Mooring chain

[Art Femenella]

I have a 1988 MkII Cat 30 TR w/factory bowsprit. Local laws require a mooring with all chain right onto the deck. I plan to use a snubber with a nylon line, but if this breaks in a strong surge (mooring open to NE) what is the best setup for chain to deck? Over anchor roller? Some type of bridle? Are deck cleats strong enough? Thanks.

 

[Brad]

We do this.

Hi, When I am hooked on to a mooring bouy , I use two lines( snubbers), one short and one longer. This way if the first breaks you will feel the boat lunge and the second line will hold you. Could you not use this same idea , just have two snubbers, one working and one longer ready incase the first wears through..... Brad

 

[C Robb Worthington]

bridle system

I don't know how picky your local regs are but in Bermuda where moorings have to withstand hurricane force winds almost every year, we (and everyone else) uses a bridle utilizing both forward cleats. I also add a springy line running from both of my midships cleats to a stout piece of 3 strand nylon which also connects to the chain pivot through the anchor roller. I put most of the strain on this line, as it flexes it allows tension to come on the forward cleats, thus distributing the load. The chain ends about 18" below my anchor roller.