Acco Peerless Chain Chain - BBB

Acco Peerless Chain ACCO® BBB Chain: The Trusted Standard for Marine Anchoring

When it comes to dependable anchor and windlass chain, few names carry more weight on the water than Acco Peerless Chain. Their BBB chain — also known as "3B" chain — is one of the most widely recognized chain standards among American boaters, and Peerless has long been the manufacturer synonymous with it.

What Is BBB Chain and Why Does It Matter?

ACCO® BBB Chain is a low carbon steel, general purpose chain with a short compact link. That short link geometry is what sets BBB apart from other grades like G30 Proof Coil: the short links make the chain more flexible and less apt to become tangled in the chain locker, which is a critical advantage when you need your windlass to cycle smoothly in demanding conditions. In the U.S., many gypsies fit short-link BBB size, making it the go-to choice for a wide range of windlass-equipped vessels.

Hot-Dip Galvanized Finish for Marine Durability

Peerless finishes their ACCO® BBB chain with a hot-dip galvanized coating, which delivers meaningful corrosion resistance in saltwater and freshwater environments alike. Hot-dip galvanized chain provides superior performance compared to zinc-electroplating chain; this general-purpose anchor chain is made from low carbon steel and features short links for more flexibility. Each link is also embossed 3B for easy field identification. The chain is made in the USA.

Strength Ratings and Safety

Peerless ACCO® BBB chain is proof-tested for reliable performance. The chain won't get tangled in the chain locker and is tested to twice the working load limit — the Maximum Working Load (MWL) is a conservative rating for safety, with breaking strength generally 3–4 times greater. For example, the 3/8" size carries a MWL of 2,650 lb. and a breaking strength of 11,000 lb., making it well-suited for mid-size to larger vessels. It is important to note that this chain is not rated for overhead lifting — its design is optimized specifically for anchoring and general marine use.

Windlass Compatibility: A Critical Consideration

It is not uncommon for chain of the same size from different manufacturers to differ in ways that affect windlass performance — Acco anchor chain is manufactured domestically by the original Peerless company, and they are available to assist if called upon. Always confirm fitment against your specific windlass gypsy specifications before purchasing. ACCO® BBB chain is compatible with most major brands of windlass, but link dimensions vary across sizes, so verifying fit is essential.

Available Sizes

Peerless offers ACCO® BBB chain in a range of trade sizes to match different vessel classes and windlass configurations, including 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", and 1/2" diameters, available by the foot or in standard pack lengths. Whether you're outfitting a small runabout or a larger offshore cruiser, there's a BBB size in the lineup to suit your anchoring setup.

Explore the full Acco Peerless Chain brand page for their complete marine chain lineup, or browse all BBB chain options to compare sizes and specifications for your application.