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landonshaw · 06-09-2016, 14:28

Has anyone put there mooring chain through firehouse to protect it from rubbing on the sea bottom? I'm using 60 ft of a heavy ground chain then attaching that to a lighter chain that runs to the buoy. I am wondering if putting it though a firehouse would be a benefit? The bottom is generally sand. I am hoping to keep growth off of it and the wear from the sand.

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**JPA Cate** · 06-09-2016, 14:45

I personally have not heard of that being done. However, why not try it? Some kind of compare and contrast there would be interesting. Some experiments don't work out how you'd like, but you still learn something.

Ann

landonshaw · 06-09-2016, 14:53

The down side is that it would be difficult to inspect without pulling the entire chain up.

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SV Bacchus · 06-09-2016, 14:59

Two questions:

1. How much wear does the sand cause? (I don't have a personal mooring)

2. Wouldn't running thru the sand as your vessel swings keep the growth off?

Again, legit questions because I'm in the dark as to these things..

**JPA Cate** · 06-09-2016, 15:04

That could be addressed by slitting it, then lacing it on, and un-lace to remove for inspection. However, it will become quite foul with marine growth, so not easy to do.

Here in Oz, in New South Wales, local regulations require moorings to be lifted and inspected yearly. In the absence of such regs, it's all up to the owner, and they tend to be ignored.

Maybe there's someone in your location who can help.

Ann

**Jim Cate** · 06-09-2016, 15:22

But, won't running the chain through the fireHOUSE irritate the firemen? It would get in their way while they were polishing the trucks...

Jim

deblen · 06-09-2016, 16:16

Yes-sandy bottom does wear chain. About 20 ft of my chain is replaced every 3 yrs.
Why not cut firehose into 2ft ? lengths so it can be slid along chain for inspection. Lash the two end pieces to chain to keep the whole lot together.

I have not done this-but my thot is to wrap chain barbour pole with used 1/2" lobster pot warp. Run the warp thru a link every 2 ft or do,to keep it in place.
I have access to miles of free used(not rotten) polyethylene pot warp.
I would still be able to see the wrapped chain.
My theory is that the rope will keep the chain slightly up off the sand & at least reduce wear.

Many fishermen wrap the edges of their pots with rope for this reason & it helps.

Len

landonshaw · 06-09-2016, 17:26

I inspect my chain once a yer. Generally put it off as long s possible, get it done just before the hurricane season kicks into high gear. So if I had to pull it each year it might become a burden. I go down wit gloves and a metal brush and inspect each link. Every few years, maybe 3, pull it up and then inspect. The idea of splitting the length might be good.

I don't find much issue with the chain on the sand. Wind here blows west to east every day and night. The wear is generally in the first 10 feet near the surface. I have been told that is due to more oxygen in the water at the surface so the chain corrodes faster.

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