Innovation and perseverance deserve to be rewarded, especially when it comes to something as important as anchoring. Mantus Marine has continually improved their chain hook since launching their first version over a decade ago. They now offer the third generation M3 Chain Hook, and it shines in its simplicity, strength, and ease-of-use.
Designed to be used with a snubber or bridle, the M3 Chain Hook fits the full range of anchor chain: BBB, Proof coil, high test, and Stainless Chain. It’s available in 1/4-5/16in, 5/16-3/8in, 3/8-1/2in, and 1/2-5/8in chain link sizes (fitting their metric counterparts too).
The latest Mantus Marine chain hook has a likeness to a snap shackle, but with a more rectangular and stout geometry. The M3 locks onto the outside of a single chain link, meaning it cannot slide down the chain. Even when the chain is unloaded, it can’t fall off—a benefit over chain hooks that require chain tension.
The low-profile design allows it to fit through most anchor rollers. So, it can be set up or removed from the comfort of the deck and not through a series of acrobatic moves over or through the pulpit. Better yet, it’s a quick one-handed operation to open or close it.
Don’t let the size lead you astray. The M3 Chain Hook is cast from 2205 duplex stainless steel: stronger and more corrosion resistant than 316 stainless. The only exception to that is the spring for the locking pin, which is Monel 400 (another material with superior corrosion resistance). Mantus Marine recommends replacing the spring every two years, and they make it easy by keeping the replacement cost to a few dollars for even the largest size.
Mantus Marine places a conservative 4:1 factor of safety on their chain hooks, but reference the breaking loads for a true comparison between other products and chain strengths. It reveals the M3 is often stronger than the chain it latches onto.
Mantus Marine nails the details with the M3 Chain Hook, with touches like the shackle bolt being pre-drilled for seizing wire. If that isn’t enough, the Mantus team stands behind it with a five-year warranty with some of the best customer support I’ve seen in the industry. Rest easy at anchor with this latest innovation. Mantusmarine.com
