Securing a New Raft

[Jersey Guy]

Could someone give me an idea what the cost would be for about 15' of 3/8" stainless steel chain? I assume this would be readily available at Heaths Hardware or Aubochon, right? Thanks again.

[BlackCatIslander]

Isn't there a requirement for all rafts to have identification of ownership on them? How do people handle this? Where can you get a plastic, or some other permanent material, nameplate locally?

[codeman671]

Originally Posted by BlackCatIslander

Isn't there a requirement for all rafts to have identification of ownership on them? How do people handle this? Where can you get a plastic, or some other permanent material, nameplate locally?

There is no current regulation for this that I know of. It has been brought up before, as was actually registering them, but there is nothing active. We have never had a name on ours.

[meredith weekender]

Originally Posted by BlackCatIslander

Isn't there a requirement for all rafts to have identification of ownership on them? How do people handle this? Where can you get a plastic, or some other permanent material, nameplate locally?

There is NO law that we are aware that says you have to have your name on your raft. We however do have our name on our raft and it has come in handy due to the fact that our raft has broken free at once per year. We have a poly raft and we used the 3" reflective mail box decals to put our name on the ladder side of the raft.

[Gatto Nero]

Originally Posted by BlackCatIslander

Isn't there a requirement for all rafts to have identification of ownership on them? How do people handle this? Where can you get a plastic, or some other permanent material, nameplate locally?

I don't know it there's a law but its a good idea regardless.

My raft broke loose during the hurricane last year. I had a name tag on it but with an old land line number that we have since done away with. The neighbors who's cove it ended up in where able to find me based on the name but the old number was useless. I've been meaning to replace it but never thought about while I was online. I just ordered one at Office Depot Thanks for the reminder

[NoBozo]

Originally Posted by Jersey Guy

Could someone give me an idea what the cost would be for about 15' of 3/8" stainless steel chain? I assume this would be readily available at Heaths Hardware or Aubochon, right? Thanks again.

Jamestown Distributers (Bristol, RI) would likely be the cheapest you will find @ $34.99/foot..OR $524.85 + shipping.

http://www.jamestowndistributors.com...dustrial+Chain

Click on the little arrow to select other sizes. NB

Defender Industries (Waterford, CT) is cheaper. (Same brand)

http://search.defender.com/?Action=2...1-72807100bbdb

[John A. Birdsall]

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]

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]

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]

Give ebay a shot at SS chain.

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