Ranger 25 Anchor locker

dmadson · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:20 pm Post subject: Ranger 25 Anchor locker

Is the Ranger 25 anchor locker large enough to hold 275' 5/16' of G-4 chain? Denny

thataway · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:24 pm Post subject:

You need to specify what size chain--1/4" is usually used in this size boat.
G4 refers to high tensil strength chain as opposed to proof coil or BBB chain.

Sea Wolf · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:00 am Post subject:

Denny-

With all that chain, I'm assuming you'll be using a windlass. Which model and manufacturer will you have? What size chain is it designed for?

5/16" G4 chain weighs 1.09 lb./ft, so the full 275 feet will weigh 300 lbs.!

I seriously wonder if someone has tried to put that much chain in a R-25 Tug?

If you had a windlass designed for 1/4" G4 chain you could save ~100 lbs. of weight.

1/4" G4 chain, weighs 0.74 lb./ft, and 275 feet would weigh 204 lbs.

The differences are:

1/4" G4 = .74 lb./ft, safe working load = 2600 lbs., breaking strength = 7750 lbs.

5/6" G4 = 1.09 lbs./ ft, safe working load = 3900 lbs., breaking strength = 11,600 lbs.

I can't easily find a specification for how many cubic feet of volume there are per 100 feet of G4 chain of various sizes, but if you go to a marine hardware store, find out the measurements of a drum of chain (diameter, length of cylinder), and also how many feet there are in a drum, and you can compute the volume per 100 feet.

Then go measure your locker, calculate the aproximate volume (irregular shape), and go from there!

This will be a fun project!

Joe. Teeth

thataway · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:04 am Post subject:

The other issue beyond the volume of the locker, is the amount of fall. You need at least a foot of fall for the chain to stack properly in the locker. Also chain in a "V" locker can become "tossed" that is flipped, and then when you attempt to let the anchor chain out, it jams--you have to pull the chain out onto the bunk to untangle it.

It is less likely to do this, with mostly rode and then only 25 to 30 feet of chain.. The chain tends to nestle down in the rope rode, and is less likely to be tossed in rough weather.