Securing a New Raft

John A. Birdsall · 05-10-2012, 04:45 PM

be careful not to mix metals. Electrolysis (never mind the spelling) can destroy a chain, and if it is attached (even near) a outboard motor it can raise havic with it.

We have been using tow chain for trucks, about 20' and it works great. As for the floatation I took some Plastice PVC Pipe, put a cap on each end so it was water tight. and it was good for about four years but then some boat hit it during or just after ice out. I think I like the idea of a rope tied to it. Next fall I am gonna try that. and I will tie it to the boat house. Maybe it can be pulled away.

Loony Singer · 05-10-2012, 05:14 PM

When we had our aluminum raft (with cedar decking) fabricated several years ago, the folks who made it (Center Harbor Dock and Pier) used their welding equipment to scribe our phone number into one of the structural members. Also on their advice, we secured our raft to the chain with a lock. what kind of lock might withstand this service, you may ask? we found a stainless steel kryptonite lock online that has worked flawlessly for a decade.

NoBozo · 05-10-2012, 07:23 PM

Stainless Steel is NO Doubt the BEST. (Forgetting Cost) HOWEVER: If you use SS....Use ALL Stainless Steel. IF you use Galvanized..use ALL Galvanized. If you MIX the two you may regret it.

I won't go into "HOW It Works". If you combine 100 links of galvanized chain with...One link of SS chain...not much will happen. If you combine 100 links of SS Chain with ONE link of Galvanized chain...the Galvanized LINK will dissolve quickly....It has to do with comparative surface area of the disparate metals.

If you have property ON The Lake... you are NOT POOR and can afford the Stainless Steel. PAY THE MAN.....DO IT.

When doing ALL Stainless. DO NOT use Galvanized anywhere.

NB

Dave R · 05-11-2012, 02:50 AM

Give ebay a shot at SS chain.

Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-St...393e40&vxp=mtr

05-10-2012, 04:45 PM	#1
John A. Birdsall Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Norwich, CT Posts: 599 Thanks: 27 Thanked 51 Times in 35 Posts	chain wear be careful not to mix metals. Electrolysis (never mind the spelling) can destroy a chain, and if it is attached (even near) a outboard motor it can raise havic with it. We have been using tow chain for trucks, about 20' and it works great. As for the floatation I took some Plastice PVC Pipe, put a cap on each end so it was water tight. and it was good for about four years but then some boat hit it during or just after ice out. I think I like the idea of a rope tied to it. Next fall I am gonna try that. and I will tie it to the boat house. Maybe it can be pulled away.

05-10-2012, 05:14 PM	#2
Loony Singer Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Moultonborough Posts: 111 Thanks: 37 Thanked 17 Times in 12 Posts	identifying and REALLY securing a raft When we had our aluminum raft (with cedar decking) fabricated several years ago, the folks who made it (Center Harbor Dock and Pier) used their welding equipment to scribe our phone number into one of the structural members. Also on their advice, we secured our raft to the chain with a lock. what kind of lock might withstand this service, you may ask? we found a stainless steel kryptonite lock online that has worked flawlessly for a decade.

05-10-2012, 07:23 PM	#3
NoBozo Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Portsmouth. RI Posts: 2,231 Thanks: 400 Thanked 460 Times in 308 Posts	Galvanized Vs Stainless Steel Stainless Steel is NO Doubt the BEST. (Forgetting Cost) HOWEVER: If you use SS....Use ALL Stainless Steel. IF you use Galvanized..use ALL Galvanized. If you MIX the two you may regret it. I won't go into "HOW It Works". If you combine 100 links of galvanized chain with...One link of SS chain...not much will happen. If you combine 100 links of SS Chain with ONE link of Galvanized chain...the Galvanized LINK will dissolve quickly....It has to do with comparative surface area of the disparate metals. If you have property ON The Lake... you are NOT POOR and can afford the Stainless Steel. PAY THE MAN.....DO IT. When doing ALL Stainless. DO NOT use Galvanized anywhere. NB

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The Following User Says Thank You to John A. Birdsall For This Useful Post:
Jersey Guy (05-10-2012)

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to NoBozo For This Useful Post:
Jersey Guy (05-10-2012), meredith weekender (05-10-2012)

05-11-2012, 02:50 AM	#4
Dave R Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 2,985 Thanks: 246 Thanked 744 Times in 444 Posts	Give ebay a shot at SS chain. Example: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Stainless-St...393e40&vxp=mtr