Mooring painter

[Cavdogs]

Hello: we recently purchased an Oday 26 and the question (among others) is what is the appropriate size mooring painter for this boat. She's in a harbor in RI open to the southwest on a 4K # mooring. I was contemplating a 12' line, 5/8 diam.
Any comments greatly appreciated and thanks.

 

[Brian S]

Here's how MaineSail does it: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/mooring_pendants

You can look on his site for more pictures of mooring pendant failures, like here: http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/mooring_prep

 

[odaydokay]

He does not talk about correct diameter for given weight of boat etc. There is an old rule that I recall from decades ago and that is that over-sizing on the rope diameter can bring as many issues as under-sizing as oversize rope does not give properly and it will snap. Now how sure am I that this is good current day information? Only about 50%, so best to study yourself further. Also key to get the right type of rope.

 

[Brian S]

Here is Yale's Maxi-Moor II web page, with recommended line size per boat length chart: http://www.yalecordage.com/maxi-moor.html

 

[James19955]

All great suggestions about mooring pendant dia but you might also check the requirements for your harbour. Many towns, via the harbourmasters office, have recommendations/requirements for mooring sizes and lengths. This is to ensure that boats swing appropriately and also for safety. I'm in Bullocks Cove RI and - we have to have the moorings inspected every 2 years!

 

[Maine Sail]

He does not talk about correct diameter for given weight of boat etc. There is an old rule that I recall from decades ago and that is that over-sizing on the rope diameter can bring as many issues as under-sizing as oversize rope does not give properly and it will snap. Now how sure am I that this is good current day information? Only about 50%, so best to study yourself further. Also key to get the right type of rope.

The biggest pendant you can fit within reason is the proper size. It is not about strength, it is about chafe. Making through the storm before it is sliced through is the prime criteria. Even the smallest Yale pendant can lift an O'day 26 by more than double but a 1/2" pendant will chafe through, in a storm, much faster than a 3/4" pendant will..... You should not be relying on a short pendant for elasticity. Your mooring design and top/bottom chain configuration should handle that.

 

[Pat]

Really good information above (all)....I purchased mooring painter, etc. from Marlow ropes, (go to google and head to the Marlow rope's site) but I would first recommend all the above, then purchase the painter, etc. I was using the mooring for partying, bar-b-queing, etc....actually only spent 2 nights on the mooring as we had a slip too. Was a great spot for our club's fireworks show.... Pat