i got a 1/2" that's 10 ft long and am able to tie it without putting the whole chain on bottom when the wind allows. to the fellows asking the chain is an anchor used to steady your boat in higher winds. you put the wind at your back and set your chain so you'll hardly move, then your trolling motor will drag the chain. The only way i can control boat position in stiff winds. During a seminar i think it was ronnie capps said he pulled 2 chains behind his 21 ft fiberglass boat. Also said that if the waves are bouncing too much you gotta hold the poles to keep em steady. That gives each fisherman 2 poles.