Mooring Tips
When picking up a mooring, always use the top ring to pick the buoy up with a boat hook. Then shackle the mooring pennant to the mooring chain shackle, rather than to the buoy itself. This puts all the strain on the anchor chain, rather than the buoy.
Additionally, always use chafing gear where mooring lines run through bow chocks or are likely to contact deck hardware. A thimble on the shackled end will prevent chafe at the buoy.
What Size Buoy Will I Need?
A buoy's size is determined by the weight of the line, chain, or other objects it must support and conditions it will be subject to. For that reason we don't give specific recommendations, as each application is different, but here's some factors that might be helpful:
- Weather conditions, sea state, and currents can add stress, and require additional buoyancy.
- We recommend calculating the buoyancy of the buoy based on the buoys volume and the water weight of displacement, minus the buoys weight. Volume and product weight are available in our product charts.
- Add at least a 25% safety margin of extra buoyancy for the weight you'll need to suspend.
- Inflatable buoys lose buoyancy when dragged below the surface of the water.
What is the Right Size Fender for My Boat?
To find the right size fender for your boat, review the Fender Sizing Guide. Common sense, as well as an understanding of your boat and mooring conditions, must be considered in selecting the right fender.
Safety
In a hard blow, the holding power of the mooring can be increased by lengthening the mooring pennant. This increases the scope of the mooring, providing greater holding power - just be sure to check other boats in the moorage first to ensure you won't foul another moored boat.
In adverse conditions, a second mooring pennant can be run to the top eye as a safety in case the primary pennant chafes through or fails.
All shackles should be moused to prevent opening. Electrician's plastic tie wraps are an excellent means of securing a shackle.
Inflation
See our inflation guide for inflation instructions.