Suggested Mooring Tackle Build - Is it Good Enough?

[ryanjdillon]

So I just recently bought my first cruise capable boat (an International Folkboat), which I will be keeping on a mooring in Mission Bay, San Diego. The City Parks and Recreation Department manage the leasing of the mooring space and have a document that specifies how the mooring should be built.

Link Below:
Permits and Applications | Park & Recreation

In summary, it requires that you use: a 24" or greater diameter commercially manufactured mooring ball, galvanized 3/8" chain, shackles, and swivels, and x2 8Cyl. engine blocks ~or~ 3x 6cyl. engine blocks ~or~ 4x 4cyl. engine blocks.

Not knowing anything about all of this, I assumed that the minimum spec was more than adequate for the application, but I am wondering after reading about some folks' mooring builds on the forums here. It appears everybody in Mission Bay is using the same spec., and there are no boats going missing, . I don't want mine to be the first, though.

Any thoughts?

[ryanjdillon]

Moderators:

May I please have the title changed to "Suggested Mooring Tackle Build for Mission Bay - Is it Good Enough?"

This might help others find it more easily in the web searches.

Thank you!

[sailingdog]

I would recommend you look at the recommendations found on the Hamilton Marine catalog page on mooring gear.



I'd also recommend you go with a mushroom or pyramid anchor rather than engine blocks. Engine blocks aren't going to have the same holding power as a proper anchor and unless they're cleaned very thoroughly, aren't going to be very good for the environment.

BTW, the chain size they're telling you is awfully light for a mooring. IMHO, the specifications that is listed in the document they provide is woefully inadequate and quite irresponsible. The document states that you CANNOT use a mushroom anchor or helical mooring anchor by stating that ONLY ENGINE BLOCKS are allowed for use as anchors. They are being really, really stupid IMHO.

[overbored]

Mission Bay limits the boat length to 25' on the moorings. its a shallow bay with a sand bottom. and they do not allow any over night stays on the boat. I thought the Inter. Folboat was 26'

[scottyt]

the reason for the engine blocks maybe for rust reasons, ie they will rust away if abandoned, not real fast but they will

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by scottyt

the reason for the engine blocks maybe for rust reasons, ie they will rust away if abandoned, not real fast but they will

I don't think so. Some engine blocks are aluminum, and as such won't really corrode quickly. A mushroom anchor is going to be less of an environmental issue than two-to-four engine blocks.

[hellosailor]

"some engine blocks are aluminum, " Damn few.

It sounds like the authorities want to ensure that the moorings will be inadequate for larger craft, effectively discouraging their presence there. Or, that somebody has a jones for recycling old engine blocks. Like a "Commissioner" whose nephew runs a local junkyard perhaps?

An idle lawyer might well file suit that the rules are arbitrary and capricious, and void on that ground. Even in Kulifourneeah. It would be interesting to see how the commissioners responded.

[eherlihy]

Originally Posted by ryanjdillon

In summary, it requires that you use: a 24" or greater diameter commercially manufactured mooring ball, galvanized 3/8" chain, shackles, and swivels, and x2 8Cyl. engine blocks ~or~ 3x 6cyl. engine blocks ~or~ 4x 4cyl. engine blocks.

Wow, a 16 Cylinder minimum! Is there a preference for "V" over inline configurations too?

Personally, I think that a radial engine would work best in a moring application...

What if you use a V10, and a straight 6? Or, how about a V12 and a V4?...
You might be able to find an old Cadillac, and use that for your mooring. The '30s Caddies had a single V16...

This would make a great mooring!


Shouldn't they instead specify a minimum chain size and mooring weight...

[overbored]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

I don't think so. Some engine blocks are aluminum, and as such won't really corrode quickly. A mushroom anchor is going to be less of an environmental issue than two-to-four engine blocks.

this is true but we are talking about the City of San Diego and there approved method is engine blocks and if you want it to be approved and for them to set the mooring it best be engine blocks as it says this in the permit.
WEIGHTS: Only engine blocks can be used as weights. (2-8cyl., 3-6cyl., 4-4cyl.) Engine blocks must be
stripped down and cleaned of all grease and oil before they will be approved.
they have a drawing of how they want it and are wanting old Iron engine blocks

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by hellosailor

"some engine blocks are aluminum, " Damn few.

True, and if you got three or four of them, I seriously doubt they'd be sufficient weight for even a 25' boat.

It sounds like the authorities want to ensure that the moorings will be inadequate for larger craft, effectively discouraging their presence there.

Yeah, but in storm conditions, the engine blocks are probably inadequate for the boats in question.

Or, that somebody has a jones for recycling old engine blocks. Like a "Commissioner" whose nephew runs a local junkyard perhaps?

An idle lawyer might well file suit that the rules are arbitrary and capricious, and void on that ground. Even in Kulifourneeah. It would be interesting to see how the commissioners responded.

Yup...would be nice to have a pet attorney in a situation like this.