In the spring of 2005 I replaced the three year old 1/2" swivel above with a 5/8" swivel.
A 0.5 “ diameter cross section yields 0.8 square inches. Reducing the diameter
to 0.35 inches will reduce the area to 0.38 square inches. This is a 50% change
in area of the cross section and that cross sectional area is the predominate strength determinant.
I am glad I did it. Maybe it would have lasted the whole year, but I sleep a lot better now.
2005 will be the first year that I will have the line connected to the rotating part of the swivel, previously
only the buoy was connected there. I never trusted the swivel part for my boat, but with a 5/8" rated at
well over 5000, plounds I feel confident. I have been using a stainless clevis rated at 2500 pounds on my 200 foot anchor chain.
