Anchoring and Mooring

[CarolinaPuffin]

Young Captain looking for the rules of safty on Anchoring and Mooring. Is there a formula for anchoring, how long should my anchor line be. On mooring - I am considering putting out a mooring bouy for a 25 foot MacGregor, on well protected bay in easter North Carolina. Again any words of wisdom would be appreciated as to weather this is a good idea or not.... What is the proper way to set a safe mooring bouy, should I use a rope set, a chain set, a mixture of rope and chain. How long should they be.
Thank you in advance
CPuffin

[svandronikos]

I can't say about mooring, but I know a bit about anchoring.

In calm weather you want a 4-1 ratio, that means 4 feet of line for every foot of depth. In mild weather you want a 7-1 ratio, and in heavy weather a 10-1 ratio. If weather is seriously heavy and you have room, you might put even more than that much out.

Hope I helped.

[goincruisin]

Hello CPuffin

I am really surprised there are not more posts to your valid query. Along with that, my apologies for not replying myself earlier, but we have been "underway" sailing home to Ireland from the US before heading offf on an even longer journey - but that is another story.

Though we are currently working on a new section specifically on moorings, we do have a LOT of information on anchors and anchoring in our book: Happy Hooking - the At of Anchoring, which is available from or website Coastalboating .net

I hope this helps you and does not offend the non-commercial nature of this blog

cheers

Capt Alex Blackwell

[CapnMikel]

where are good resources for legal anchoring along the east coast/ intracoastal areas

[Ancora Latina]

I hope this not offend the non-commercial nature of this blog
Capt Alex Blackwell

Hi Alex,
It seems that you're the autor of this book ? (Capt. Alex Blackwell & Capt. Daria Blackwell)

They are (at least) two other good books about this subject:
The Complete Book of Anchoring and Mooring: Earl R. Hinz, .
www.amazon.com/Complete-Book-Anchoring-Mooring/dp/0870334522 - 240k -
Which is very complete but a little bit outdated, which doesn't iclude the Last generation of anchors.

The Complete Anchoring Handbook
www.amazon.com/Complete-Anchoring-Handbook-Alain-Poiraud/dp/0071475087 - 267k -
The most recent one, which also include the "New Gen" of anchors.

Safe anchoring to all

João
Ancora Latina

[Osiris]

Anchoring guidelines vary all over the park. Some say 5 to 1 for short term and 7 to 1 for overnight and 10 to 1 for heavy weather. But most of the variation if dependent upon the type anchor used and the type of sea bottom you are anchoring in. Then add in windage and wind speed and you can see that specific numbers cannot be really given as the variables are too great. Use the popular guidelines to start and then see how your boat reacts and develop your own set of rules for rode length versus water depth.
Moorings are covered in many popular books and guides but they all seem to miss the most important part and that is to tie to a mooring with a two part bridle to equalize the load on both sides of your bow. And make sure that the attachment to the mooring will not abraid any line you are using for attaching the boat to the mooring itself. I like to use stainless steel large carbiners to snap onto the mooring ring to prevent any "sawing" action with the line to your bow cleats.