Mooring inspection is one of the earliest signs of spring at Boston Sailing Center. As soon as the weather breaks, we sweep off the tender and fire up the winch. By now, all of our moorings have been inspected. Each mooring is anchored with a “mushroom” anchor. At least 20 feet of heavy bottom chain lies on the seafloor to provide weight for strength and durability to make sure the anchor stays secure, while a lighter top chain extends from the seafloor to the ball. The depth and tidal range determine the exact chain lengths.
Our mooring tender is a repurposed boat cradle, reimagined, cut, and welded by BSC’s owner, Jim Davidian. There is a cutout in the float to trap the ball and drop the hook down. A wire cable on an electric winch extends over the frame to pull the mooring.
When the mooring is trapped in the cutout, we hook the chain below the ball and begin raising it up. The majority of the growth is on the ball and the first 10 feet of chain. We scrape the ball clean and guide it over the frame. Then, we push a sleeve over the chain, which shaves off the rest of the growth and muscles on the way up. Some moorings are covered in kelp, others are covered in muscles. This growth adds considerable weight and can sink the mooring. The winch can pull about ten feet until it runs out of space. Then, we hook the chain to hold it in place, reattach the winch hook as low as possible, and pull another ten feet. This process is repeated until the anchor breaks the surface of the water.
When the entire mooring is on deck, we inspect the chain. The galvanized chain thins as it rusts in the water. We are proactive in replacing chains, as this is cheaper and easier than losing a boat. Less frequently, we notice the loop where the chain attaches to the mushroom has worn. In these instances, the mooring is retired and replaced. After replacing the necessary components, we pull a line through the eye on the mushroom and unhook the winch and safety hooks. The float is towed until the mooring is in a good location, the line is untied, and the mooring is jettisoned. The chain rushes into the water, and the ball splashes down.
Even with gloves, Grundens, and boots, it’s hard to leave the tender without smelling like a dead low tide. Despite this, it’s often one of our favorite jobs. It’s fun to get into a rhythm, see the sea life growing, and to know that the season will be here before we know it.