With limited dock space available, moorings are an excellent alternative.  They are just as safe as a dockside berth and are sometimes preferable as they are usually less taxing on the boat, especially during storms.  Moorings are designed to withstand the changing weather and daily tidal currents. We set and maintain moorings in most of the neighboring towns, so we are fully aware of the varying rules and regulations, which are designed to maximize the safety of your vessel while considering local conditions.

The most common mooring setup consists of the following:

§  anchor - typically a granite or concrete block ranging from 1000 to over 6000 pounds with a galvanized eyebolt on the top, or in some locations with soft bottoms, a mushroom anchor.

§  galvanized chain - typically ranging from ½ inch to 1 inch in diameter.  The length is determined by the water and mean tidal changes.

§  mooring ball - we recommend a hard ball that allows the chain to pass through the ball, thereby keeping the majority of the terminal tackle out of the water and your vessel securely connected directly to the mooring chain.

§  nylon pennant- either a 3-strand-braided or double-braided with a built-in galvanized thimble to reduce chafing.

§ galvanized shackles and swivel - typically ranging from ½ inch to 1 ½ inch, this hardware both connects all aforementioned gear and allows the tackle to freely spin, which reduces twist in both the chain and pennant.

We strongly recommend using only galvanized steel throughout, from the eyebolt to the pennant, in order to reduce galvanic corrosion. Anyone familiar with the upkeep of a boat knows you need to change your zincs annually.  The zinc is there as a sacrificial metal, protecting the rest of your motor. This is because any time two dissimilar metals come in contact under water,  especially in salt water, an electronic charge passes between the two metals and whichever of these two metals is less noble will deteriorate at an accelerated rate.  

 Due to normal wear and tear, all mooring gear will eventually wear out. As part of our winter service, we conduct a visual inspection of all mooring gear visible at the surface including pennant, swivel, mooring ball, the top of the mooring chain and any shackles at the water line. For each mooring we also remove, clean, grease, inspect, repaint and re-install the ball, pennant and any shackles and swivels at the top of the mooring. The chain is dropped to the bottom so no wear is incurred during the winter.                      Included in each town’s regulations are regular complete inspections which are completed with a qualified diver. The results are submitted to the local harbormaster to insure all tackle is in good and serviceable condition that meets the necessary criteria for that vessel.