It may seem obvious, but the reason stainless steel chain lasts so much longer and is more expensive than galvanized steel chain is that it is a type of steel and not just a thin coating on carbon steel. So even as the chain wears over time with use, the corrosion resistance is the same as when it was new. Within the stainless steel family, type 316 has the highest corrosion resistance and we have found a very good quality, yet affordable chain with an ISO pitch that we can offer for both windlass and general anchor applications.