BLUEMOMENT

How do I calculate the length of chain needed to run from mooring buoy to the boat?

claymore wrote:How do I calculate the length of chain needed to run from mooring buoy to the boat?

Sort of depends where each are

I think calcluating infers some sort of science involved.

When I was wondering how long to make my strops I measured from the cleats to the fairleads, bow roler in your case I guess. Then added on loads to span the distance from the deck to the bottom of the buoy with the boat about 6 feet away from the buoy, then added a couple of feet, or 3.

They look about right, some of the boats in Tayvallich look to have excessivly long strops but so long as you have the swinging room it's not a problem.

Jings, with scrap metal being the price it is I'd make it as short as possible.



Sent frae ma ipad2, ain't I up wi ra kids

Thanks Bob
Coming from the top of the buoy (hippo)
The waterline to stem head distance is about 5 ft vertical plus another couple over the roller to the centre of the foredeck
I thought about 20 ft of chain altogether - does that sound enough?

20' sounds to be plenty, and if it looks long you can always shackle it on a foot or two from the end. It's a boogger trying to extend it if it's too short though.

Do you really want chain? Will it not pull the boat to the buoy in calm weather? Or have you already put a tyre on it?

Hi Bill
The mooring association seem to recommend it so that's what I'm going for
The mooring at kilmelfort was chain and I don't recall it being a problem.....

A lot depends on local conditions, but I have always used rope strops, they are quieter & can have some give in the event of snatch due to waves. But I tend to be moored in shallow locations with big tides. If you must use chain, why not slip it thro a length of old fire hose to keep it quiet & reduce damage to your GRP?

I am using rope strops from the foredeck cleats going to the chain which will end inboard of the bow roller
The chain will have some plastic hose to stop damage to the buoy and then another length at the boat end to prevent damage there
So returning to the dim question - 20 ft?

I would have thought about 6m would be better Now, what size of chain were you thinking of using?

2 x H where H is the difference in height between the bow roller and the top of the buoy (or point of attachment)?
Have you noticed how out of step with the rest a gentlemans yacht can be when ranging at anchor?
I feel inclined to err on the short side.

At 5'-5" I am well used to erring on the short side.
so - 2xH = 10.

that does seem short

claymore wrote: that does seem short

ony mair chain and she'll sink. Whit aboot the wee buoy which youse'll be nae doobt hoping yer crew wull be able tae pick up wi'oot being swepit awa and wi'oot the aid orra wee crane. Huh and harrumph ...

This wiz all goin sae weel an then jes see whit came alang tae ruin it.

Para - the last ah heard youse wiz tryin fer a pontton. Whitrafeck are youse daein anserin tae a mooring thread?