This thread seems to be running out of legs which is unusual for an anchoring thread, so ... while there is no argument about 8mmHT chain vs. 10mm chain (despite Brexit we are metric folks these days) when there are such strong winds that the chain is fully taught and catenary has essentially disappeared, I would posit that there are situations where heavier chain is an advantage: namely lighter winds where the catenary is in evidence and with heavier chain reduces the swinging circle. Clearly this is an advantage in crowded anchorages. I have not done the sums, but the impact of the weight difference on a cruising boat >12metres in sailing performance (given the vast amount of stuff folks carry) is likely to be marginal. Cost if course is a factor.

Hi Phil,
Thanks for the kind words. And, yes, those of us who wander widely and need to be able to anchor safely in marginal conditions often have anchors that are "laughable" in size. That said, I have so become accustomed to cruising level anchors, that it is easy for me to slip into "laughter" when I walk around marinas and boats where I clearly feel that that choice of anchor is best described as a "toy" and is best thought of as mere marine decoration rather than as a function piece of gear.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

Hi Bill,
I am glad we ended up on the same page chain wise.
I consider many, maybe most, cruising boats I see as under-anchored. And most guides for anchors are not in line with what I suggest. It costs just too little money (and not that much extra weight) to do it right and sleep well, even in marginal conditions in boisterous weather. Especially nowadays with the new generation of anchors such as your Spade.
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

I confess I was worried when I read the article's title - having just spent a boatload of money on new chain for Toodle-oo! How gratifying to then find out that (at least in Dick's opinion - and mine) I picked right! Instead of being tempted to 3/8 chain, I went for a longer length of 5/16HT - Thank you Simon Currin for the prompt! Looks like I got it right for a change!

Our 13.5M 17T boat carries a 30kg Spade - as recommended for a 20M, 20T boat! - Bigger is better!!!
edited by bbalme on 3/10/2019

Bill Balme

Dick
Excellent article. Reminds me of the advice I received when we changed our anchor from a 20kg Delta to a 25kg Manson Supreme: if people are not laughing because your anchor looks too big, then it is NOT big enough.
Cheers
Phil

Hi all,
The article may be more easily seen published, recently edited and with pictures at:
https://stevedmarineconsulting.com/choosing-chain-challenging-a-maritime-myth
My best, Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy

Hi all,
I write periodically on ground tackle effectiveness and contributing factors. The attached article is one of those. As always, I invite questions and comments.
Dick Stevenson, s/v Alchemy