So, you bought the perfect boat, now where are you going to keep it? Many owners choose to store their boats at home in a driveway, yard or garage and simply trailer them down to the boat ramp each time they go out. But for daily boaters it may be better to store the boat on the water, allowing for more accessible, faster launching. Of course, this is usually the more expensive option as space at marinas and harbors can get pricey quickly.
If you’re new to boating and plan to keep your boat on the water, setting up a proper boat mooring is an important subject to study in order to ensure you moor your boat safely and properly. It can get confusing with all the various parts, ropes, and chains required – but don’t worry, we’ve got your covered. We’ll take you through the process of actionably mooring your boat and help you learn about the types of moorings, where you can park and the equipment you’ll need along the way.
Boat Mooring Basics
Most marinas and harbors have three different options for boat storage – from “dry dock” storage (where the boat is stored on land) to on-the-water storage at either a dockside “wet slip” or a mooring. The dry dock is usually the cheapest, followed by the mooring, while the most expensive is usually the slip. A slip is a designated space next to a dock that enables passengers to easily board the boat on foot. A mooring is a type of semi-permanent anchoring system out in the water and requires a tender (or dinghy) to reach the boat from the dock.
Unlike a traditional anchor that is stored onboard a boat and thrown overboard when needed, moorings are fixed to the ground and marked with a floating buoy that the boat is then attached to. It’s important to know the difference between mooring, anchoring and docking, and when the right time is for each.
Improper mooring can result in a lot of damage to your boat or other boats nearby if you aren’t careful. No matter how much boat insurance you have, this is a hassle you just want to avoid if you can.
Types of Boat Moorings
There are as many options for mooring your boat as there are potential water and weather conditions. A small concrete block might serve well for a quick mooring in calm waters, for example, but it wouldn’t hold up much to a storm. A mushroom mooring gives you added strength, and on the most secure end of the spectrum are helical anchors that actually screw into the floor of the body of water to keep your vessel anchored during the roughest conditions.
It is important that you understand the different options that you have for mooring your boat in different situations. Fortunately, it’s not that complicated if you take the time to understand the differences. While you could spend hours learning all the types of mooring situations and names of the equipment involved, it really just boils down to one thing: strength.
Boat Mooring Equipment
Depending on how you want to moor or dock your boat, there are a number of pieces of equipment that you will need. From shackles and chains to ropes and mooring whips, let’s take a look at some of the most common required equipment of any good mooring system.
Mooring Anchors Versus Regular Anchors
Let’s take a look at some of the more common types of anchors and mooring anchors, to give you an idea of how they differ from one another and when each type should be used. Keep in mind that small boats moored in shallow, protected or calm waters may be fine with lighter-weight mooring anchors, while heavier vessels moored out in deeper, open water with strong currents will require much heavier mooring anchors and potentially more complex mooring systems. Of course, the heavier the anchor the better, but the more difficult it will be to remove.
Danforth / Cruising anchors
With wide, flat and sharp flukes this type of anchor readily digs itself into mud and sand when it is heavy enough but offers little resistance during the burying operation and also when it is being broken out again. It has the advantage of folding flat for deck stowage making it ideal for use with smaller vessels, such as boats and personal watercraft that can be trailered.
Note: This is not considered a mooring anchor, and should not be used for a mooring system.
Plow-style anchors
Usually stored onboard a vessel these anchors can hold effectively in grass, mud, and sand and offer a lot of versatility.
Note: This is not considered a mooring anchor, and should not be used for a mooring system.
Mushroom anchors
The most common choice for boaters when mooring, these mooring anchors are available in weights from 25 pounds up to 1000 pounds or more. These anchors dig in deep while the shape adds suction, giving you extra staying power.
Pyramid anchors
Constructed of steel with a more concentrated weight design and smaller size than mushroom anchors these anchors offer a holding power is up to ten times their weight. These are often used in long-term, permanent, mooring systems at many marinas.
Helix anchors
The most difficult to install but also the strongest. They allow for optimum protection of marine wildlife and habitat thus are considered the best eco-mooring systems. Because they’re screwed into the ground they offer the most holding power, with 4-5 times the holding strength of other mooring systems. They are ideal for heavy vessel mooring systems.
Navy/Kedge anchors
Used exclusively by the massive navy and military barges and vessels, due to their heavyweight.
Mooring System Parts
Mooring Chains And Ropes
Along with a good mooring anchor, you also need the right gear to connect with, starting with two high-quality galvanized chains: one lightweight and one heavy. The lighter chain will connect to the heavy one with a swivel shackle to allow for maneuvering, and measures about as long as the water is deep. The heavy chain is connected to the mooring anchor and will rest on the ocean floor to provide additional weight. The length of the chain should be equal to 1.5 times the depth of the water to provide enough weight for mooring.
Mooring Shackles
Mooring shackles are designed to securely connect ropes and chains to other fittings while supporting the weight of the load adequately and safely. There are many types of shackles available including screw pin shackles (for non-permanent applications), safety bolt shackles (for long-term applications) and other derivatives and varieties. They come in a range of materials, from untreated steel or iron to coated, finished or galvanized steel surfaces.
Mooring Buoys
You don’t necessarily need a buoy when mooring your boat, but it is a good idea for safety. This will absorb motion from the wind and waves and help bring your chain to the surface as well as making it easy to find. Choose a buoy that is the right size for your boat and that has the protective features that you need. Buoys come in all shapes and sizes, including some that are part of pre-packaged mooring kits.
Mooring Pennants
Almost everywhere that boats are permitted, there are rules regarding mooring pennants. This “pennant” is actually a rope made from nylon that connects the buoy to the boat hitch. These can be made from other materials for applications that need more durability. The biggest consideration here is to choose a line that has a chafe-resistant coating to protect your mooring and the hull of your boat. Make sure that your pennant is just long enough to connect your buoy. If it’s too long, you could cause damage to your outboard motor or not have as stable of a position in the water during rough weather.
Wrapping Up
Parking and storing a boat on the water is a unique practice that requires a solid working knowledge of all available options, equipment, techniques, and limitations. Boats are expensive and the last thing that you need as a boat owner is to cause property damage to your vessel or another owner’s vessel. Perhaps most importantly, you do not want to lose your boat in the open water because of improper mooring setups.
Use the information in this guide to hone your mooring and guarantee that your boat is secure and protected while you’re away. Fortunately, there is no shortage of gear available for the various boats on the water today, making it easy for everyone to get the best tools and equipment for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Docking and Mooring?
The biggest difference between docking and mooring your boat is the equipment that you use. When you dock your boat alongside a wharf, dock, or pier, you will need dock lines, fenders, and other equipment to secure your vessel. A permanent anchor spot is referred to as a mooring, which requires a floating buoy, a rope line, chains, and an anchor. Most moored boats still require docking equipment for additional support.
What is a boat mooring?
A mooring is any type of permanent or semi-permanent anchoring system on the water, to which a boat can be safely secured, and which typically requires a tender vessel or dinghy access.
How do boat moorings work?
Boat moorings are secured to the ground underwater via a heavy structure or weight and connected through a system of chains, shackles, and ropes to a floating buoy above on the water’s surface.
How heavy should a boat mooring be?
The proper weight for a boat mooring depends on a number of factors, including the underwater landscape (whether it’s hard rock, loose rock or soft sand), the type of mooring used, water depth, weather conditions and the weight and length of the vessel. As a general guideline, mushroom moorings on soft, sandy bottoms in protected harbors should weigh between 5–10 times the length of the vessel, to be safe. So for example, a 20-foot boat should usually have at least a 100 pound mushroom mooring to be safe, whereas a 35-foot boat may required a 350-pound mooring to be safe. It is best to consult the harbor or marina where you are placing your mooring for advice when choosing the weight of your mooring.
If you’re new to boating and plan to keep your boat on the water, setting up a proper boat mooring is an important subject to study in order to ensure you moor your boat safely and properly. It can get confusing with all the various parts, ropes, and chains required – but don’t worry, we’ve got your covered. We’ll take you through the process of actionably mooring your boat and help you learn about the types of moorings, where you can park and the equipment you’ll need along the way.
Boat Mooring Basics
Most marinas and harbors have three different options for boat storage – from “dry dock” storage (where the boat is stored on land) to on-the-water storage at either a dockside “wet slip” or a mooring. The dry dock is usually the cheapest, followed by the mooring, while the most expensive is usually the slip. A slip is a designated space next to a dock that enables passengers to easily board the boat on foot. A mooring is a type of semi-permanent anchoring system out in the water and requires a tender (or dinghy) to reach the boat from the dock.
Unlike a traditional anchor that is stored onboard a boat and thrown overboard when needed, moorings are fixed to the ground and marked with a floating buoy that the boat is then attached to. It’s important to know the difference between mooring, anchoring and docking, and when the right time is for each.
Improper mooring can result in a lot of damage to your boat or other boats nearby if you aren’t careful. No matter how much boat insurance you have, this is a hassle you just want to avoid if you can.
Types of Boat Moorings
There are as many options for mooring your boat as there are potential water and weather conditions. A small concrete block might serve well for a quick mooring in calm waters, for example, but it wouldn’t hold up much to a storm. A mushroom mooring gives you added strength, and on the most secure end of the spectrum are helical anchors that actually screw into the floor of the body of water to keep your vessel anchored during the roughest conditions.
It is important that you understand the different options that you have for mooring your boat in different situations. Fortunately, it’s not that complicated if you take the time to understand the differences. While you could spend hours learning all the types of mooring situations and names of the equipment involved, it really just boils down to one thing: strength.
Boat Mooring Equipment
Depending on how you want to moor or dock your boat, there are a number of pieces of equipment that you will need. From shackles and chains to ropes and mooring whips, let’s take a look at some of the most common required equipment of any good mooring system.
Mooring Anchors Versus Regular Anchors
Let’s take a look at some of the more common types of anchors and mooring anchors, to give you an idea of how they differ from one another and when each type should be used. Keep in mind that small boats moored in shallow, protected or calm waters may be fine with lighter-weight mooring anchors, while heavier vessels moored out in deeper, open water with strong currents will require much heavier mooring anchors and potentially more complex mooring systems. Of course, the heavier the anchor the better, but the more difficult it will be to remove.
Danforth / Cruising anchors
With wide, flat and sharp flukes this type of anchor readily digs itself into mud and sand when it is heavy enough but offers little resistance during the burying operation and also when it is being broken out again. It has the advantage of folding flat for deck stowage making it ideal for use with smaller vessels, such as boats and personal watercraft that can be trailered.
Note: This is not considered a mooring anchor, and should not be used for a mooring system.
Plow-style anchors
Usually stored onboard a vessel these anchors can hold effectively in grass, mud, and sand and offer a lot of versatility.
Note: This is not considered a mooring anchor, and should not be used for a mooring system.
Mushroom anchors
The most common choice for boaters when mooring, these mooring anchors are available in weights from 25 pounds up to 1000 pounds or more. These anchors dig in deep while the shape adds suction, giving you extra staying power.
Pyramid anchors
Constructed of steel with a more concentrated weight design and smaller size than mushroom anchors these anchors offer a holding power is up to ten times their weight. These are often used in long-term, permanent, mooring systems at many marinas.
Helix anchors
The most difficult to install but also the strongest. They allow for optimum protection of marine wildlife and habitat thus are considered the best eco-mooring systems. Because they’re screwed into the ground they offer the most holding power, with 4-5 times the holding strength of other mooring systems. They are ideal for heavy vessel mooring systems.
Navy/Kedge anchors
Used exclusively by the massive navy and military barges and vessels, due to their heavyweight.
Mooring System Parts
Mooring Chains And Ropes
Along with a good mooring anchor, you also need the right gear to connect with, starting with two high-quality galvanized chains: one lightweight and one heavy. The lighter chain will connect to the heavy one with a swivel shackle to allow for maneuvering, and measures about as long as the water is deep. The heavy chain is connected to the mooring anchor and will rest on the ocean floor to provide additional weight. The length of the chain should be equal to 1.5 times the depth of the water to provide enough weight for mooring.
Mooring Shackles
Mooring shackles are designed to securely connect ropes and chains to other fittings while supporting the weight of the load adequately and safely. There are many types of shackles available including screw pin shackles (for non-permanent applications), safety bolt shackles (for long-term applications) and other derivatives and varieties. They come in a range of materials, from untreated steel or iron to coated, finished or galvanized steel surfaces.
Mooring Buoys
You don’t necessarily need a buoy when mooring your boat, but it is a good idea for safety. This will absorb motion from the wind and waves and help bring your chain to the surface as well as making it easy to find. Choose a buoy that is the right size for your boat and that has the protective features that you need. Buoys come in all shapes and sizes, including some that are part of pre-packaged mooring kits.
Mooring Pennants
Almost everywhere that boats are permitted, there are rules regarding mooring pennants. This “pennant” is actually a rope made from nylon that connects the buoy to the boat hitch. These can be made from other materials for applications that need more durability. The biggest consideration here is to choose a line that has a chafe-resistant coating to protect your mooring and the hull of your boat. Make sure that your pennant is just long enough to connect your buoy. If it’s too long, you could cause damage to your outboard motor or not have as stable of a position in the water during rough weather.
Wrapping Up
Parking and storing a boat on the water is a unique practice that requires a solid working knowledge of all available options, equipment, techniques, and limitations. Boats are expensive and the last thing that you need as a boat owner is to cause property damage to your vessel or another owner’s vessel. Perhaps most importantly, you do not want to lose your boat in the open water because of improper mooring setups.
Use the information in this guide to hone your mooring and guarantee that your boat is secure and protected while you’re away. Fortunately, there is no shortage of gear available for the various boats on the water today, making it easy for everyone to get the best tools and equipment for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the Difference Between Docking and Mooring?
The biggest difference between docking and mooring your boat is the equipment that you use. When you dock your boat alongside a wharf, dock, or pier, you will need dock lines, fenders, and other equipment to secure your vessel. A permanent anchor spot is referred to as a mooring, which requires a floating buoy, a rope line, chains, and an anchor. Most moored boats still require docking equipment for additional support.
What is a boat mooring?
A mooring is any type of permanent or semi-permanent anchoring system on the water, to which a boat can be safely secured, and which typically requires a tender vessel or dinghy access.
How do boat moorings work?
Boat moorings are secured to the ground underwater via a heavy structure or weight and connected through a system of chains, shackles, and ropes to a floating buoy above on the water’s surface.
How heavy should a boat mooring be?
The proper weight for a boat mooring depends on a number of factors, including the underwater landscape (whether it’s hard rock, loose rock or soft sand), the type of mooring used, water depth, weather conditions and the weight and length of the vessel. As a general guideline, mushroom moorings on soft, sandy bottoms in protected harbors should weigh between 5–10 times the length of the vessel, to be safe. So for example, a 20-foot boat should usually have at least a 100 pound mushroom mooring to be safe, whereas a 35-foot boat may required a 350-pound mooring to be safe. It is best to consult the harbor or marina where you are placing your mooring for advice when choosing the weight of your mooring.