304/316 Stainless Steel Open Link Anchor Chain | 5–20 mm for Yacht Anchoring

Product Specification

304/316 Stainless Steel Open Link Anchor Chain | 5–20 mm for Yacht Anchoring

Product Overview

This stainless steel open link anchor chain is designed for yacht and small-craft anchor rode arrangements where a clean appearance, corrosion resistance, and smooth link movement are required. The page covers flash butt-welded open-link (studless) chain in nominal diameters from 5 mm to 20 mm, supplied in SUS 304 or SUS 316 stainless steel and in customized continuous lengths.

Selection should not be based on chain diameter alone. The yacht anchor, vessel size and windage, expected anchoring conditions, required proof and breaking loads, windlass gypsy geometry, chain pipe clearance, end fittings, material grade, and certificate scope should be confirmed together. SUS 316 is generally the more suitable option for higher chloride exposure, while SUS 304 requires closer consideration of service environment and maintenance. Stainless steel improves corrosion resistance but is not corrosion-proof in seawater.

Quick Specifications

• Chain diameter: 5–20 mm → covers small yacht, cruising yacht, and selected larger-yacht anchor rode requirements, subject to load and windlass confirmation.
• Material options: SUS 304 or SUS 316 → 316 contains molybdenum and provides better resistance to chloride-related pitting than 304 in marine exposure.
• Product form: Open-link / studless chain → this page does not treat the separately available stud-link chain as the same dimensional product.
• Construction: Flash butt-welded links → weld consistency, dimensional repeatability, and smooth link surfaces are key manufacturing and inspection points.
• Link geometry: D, L, and B dimensions supplied → chain pitch and link width must be checked against the windlass gypsy, chain pipe, bow roller, and anchor locker.
• Supply length: Customized → confirm total length, number of continuous lengths, chain marking, end links, shackles, swivels, and packaging before quotation.
• Surface finish: Pickled and passivated, with bright polishing when specified → post-weld cleaning helps remove heat tint and carbon-steel contamination.
• Inspection scope: Material verification, dimensional inspection, proof-load and breaking-load testing can be arranged → test values and witnessing basis must be confirmed by contract.

Main Technical Parameters

Selection & Inquiry Guide

Step 1: Confirm the anchor rode duty: yacht type, length overall, displacement, windage, anchor type and weight, operating area, and expected anchoring conditions.

Step 2: Confirm chain geometry: nominal diameter D, link length L, link width B, required total length, and whether the chain must run through an existing windlass gypsy.

Step 3: Provide the windlass make / model, gypsy marking, applicable calibrated-chain specification, or a sample link when replacement compatibility is critical.

Step 4: Confirm material: SUS 304 or SUS 316, material standard, low-carbon grade requirement if any, surface finish, and corrosion-maintenance expectations.

Step 5: Confirm the required proof load, breaking load, test standard, sampling plan, third-party witness, class requirement, and certificate type before pricing.

Step 6: Confirm end arrangement, including enlarged end links, anchor shackle, swivel, rope-to-chain connection, markings, quantity, delivery destination, and required delivery time.

Structure

Austenitic stainless steel round bar | Open-link / studless chain pattern | Flash butt-welded link joint | Smooth link crown and internal contact surfaces | Pickled and passivated or polished finish | Customized continuous length | End fittings to be confirmed

Material, Welding & Anchor-Rode Selection Advantages

• SUS 304 and SUS 316 options allow the material to be selected according to chloride exposure, appearance expectations, maintenance access, and budget. SUS 316 is normally preferred where salt spray, splash, or intermittent seawater contact is more severe.
• Flash butt welding provides a repeatable closed-link construction. Production control should focus on bar diameter, link pitch, internal width, weld upset, alignment, and smooth finishing around the welded zone.
• Pickling removes weld heat tint and embedded contamination, while passivation supports formation of a clean passive surface. The exact treatment procedure and acceptance method should be stated when ASTM A380 / A967 or another project standard is required.
• Open-link construction avoids a welded stud and provides flexible articulation for many yacht anchor-rode layouts. A stud-link alternative has different geometry and load behavior and should be treated as a separate product selection.
• Windlass performance depends on the chain matching the gypsy pocket geometry. Chain diameter alone does not confirm compatibility; pitch, width, tolerance, and the windlass manufacturer’s chain specification are also required.
• Proof load, breaking load, and working selection basis must remain separate. The page does not infer a working load or breaking strength from diameter, material name, or the supplied weight table.
• Stainless-only fabrication tools, clean storage, and protection from carbon-steel grinding dust help reduce free-iron contamination and early rust staining on finished chain.
• Inspection and maintenance remain necessary. Fresh-water rinsing, removal of salt deposits, and periodic inspection of welds, worn links, crevices, shackles, swivels, and mixed-metal connections support reliable service.

Custom Attributes

• Product Scope: Open-link / studless anchor chain → the dimensional table applies to the open-link product described on this page.
• Nominal Diameter: 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16 / 18 / 20 mm → select together with the anchor system and required load basis.
• Material Grade: SUS 304 or SUS 316 → final material designation, chemistry, and mechanical properties should be confirmed by the purchase specification.
• Construction: Flash butt welded → link geometry and welded-zone consistency are primary manufacturing controls.
• Surface Finish: Pickled and passivated / bright polished → define the required appearance and post-weld treatment in the order.
• Windlass Compatibility: To be confirmed → provide gypsy make, model, marking, chain standard, or sample dimensions.
• Supply Length: Customized → state total length, continuous length requirement, number of pieces, markings, and packaging.
• Test & Certificate Scope: According to project requirement → proof load, breaking load, sampling, witnessing, and certificate issue must be agreed before production.

How It Works

Anchor is deployed → Chain pays out through the bow roller and windlass / chain stopper → Chain weight and rode geometry help maintain the anchoring lead → Welded links articulate through the handling system → Load is transferred between anchor, chain, fittings, and vessel anchoring equipment → Chain is recovered, rinsed, and inspected after service

Applications

Sailing yachts | Motor yachts | Cruising yachts | Superyacht tenders and service craft | Chain-only anchor rodes | Rope-chain anchor rode assemblies | Newbuild anchoring systems | Yacht refit and replacement projects

Certifications & Advantages

Material certificates, maker test reports, independent inspection, and classification-related documentation can be arranged according to the agreed order scope. Class acceptance is subject to the governing rules, approved material and chain design, confirmed test loads, witnessing requirements, and classification society approval.

Certification options subject to project requirement and class approval: CCS, NK, BV, ABS, DNV, LR, KR, IRS, RS, RINA, CRS, Makers Test Certificate.

Drawing & Photos

FAQ

Q1: Should a yacht choose SUS 304 or SUS 316 stainless steel anchor chain?

A1: SUS 316 is generally the safer selection for stronger chloride exposure because its molybdenum content improves resistance to pitting. SUS 304 may be considered for less aggressive exposure or where regular rinsing and maintenance are assured. Final selection should consider immersion, salt deposits, crevices, temperature, maintenance, and the owner’s service expectations.

Q2: Will a chain with the same diameter fit the existing windlass gypsy?

A2: Not necessarily. Gypsy compatibility depends on chain diameter, pitch, link width, dimensional tolerance, and the gypsy pocket design. Provide the windlass make and model, gypsy marking, required chain standard, or a physical sample before ordering replacement chain.

Q3: What test and certificate information is required for quotation?

A3: Confirm material grade and standard, required proof load and breaking load, test method, sampling quantity, heat-treatment condition if applicable, inspection witness, certificate type, chain length, end fittings, and classification requirement. The supplied references to “Grade 1 / 2 / 3” should not be used until the governing chain standard and mechanical values are confirmed.