The correct answer is D) prevent chain from clinging to the wildcat. A chain stripper is a device used on a boat's windlass to prevent the chain from clinging to the wildcat (the rotating drum on the windlass that the chain wraps around). By removing any twists or kinks in the chain, the chain stripper helps ensure the chain feeds smoothly onto the wildcat without getting stuck or tangled. This is an important function to maintain proper operation of the windlass when raising or lowering the anchor. The other answer choices are incorrect because they do not accurately describe the primary purpose of a chain stripper, which is to prevent the chain from clinging to the wildcat during anchor operations.