Anchor Swivels

[Stu Jackson]

The May Latitude 38, Northern California's FREE sailing magazine, has noted a problem with Kong anchor swivels.  See: http://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/lectronicday.lasso?date=2009-05-15&dayid=273

Later letters to the editor in the June issue discussed this, too.

The concept of anchor swivels is not to be taken lightly.  Some of us think they're fine, and some of us think they're unnecessary.

Nigel Calder's Cruising Handbook recommends a D shackle at the anchor connected to...whatever you choose.

Others have suggested that if you want a swivel you use the D shackle at the anchor and put the swivel between the boat end of the chain and the nylon anchor rode.  For those of you with all chain rode, this isn't an option.

Thought you'd like to know about this issue.

Also see: http://c34.org/bbs/index.php/topic,4990.0.html, page 2 discusses swivels.

[Ron Hill]

Guys, Susan and D. Gill : You've got too much riding on an anchor swivel, so I'd buy American.  I have a Hayne stainless swivel. 
I also have a real Bruce.  The problem with the lower cost look alike "Claw" is that you don't know what the metallurgy really is - being made in China !??!