Know the surface that mooring will be laid on, e.g. mud - sand - rock. Varying bottoms sometimes require different systems, remember mud and sand give better holding for anchors.

Be aware of the direction of tidal streams. Multipoint moorings laid across the tidal stream require heavier tackle.

Although new tested chain is always available, good quality used chain is often adequate for use as ground chain.

Know the water depth at the designated mooring position at both HWS and Low Water.

The recommended minimum riser-chain length is the depth of water at HWS x 1.5. This chain must be new, good quality and tested, you should ask for a test certificate and know its weight.

Never use ‘high tensile’ (lifting grade) chain as riser-chain.

The size/diameter of the riser chain should be determined by the boat that will be moored to it. To facilitate the use of shackles that are larger than the chain size we recommend a mid link chain, alternatively we can forge large end links into short link chain. We can always give the weight per meter for any size of chain.

The various parts of the mooring assembly should be connected using only the best quality products, this means TESTED shackles of either genuine British Standard 3032 Screw Pin manufactured from C15 steel or ‘Green Pin’ US Federal Specification Safety Shackles. A ‘Test Certificate’ is always available for good quality products.

Shackles and swivels should be of a larger diameter than the riser chain, e.g. if using 12mmriser chain the shackle should have a pin with a minimum size of 16mm and the swivel should be either 14 or 16mm.

Be wary of using the type of shackle known as ‘Commercial Shackles’, these are badly engineered from poor quality steel, zinc plated, cheap, shiny and not suitable for underwater use, you can easily identify them, the material of the body and the pin are the same size.

Mousing ‘screw pin’ shackles is essential, this can be done with either stainless steel seizing wire or plastic cable ties.

Where light sinkers are used it will help if they can be dug in.

We’ve seen various methods of deploying sinkers, besides the professional approach of using a mooring barge/workboat with Hiab type crane, these include; towing, skidding on sledge, floating under buoys and supported between two boats.

Unless it is very heavy avoid using an anchor for single point moorings. The constant turning and re-setting of a small anchor will eventually reduce holding power and result in dragging or chain fouling.

Remember, the mooring buoy must be able to support the weight of the riser chain. The buoyancy given in buoy specifications is total buoyancy in kgs, 60% of the total buoyancy is usually adequate to allow the buoy to support the weight of the riser chain and remain above the surface, taking into account tide run and rough conditions.

An all chain assembly offers the best option for reducing movement within the system.

Inspect mooring systems annually and replace anything that is more than 10% worn. The degree of wear will vary according to use and location together with the specifications of the equipment used relative to the size of boat using the mooring. (e.g. a light boat on heavy mooring gear will not cause as much wear as a heavy boat on light mooring gear).

Consider asking a local contactor him to lay the mooring using your equipment.

Ask us for ‘Test Certificates’ for your equipment because your Insurers may ask you for them.

When in doubt………………increase the size!