Mooring question

[sogood]

Just trying to get a handle on the recommended weight and type of mooring best suited to my boat. It's a 25' Wellcraft Sportsman and is rated at 4,400 pounds dry weight. I intend to moor it in my local harbour, which is pretty well sheltered (and tidal) and the sea bed is for the most part mud. I just wondered the best type and amount of weight to use and best recommended set up. Any thoughts much appreciated.

 

[proshadetree]

Do they let you just moor anywhere? If you are allowed to just drop anchor anywhere, how bad do storms get there? Best is a three point hitch bottom fastened with galvanized shackels to a chain 1.5 to 2 times the depth of the mooring spot. A good mooring ball attached to the top in the same manner. Anchors can concrete, mushrooms or the screw type if you can find someone to sink them for you. It takes 8 to 10 thousand pounds of concrete to hold 4000lbs of boat. So 3 3000lb concrete anchors hitched would hold in fresh water. The man I asked only has experience in fresh water and could not tell if it was the same for salt water.

 

[tpenfield]

Wondering if there are local authorities and regulations that you should be checking.

In my area, a 25 foot boat would get a 200 lb mooring anchor, either mushroom of diamond style.

 

[sogood]

So, 9000 lbs or 200 lbs ? Mooring is free at my local harbour. You just need to organise it. And it can get a bit stormy as the harbour is situated at the end of a 30 mile long bay that runs out into the Atlantic. Weather coming up the bay is funneled somewhat as the bay narrows from it's 12 mile wide mouth. High hills on either side add to this.

Regulations as such don't exist, but courtesy and consideration for other boaters does.

So, what weight do I need and what's the best type? In layman's terms if possible. Thanks for the input.

 

[tpenfield]

I'd like to see a 3000 lb concrete anchor or a even a 3000 lb mushroom anchor

FWIW my 24 foot boat had a 200 lb Dor-Mor anchor and my 33 foot boat has a 500 lb Dor-Mor anchor. the 33 footer is a 10,000 lb boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

I think Bondo uses a bunch of engine blocks chained together for his mooring. if memory serves me, its a few ford blocks with a GM 3.0 in there as well.

 

[roscoe]

An engine block will sink into the mud and hold well.
As will a small (300#) railroad wheel.

Are there any marinas or yacht clubs in the area?
They would know what to use, where to purchase, and who will put them in for you.