How strong is that black plastic chain from B&Q?

Rope

Surely if the waves can exert that much force to break the plastic chain, they would also swamp and sink the canoe.

Would a length of polypropylene rope not be more suitable? Also you will damage it by storing it in direct sunlight.

You say canoe, but what type of canoe?

one shaped like this: ()

I assume that your "large canoe" is worth more than a bit of galvanised chain? Quite a lot more than B&Q "black blastic ornamental chain"? Hm? Makes you think....

The message from Al D contains these words:

Not a hope.

From experience, the plastic is of very variable quality, with many bubbles in it. Obviously a large bubble will reduce the strength to very little indeed.

Have a look for "chain" under boats & watercraft in eBay.

Ah... That's what I feared! Thanks for the advice..

Al D

Nope (-;

Thanks for the suggestion, but rope is subject to chafing on rocks etc. So they recommend chain, at least for a few yards next to the anchor.

Al D

Unfortunately rope is subject to chafing on rocks and that poly rope degrades in UV light. Also, it's a bitch to coil - and if you cut it loose, it floats and fouls someone's propellor. Otherwise it would be great because it's so cheap.

Open canoe (Canadian style), max laden weight 400kg

Al D

Of course.. but if the anchor line breaks, it won't be the end of the canoe; it just means I'm no longer at anchor (which could be hazardous in some situations). Galvanized chain does cost... (£3 a meter) (20 meters = £60). And it's heavy... and it often has sharp bits sticking out, which can shred your hands, so if I knew of some adequately strong plastic chain, it would be preferable.

Al D

How about a length of stainless steel multi-strand wire a mm or two in diameter? It's strong, cheap, light, takes up little space and won't rust. You can buy it with cleats and fixing loops and other bits & bobs.

How about a length of steel multi strand wire threaded through the plastic chain? String, cheap, light, wont rust, and easier to pull up with bare hands than the multi strand wire

An anchor *needs* a metal chain for it to work, it's the weight of the chain that has a considerable part in holding the anchor down so that it grips.

So I think it would be a bad idea to use plastic chain.

The message from Al D contains these words:

Stainless chain?

Perfick