This specification covers wildcats as used in windlasses to haul in and pay out anchor chain on board ships. Wildcats shall be classified based on materials and manufacture. Wildcats shall be fabricated from structural steel plate, medium-strength carbon steel castings, or high-strength steel castings, joined by electric welding. Wildcats shall conform to specified dimensions, depending on chain size. Wildcats shall be tested to fit sample chain. Workmanship, finish, appearance, packaging, and making shall conform to the requirements of this specification.

1.1 This specification covers wildcats as used in windlasses to haul in and pay out anchor chain on board ships. An associated chain stopper is used to secure the chain while the ship is anchored, or the anchor is housed.

1.2 Wildcats are of the five whelp type for use with stud link anchor chain conforming to the American Bureau of Shipping Grades 1, 2, and 3. Wildcat dimensions are provided for chains in integral 1/8-in. (3-mm) steps, ranging in size from 3/4 to 41/8 in. (19 to 104 mm). Wildcat dimensions for chains in intermediate 1/16-in. (1.5-mm) steps are not provided, but wildcats in these sizes are permitted within the scope of this specification.

1.3 Wildcats are configured to pass detachable links oriented parallel or perpendicular to the wildcat shaft centerline.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. This specification is for use with anchor chain that is measured in inch-pound units.