Anchor shackle or swivel?

[jms02050]

Had a "challenging" time launching and retrieving my Danforth anchor this past weekend. It needed A LOT of help off the roller, and then again getting the chain-to-rope section through. Same thing on retrieval. Note that I do not have a windlass.

I've got a shackle connecting the anchor to the chain, and then another shackle going from the chain to the 1/2" 3-strand line. The shackles seem too big - probably 3/4" shackles for 5/16" chain. I basically had to turn them vertical to make if through the roller.

Wondering if most folks here have luck with just using shackles or if swivels are used? A swivel seems "cleaner".

[special k]

mine has a swivel shackle at the anchor/chain connection. no problems at the pulpit roller, however with past boats i had no issues with shackles. fwiw

[Russell]

A rope to chain splice is easy to do (see video) and eliminates all the problems there. Use an appropriately sized shackle from the chain to the anchor or you can purchase a special swivel made just for this purpose.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfDyDYC5g1E

[jleonard]

The shackles seem too big - probably 3/4" shackles for 5/16" chain

I couldn't get a 1/2 inch shackel to mate with a 5/16 chain this wekend, so I doubt you have a 3/4 on there. I think 3/8 is the largest that will fit 5/16 chain.