Boat anchor chain is a key part of the anchoring system, connecting the anchor to the vessel and helping maintain a lower pulling angle for improved holding performance. Anchor chain also adds weight to the rode and provides abrasion resistance near the seabed, making it suitable for recreational boats, yachts, and larger vessels. Marine anchor chains are available in different sizes, grades, and materials, including galvanized anchor chain and stainless steel anchor chains. When used with a windlass, the chain dimensions and link profile must match the windlass gypsy or chainwheel. Correct selection of a vessel anchor chain depends on boat size, anchor weight, working load, windlass compatibility, and expected operating conditions.
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell Galvanized Anchor Chain is designed for yachts and boats ranging from 4 to 24 meters in length. Made from durable galvanized steel (DIN 766), this chain is available in various diameters and lengths, offering excellent shock absorption and securing the anchor firmly to the seabed. Suitable for boats up to 10 meters, it ensures stable and reliable anchoring.
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$ 206.40
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell Anchor Chain 316 Stainless Steel is designed for durability and reliability in saltwater applications. This chain is available in various diameters (6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 13mm), making it suitable for yachts and boats from 3.5m to 24.5m in length. Crafted from high-quality 316 marine stainless steel, it ensures secure anchoring with superior resistance to corrosion.
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$ 24.45
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Maxwell Galvanized Anchor Chain is made from durable galvanized steel (DIN 766), available in a variety of diameters from 6mm to 13mm, making it suitable for boats from 4 to 24 meters in length. It offers excellent resistance to corrosion and ensures secure anchoring.
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$ 9.55
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Hollex DIN 766 Galvanized Anchor Chain is a calibrated anchor chain manufactured from galvanized steel for reliable performance with marine anchor windlasses. Produced in accordance with the DIN 766 standard, it is available in 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, and 13 mm chain sizes with multiple standard lengths ranging from 25 to 100 meters. The chain features calibrated links for smooth windlass operation and is suitable for a wide range of recreational and commercial vessels.
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$ 224.01
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Exalto Anchor Chain 316 Stainless Steel kits are made from high-quality 316 marine stainless steel, offering excellent resistance to saltwater corrosion. These sets feature the DIN 766 chain format, ensuring compatibility with European winches. Available in various diameters and lengths, they provide reliable anchoring solutions for boats of all sizes.
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$ 726.68
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Hollex ISO 4565 galvanized anchor chain is available in 25 m, 30 m, 50 m, 60 m, and 100 m lengths with a 10 mm chain diameter. Manufactured from galvanized steel for excellent corrosion resistance in marine environments, the chain complies with DIN 766L / ISO 4565 standards and features a 30 mm inner link length, 2.25 kg/m weight, and a maximum working load of 50 kN. Designed for reliable anchoring in demanding conditions, additional chain lengths are available upon request.
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$ 480.28
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Vetus Maxwell EN818-3 Hot-Dip Galvanised Anchor Chain is a heavy-duty calibrated anchor chain for marine anchoring systems, available in 10 mm and 12 mm diameters. Manufactured to the EN818-3 standard, it provides accurate link dimensions for reliable windlass operation, while the hot-dip galvanised finish delivers excellent corrosion resistance in demanding saltwater environments. Sold per metre, allowing the exact chain length to be selected for each installation.
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$ 47.73
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Combi Noord Galvanized Anchor Chain is made from high-quality galvanized steel (DIN 766) and is available in diameters from 6mm to 13mm. Suitable for boats ranging from 4 to 24 meters in length, this chain offers excellent durability and corrosion resistance, making it perfect for reliable anchoring.
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$ 10.48
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Anchor Chain 316 Stainless Steel Combi Noord is made from high-quality 316 marine stainless steel, perfect for saltwater applications. This DIN 766 chain is designed for use with anchor winches from European manufacturers, and is available in various diameters from 4mm to 13mm, providing secure and reliable anchoring.
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$ 12.90
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1-2 weeks delivery time FNI Stainless Steel 316 Calibrated Anchor Chain is manufactured from AISI 316 stainless steel for marine winch applications. Available in Ø6, Ø8, Ø10 and Ø12 mm with lengths of 50 m and 75 m depending on model. Compliant with DIN 766 (Ø6–Ø8 mm) or ISO 4565 (Ø10–Ø12 mm). Dimensions range from 18.5×20 mm (6 mm) to 36×40 mm (12 mm). FNI product numbers 9202733–9202740.
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$ 783.14
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Osculati hot-galvanized calibrated anchor chain range is designed for reliable operation with marine windlasses and is available in DIN766 and ISO calibrations. Manufactured from galvanized steel and marked with the OSC quality stamp on every meter, these chains provide excellent corrosion resistance, high working loads from 400 kg to 3200 kg, and breaking loads up to 12500 kg. Available in diameters from 6 mm to 16 mm and lengths from 25 m to 150 m, supplied in practical packaging or wooden boxes for easy handling and storage.
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$ 154.07
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Osculati OSC-G7 hot-galvanized calibrated anchor chain range is designed for marine windlasses and anchoring systems. Manufactured to DIN766/ISO or ISO standards, these high-strength chains feature the OSC-G7 mark on every meter for quality identification and traceability. Available in 8 mm and 10 mm diameters with lengths of 50 m and 100 m, the chains offer working loads from 1400 kg to 2200 kg and breaking loads from 5600 kg to 8800 kg. The OSC-G7 design allows weight savings of up to 40–60% or longer chain length compared to standard chains of larger diameter.
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$ 778.06
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Osculati AISI 316 stainless steel calibrated anchor chain range is designed for marine windlasses and professional anchoring systems. Manufactured from marine-grade AISI 316 stainless steel, these chains provide excellent corrosion resistance and long-term durability in demanding marine environments. Available in diameters from 6 mm to 12 mm and lengths from 25 m to 150 m, the range includes DIN766/ISO and ISO calibrated models with working loads from 400 kg to 1800 kg and breaking loads up to 7240 kg. Every meter is stamped with the OSC mark for quality assurance and traceability.
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$ 511.86
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Catenificio Rigamonti Hot Galvanized Calibrated Anchor Chain is designed for marine windlass systems and manufactured to DIN 766 or ISO 4565 standards, depending on the chain diameter. Available in diameters from 6 mm to 14 mm and lengths from 25 m to 100 m, the chain is produced from hot galvanized steel for corrosion resistance and accurate calibration for reliable windlass engagement. Depending on the selected variant, breaking loads range from 1,800 kg to 12,300 kg, making it suitable for a wide variety of recreational and professional marine anchoring applications.
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$ 181.61
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Catenificio Rigamonti Stainless Steel Anchor Chain is manufactured from AISI 316 stainless steel and produced according to the DIN 766 standard with a calibrated short link design for reliable compatibility with anchor windlass systems. Available in 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm diameters with 30 m or 50 m lengths depending on the selected variant, the chain provides excellent corrosion resistance for marine and industrial environments. Custom chain lengths are available on request.
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$ 714.65
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Catenificio Rigamonti Long Link Chain is manufactured from premium AISI 316 stainless steel for excellent corrosion resistance in marine, industrial, and outdoor environments. Supplied by the meter, the chain is available in 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm diameters, allowing customers to order the exact length required. The long link construction combines durability with flexibility, making it suitable for fastening, securing, general marine applications, and installations exposed to moisture, saltwater, and corrosive conditions.
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$ 6
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Chaîneries Limousines by Pewag G40 calibrated anchor chain is manufactured from hot-dip galvanized steel for marine anchoring and windlass applications. Chains from 6 mm to 8 mm comply with ISO 4565 and DIN 766 standards, while 10 mm to 14 mm versions comply with ISO 4565. Available in 30 m, 60 m and 100 m drums, the chain range offers working loads from 1,150 kg to 6,270 kg and breaking loads from 2,300 kg to 12,540 kg, making it suitable for recreational and professional marine installations.
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$ 551.90
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1-2 weeks delivery time Plastimo Grade 40 Calibrated Short-Link Anchor Chains are hot-dip galvanized according to EN ISO 1461 (minimum 58 micron zinc coating) and designed for windlass compatibility with regular links fitting most gypsies. The range covers diameters from Ø6 mm to Ø16 mm and lengths from 8 m to 100 m. Depending on model, break loads range from 1630 kg up to 16400 kg and Safe Working Loads (SWL) from 400 kg up to 3150 kg. Selected models are supplied in plastic drums, while references 16496, 16498 and 54166 are delivered in bags.
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$ 83.54
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Grade 40 Hot Dip Galvanised Anchor Chain is a calibrated chain designed for anchor windlasses, with regular links compatible with most gypsies. Manufactured to DIN 766A and ISO 261016 standards, the chain features a hot-dip galvanized finish produced in accordance with EN ISO 1461, providing a minimum galvanization thickness of 58 microns for enhanced corrosion resistance. Available in 8 mm, 10 mm and 13 mm diameters with lengths from 45 m to 60 m, the chain offers safe working loads from 1,000 kg to 2,000 kg and breaking loads from 4,030 kg to 8,500 kg.
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$ 670.99
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1-2 weeks delivery time The Plastimo Grade 70 High Resistance Calibrated Chain is designed for anchor windlass and mooring systems requiring maximum strength with reduced weight. Manufactured as a Grade 70 calibrated chain and supplied by the meter, it is available in 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm and 14 mm diameters. Compared with conventional chains of the same diameter, Grade 70 provides more than twice the strength, allowing the use of a smaller chain diameter while reducing weight and chain locker volume. Depending on the selected size, breaking loads range from 4,033 kg to 21,950 kg.
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$ 18.30
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How do I choose the correct boat anchor chain size?
The correct boat anchor chain depends on vessel size and displacement, anchor weight, expected anchoring loads, water depth, wind and current, and the design of the complete anchor rode. Chain diameter and grade must provide adequate strength for the vessel while remaining compatible with the anchor handling equipment.
Manufacturer recommendations for the anchor, windlass, and chain should be checked together before selecting the final size.
Why is windlass anchor chain compatibility important?
A windlass anchor chain must match the dimensions and link profile required by the windlass gypsy or chainwheel. Even chains with the same nominal diameter may have different link lengths or widths and may not run correctly through every windlass.
Incorrect chain can skip, jam, or wear the gypsy, so both chain size and chain standard should be confirmed before installation.
What is the difference between galvanized and stainless anchor chain?
Galvanized anchor chain uses a zinc coating to protect the underlying steel from corrosion and is widely used in marine anchoring systems because it offers a practical balance of strength, durability, and cost.
Stainless anchor chain provides corrosion-resistant construction and a polished appearance, making it popular on yachts where finish and long-term appearance are important. The best choice depends on budget, maintenance expectations, vessel type, and operating environment.
Are stainless steel anchor chains suitable for windlasses?
Yes, provided that the stainless steel anchor chain has the correct diameter, link dimensions, and chain standard for the installed windlass. Windlass compatibility depends on the exact geometry of the chain rather than material alone.
The gypsy specification should always be checked before replacing a galvanized chain with a stainless steel version.
How does anchor chain improve holding performance?
Anchor chain adds weight close to the seabed and helps keep the pull on the anchor more horizontal. This can make it easier for the anchor to remain properly set as wind and current change.
The chain also protects the rope section of a combination rode from abrasion and provides a durable connection between the anchor and vessel.
How does anchor chain selection differ for boats, yachts, and larger vessels?
Larger and heavier vessels generally require anchor chains with greater diameter, strength, and working capacity. A ships anchor chain or heavy-duty vessel anchor chain must be matched to the vessel’s displacement, anchor system, windlass, and expected environmental loads.
Smaller boat chains can use lighter sizes, but the same principles of strength, compatibility, corrosion resistance, and correct sizing still apply.
