9/32, that is not right??

5/16 or 3/8, hopely 3/8, if the rust is making a mess on deck it is likely time.

 

[Pascal]

Swap it around. Some surface rust is ok but if it really looks thin replace it

Been there done that. It all depends on how much you anchor, even rinsing every time.

 

[SEVEN]

Flip it around, and also neutralize the rust using Phospho, or some other rust remover.

 

[Shaunc]

Lets give it a go. My chain never gets rinsed off. Almost impossible to do that.
Its just looking rusted so I will try a rust prevention.

It is a 9/32 chain according to the PO logbook

 

[Captain Ralph]

Could 9/32" be a fat 1/4".
Does it fit your windlass snug or loose?

 

[JuiceClark]

They sell "Chain Lube" in a spray can at Ace. I doused mine and it really made a difference...no clumps or significant rust. It must have just a little acid in it to erase some rust.

 

[Retired1]

There ‘used to be’ metal galvanizing places in both Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Probably all condos sitting there now. BTW the removing, dragging, and loading up of anchor chain is a great exercise.