Mooring gear inspection or replacement

[Barquito]

I bought mooring gear from a guy this past fall. He said the chain was replaced 2 years ago. Should I hire a 'professional' diver to inspect the equipment? I tend to be a DIY sort of person. Is this something I could do? What could they possibly see that would prevent a failure? Or what could I possibly see that would prevent a failure? Should I just forgo the inspection, and replace the chain every few years? Or is that completely impossible with just a snorkel, mask, and fins?

Sailing newb
Mooring newbier

[klem]

Are there any local regulations about inspections? Most mooring fields have regulations regarding how often a mooring must be pulled from the water or inspected or both. If they require a diver to inspect it, you won't be allowed to do it yourself, you will need someone else.

If there are no requirements, I suggest inspecting yourself provided that you have the equipment and know-how. Just replacing the chain every few years will be very costly and may not actually prevent a failure as there are some conditions where deterioration takes place quite quickly. Here is a quick list of stuff to check while inspecting, there are probably some things that I am forgetting.

Make sure chain isn't wrapped around anchor
Make sure anchor looks to be dug into the bottom
Inspect all chain links, shackes and swivels for excessive corrosion
Inspect anchor for excessive corrosion
Make sure all shackles are properly seized
And don't forget to check your pendants even though you don't need to dive for them

[sailingdog]

Clem's point about the local regulation requirements is key. Some places require that you have the gear inspected periodically. Your insurance company may also require that you have it professionally inspected.

[Barquito]

Thanks for the input guys. We don't have any requirements for inspection in our harbor. However, if my boat was set free it would plow through about 20 other boats, so I think I may just hire a pro.

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by Barquito

Thanks for the input guys. We don't have any requirements for inspection in our harbor. However, if my boat was set free it would plow through about 20 other boats, so I think I may just hire a pro.

Dd you check with your insurance company? If not, you should, since they may require you to use a specific inspector or one of a group they have already vetted.

[HPLou]

It also helps to know what type of mooring anchor you have, mushroom? helix? If you have a mushroom anchor you should haul it for inspection at least every two (2) years for a complete inspection of chail, shackles, swivels, etc. If it is a helix type the a diver would be required to inspect/replace as needed.

[QuickMick]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Dd you check with your insurance company? If not, you should, since they may require you to use a specific inspector or one of a group they have already vetted.

have to agree wholeheartdly. if they do have requirments and you dont meet them, your 'would plow into 20 boats' scenario would cost you dearly as im fairly sure they would deny any claim.

[Barquito]

Your insurance company may also require that you have it professionally inspected.

Good point. I will look into that.