The minimum breaking strength of the bitter end shackle should equal the weight of how many shots of chain?

• A. 2
• B. 3
• C. 4
• D. 5

Answer: (B)

When sizing hardware for chain handling, the breaking strength must cover the actual load the part will carry, including the chain’s own weight bearing on it. For the bitter end shackle, that means it should be able to carry the weight of a length of chain ending at the bitter end, which is standardized as three shots of chain. This provides a practical margin for both static loads and the dynamic shocks that occur during mooring or towing, so the shackle won’t become the weak link.

Two shots would not give enough margin for expected loads, while four or five shots exceed what the standard requires. So, the minimum breaking strength being equal to the weight of three shots of chain is the appropriate, widely used guideline.