I’d like to put in a plug for Hazelett Moorings. 

I believe the generic name is “conservation moorings”.  They are considered “conservation” and mandated in some areas because they work differently than conventional block or mushroom moorings.  The conventional moorings use a chain for the first section of line from the bottom to the top mooring ball and the weight of the chain and curve of the line functions as a bit of a shock absorber (just like with an anchor line).  A Hazelett uses a block at the bottom and then what is essentially a heavy duty bungie cord leading directly to a float.  Heavy duty as in 10,000 pounds for a small one.  Anyway they are “conservation” because aside from the block nothing contacts and scours the bottom vegetation.  You can see some dramatic photos of sea grass growth patterns around marinas with “conversation” versus “conventional” moorings.  In addition the Hazelett Moorings can be left in place through the winter.  You’ve all seen them, instead of a ball you tether your boat to what looks like a vertical pipe.  They are very popular here on Lake Champlain where we can get blasted with 40+knot winds with plenty of distance to build big waves.  Our neighbor marina as never had a Hazlett fail.  You might want to ask around to see if this is available at your lake.

https://hazelettmarine.com/

John Bakewell

Ephemeral #1047

Burlington, VT

Steve,

Please remind us where you sail?

At Saratoga Lake the anchor chain wraps around the mushroom shaft during the season. I don’t know how well that would work with two anchors. I’m also not sure if two 75 lb. mushrooms have the same holding power as one 150 lb. mushroom.

We use a small winch on a Whaler to set and retrieve mushrooms.  I’m not sure how you handle even a 75 lb. mushroom from a rowboat dinghy. You also need to remove the mushroom every few years to check for wear and corrosion of the fittings. I suggest you start a relationship with someone who has the proper equipment to set and retrieve mushrooms.

Vic Roberts

Steve,

I can’t comment on the security of the bow cleat. I do not know of any that have failed, but my experience is limited.

At Saratoga Lake, home of Fleet 72, we use 150 pound mushroom anchors, and they don’t move even in the very rare tail of a hurricane.

See our mooring “how to” page for more information.   https://sailsaratoga.org/ensign-mooring-gear

If you have a rocky bottom, a mushroom may not be the best anchor.

You will see that we recommend a mooring chain that is about twice the water depth, though West Marine recommends only 1.5 times the water depth.

https://www.westmarine.com/WestAdvisor/Constructing-a-Permanent-Mooring

And, as far as I know, increasing the length of the line between the boat and the mooring ball will not compensate for a mooring chain that is too short.

Vic Roberts

#2032