Mooring question

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capeguy

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Wondering if anyone can give some info on what type of mooring would work best for me. Located on Cape Cod Bay, near PTown. Sand bottom, exposed to SW and NW winds from across the bay, can get 3-5' seas. Prevailing strong winds are SW/NE (protected) and NW.

Want the ability to moor a 30' Marlin (wishful thinking right now). I've heard mushrooms don't hold well in the sand.

Any thoughts?
 
I think the mooring companies use concrete blocks of various weights - you may want to check with them. For those conditions, you may want to bump up a size or two

Mooring where 3-5 foot seas are the norm seems imprudent.
 
Your local harbormaster will have a say in it as well....you should be able to get a map of the mooring area with a rating for those waters that determine the mooring weight and size chain you'll need...the mooring company will know what the HM will require and get you the right size...I paid about $1200 for my Sailfish mooring up in Marblehead on the west shore. I don't know if its a mushroom or concrete block.
 
I just installed a new mooring for my 2010 Tournament 275 and went with a Helix Mooring (http://www.helixmooring.com/) which is actually screwed into the ocean floor. I researched it thoroughly and learned that a Helix Mooring is the strongest type of mooring available (assuming proper bottom conditions). It was about 50% more than the cost of a large mushroom or concrete block but provides me with significant peace of mind in terms of not worry about my mooring dragging. I upsized everything else including the chain, ball, shackles, and pendant just to provide additional safety.

Definitely something worth checking out.
 
Been looking hard at the Helix, looks like the best fit for me. Hope to install this weekend!

Thanks!
 
KS,
One question. How much scope do you have on your setup? I am thinking about 2X water depth of chain to the ball and then anothe 10-15ft of rode to the boat. We are in open water with no boats around so it doesn't matter the radius. that would give me about 3:1 scope at max high water.

Thoughts?
 
I had the mooring service company make that determination (they do a lot of moorings in my area so I left it to them). I'm really happy with the setup and think it was definitely worth the upcharge for the added peace of mind.
 
I would second do whatever the mooring company suggests. I know for example, in our area they would never use concrete blocks (tend to fall apart) and for some reason, the only thing I know of which is used is granite blocks.

That may be in part because we are in the "Granite State". ;)
 
Thanks all,
Went with the Helix after speaking with them and local mooring companies. Went with 2.5X max water depth in scope of 1/2" chain. The pendant will add another 1X scope. Helix delivered in 1 day via UPS and were very helpful.

Unfortunately tides were not low enough to install, will wait for the new moon...
 
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