Not sure where you can get ss roller chain, but the number 40 is the size of
the pitch in 80 ths of an inch. Number 40 has a pitch of 40/80 or 1/2 inch.
There is also heavy duty roller chain, such as #80 HD.

"ray" wrote in message
...
I don't know what to ask or search for. It's part of the steering
system which is a wheel/pedistal/cable arrangement. It has to be
stainless because it's a traditional boat with a compass on top of the
post. The original chain is a beautiful, precision made s.s. from
Germany but it's the wrong size. I got a steel replacement that says
"40" on it. I guess that's the pitch but now the compass doesn't work.
Any ideas what to ask for or where to look? Thanks.