[saltydog4]

I'm not having much luck finding information in regards to length of time that a person may be able to stay on anchor in any one spot or area, and on regulations for putting out a mooring. I have property on Mobile Bay in Alabama and I am considering putting out a mooring. I am sure that the rules and regulations change wherever you go, but I can't find much with a simple internet search. Any information is appreciated.

 

[hellosailor]

dog-
You will be governed by state, federal, and perhaps local regulations. If that's a federally recognized "navigable waterway" you may find you are not allowed to obstruct it. If the bottomland is state or privately owned, you may not be allowed to put a mooring in it.
Welcome to America where everyone owns a piece of the pie. Try asking the local USCG station, who aren't always correctly informed, but should be able to refer you to someone. If you've got a "waterways" agency? Ask them as well, someone will give you contacts. Just don't take anything as certain until you've seen it in writing, everyone "claims" what is best for them.

 

[sailingfool]

Start with the local or nearest harbormaster, certainly in New England moorings are administered by the local municipality.

 

[123456Wannasail654321]

pick a spot. Sink the hook. Someone will be along to tell you whats up. I've gotten to the point where I've stopped looking for permission and just do it.

 

[Brackish_Beard]

Four 55 gallon barrels filled with air have enough bouyancy to lift a 1,000lb cement mooring from the seafloor with surprising speed. Once on the surface, your mooring can be towed relatively easy to a new location. You'll have to dive to secure the barrels to the mooring and fill them with air but it's not a bad endeavor in the summer or in a wetsuit. Trial and error is my modus operandi.

 

[sailingfool]

1000 pound cement won't keep much more than a laser in place. Cement is not a good mooring alternative.

 

[DonScribner]

Check with the local harbor master if there is one. Normally there is no reg for gunkholing except for staying out of traffic. But when you drop a mooring it needs to be registered, at least up here. As far as weight goes, the smallest, heaviest material is always the best because a 1000 pound concrete block will weigh 500 pounds under water due to displacement. Cast iron pyramids work well in mud as well as large mushroom anchors (not the Walmart canoe variety). Call the marina nearest the local. I'm sure they can point you in the right direction. Keep in mind . . . if there is a blank spot in a mooring field, there's probably local knowledge at play.

 

[123456Wannasail654321]

I also figure that if you place a mooring and you are not on it you culd come back to it and find it in use! Why not just use an anchor.

 

[DonScribner]

A mooring, properly sized and installed, is more secure than an anchor and reduces swing radius so you're much less likely to kiss a lobster boat, or the knuckles of the owner, sometime during the night.