Mooring line chain broke sailboat crashed into rocks

[Rinconhg]

There was a 3 day storm and our mooring chain broke. In the morning we checked out sailboat and she went through a coral reef and ended up on the beach next to a pile of rocks. Fortunately, we were able to save her. We are now in the process of getting her fixed. Other boats where we are moored have broken loose in the past, so has anyone used any Courtland line instead of chain or other synthetic line instead of chain? Chain doesn't seem to last. We are in 20 ft of water on sand.
We would appreciate any ideas. Thank you

 

[jibes138]

Moorings should be inspected annually by a diver. The chain likely didn't suffer infant mortality, it likely corroded over time until it became to weak it could no longer take the loading from a storm. Probably a good idea to dive on your mooring yourself and notify whomever maintains them if any repairs are needed. You can always connect another length of chain yourself if it looks bad and you don't feel comfortable if there is room for it.

 

[Rinconhg]

I realize that chain has to be inspected annually however has anyone used synthetic line instead of chain. Thanks

Moorings should be inspected annually by a diver. The chain likely didn't suffer infant mortality, it likely corroded over time until it became to weak it could no longer take the loading from a storm. Probably a good idea to dive on your mooring yourself and notify whomever maintains them if any repairs are needed. You can always connect another length of chain yourself if it looks bad and you don't feel comfortable if there is room for it.

 

[Maine Sail]

Synthetic line is only to be used in a vertical floating application so it does not touch the bottom, ever. You would still use " bottom chain" but this chain would be lifted off the bottom at all tides and the rope should never touch. Getting sand or bottom debris into the rope fibers/braid causes premature failure & weakening of the line. If it touches the bottom it can also chafe on the mooring, rocks or other bottom features.

If your chain broke it was:

A) Grossly undersized
B) Simply worn out and lacked inspection

Perhaps 95% of all mooring installers fail MISERABLY at building a proper mooring to handle storm conditions. The Caribbean, including PR, is not known for quality mooring installations..

This is the bottom chain for our 36 footer and this is our day mooring which we don't use for storms. Our storm mooring has the links with the bars across.....

Any properly designed mooring should rip your boat in half or rip the cleats out of the deck before it fails. If it can not do this, it is simply under designed.

 

[31seahorse]

YOWZA!!!!! That is some serious chain!!!! I never guessed that mooring chain would be that large for any sailing vessel similar to what we discuss/sail. However, I am most impressed with the zip tie used to mouse the pin on the shackle!

 

[Maine Sail]

YOWZA!!!!! That is some serious chain!!!! I never guessed that mooring chain would be that large for any sailing vessel similar to what we discuss/sail. However, I am most impressed with the zip tie used to mouse the pin on the shackle!

The zip tie were not use in the actual installation just for transport. Monel seizing wire was used...

 

[mitiempo]

In B.C. many use Polysteel at the top of the mooring and chain on the lower section. All chain would drag the buoy under. http://www.polysteel.ca/index2.php?menu=comm1#

Strong and good UV resistance.

 

[BobM]

Chain is likely required as part of the mooting system. The chain acts as a spring line. Your problem is probably the quality of the chain. Seems like everything comes from China these days. Our mooring area is serviced by one man and he is hit or miss...more miss than hit to be frank. I should dive on the mooring I "bought" from him (I doubt I will get much credit for it when I sell it back). It probably has a welded eye and chain I wouldn't secure a bike with!

 

[Tom J]

Chain is likely required as part of the mooting system. The chain acts as a spring line. Your problem is probably the quality of the chain. Seems like everything comes from China these days. Our mooring area is serviced by one man and he is hit or miss...more miss than hit to be frank. I should dive on the mooring I "bought" from him (I doubt I will get much credit for it when I sell it back). It probably has a welded eye and chain I wouldn't secure a bike with!

Years ago, I bought a mooring in Hingham Bay. I was told by my fellow yacht club members that the top 3' of chain corrodes quickly, so I added 9' of chain to the original length when I rebuilt the mooring. Every two years, I moved the top mooring shackle down 3'. Never had a problem after that.