So, how does one...

[Cullen T.M. McGough]

Hiya gents,

Last fall I completed my 30' sloop, which is now resting at (I think) an unduly expensive berth in the local marina.

I could use some advice here, how the hell does one find a mooring?

Getting on the mooring list in my town is out of the question, current wait times top 15 years on "the list", and as a poor (no, really. poor.) self-built boat owner, I can't afford premium dollar to stay at a marina in the summer.

I have until May when the swells show up and I need to find a new home. Any suggestions from the old salts? I don't even know where to start looking. I live in Maine, so anywhere within 2 hours of portland would work.

Thanks!
-Cullen

[Hwyl]

Portland has moorings as far as I know.

I'm surprised that with your inside knowledge you couldn't find something on the river.

I understand the rates at the shipyard are better.

[StevenBauer]

The Portland Harbormaster just put up the application forms for moorings last week.

www.portlandharbor.org


There is a proposed increse for mooring fees for this year. If accepted the new fees will be $73 for residents and $140 for non residents. You have to supply your own mooring:



"The Board of Harbor Commissioners recommends a 2.5 to 1 ratio for permanent moorings with the following minimum specifications:

Mushroom, Granite Block, or Pyramid (of ample size/weight) - see chart below

Heavy Chain 1.5 times maximum water depth
Light chain or Nylon line (not floating line) 1.0 times maximum water depth
Pennant 2.5 times the distance from chock
To waterline

Buoy (white poly ball preferred)

Must have assigned number and blue band painted 3" (or larger) on buoy

Total scope = Heavy chain + light chain + Pennant

Example: 25 ft. cruiser;
20 ft. maximum water depth;
Distance from chock to waterline = 3 ft.

Requires: 1.5 x 20 = 30 ft. of heavy chain
1.0 x 20 = 20 ft. of light chain or equivalent nylon line
2.5 x 3 = 7.5 ft. pennant

The following chart contains the minimum requirements for seasonal moorings in sheltered waters. Vessels moored year-round and/or in open areas should upgrade 1-3 steps.

Boat Boat Mushroom Block Chain Chain
Length Weight Weight Weight Size (Bottom) Size (Top)

22’ 1,500 lbs 75 lbs 300 lbs 1/2” 3/8”
26’ 5,000 lbs 150 lbs 500 lbs 3/8” 3/8”
30’ 8,000 lbs 200 lbs 1,000 lbs 5/8” 3/8”
35’ 12, 000 lbs 250 lbs 2,000 lbs 3/4” 1/2”
40’ 500 lbs 3’000 lbs 3/4” 1/2"
50’+ over Reviewed on an individual basis

For the safety of his/her boat and that of adjacent boats, mooring permit holders are responsible for having their mooring set and making any required adjustments or repairs.


I've been happy having Diver Down maintain my mooring gear:

Diver Down Underwater Services
399 Presumpscot Street
Portland, ME 04103
USA

(207) 828-0444 (phone)


Don't you still owe us some pics of the launch? :)

Steven

[Ken Hutchins]

Get on severval mooring ASAP, the longer you the wait etc, etc.
I finally got a mooring last year.

[Torna]

A friend of mine in Portland faced this same question a few years back. Ended up at Falmouth Foreside - call the harbormaster.
Call Diver Down - they'll be able to give you the whole local scene.
Also call Handy Boat in Falmouth. They'll rent you a mooring and provide launch service to get you out to it.
If I had my druthers, I'd go to S. Freeport on the Harraseeket - very protected. Brewer's seems to have a hold on that area so give them a jingle.

-leif

[Nanoose]

Can'tcha guys just anchor out like we do out west?

[Ken Hutchins]

No, too many boats, not protected areas to moor in.

[Nordicthug]

Just one more reason the East Coast is kept where it is. (So it doesn't annoy those of us who really matter.)

Gerry N.

[JimConlin]

It's a very diffuse process. Visit every harbormaster, boatyard, marina, mooring diver, chandler and tavern in your range. Get on the list with every town. Put Mooring Wanted notices in local papers and anywhere else. No single contact has a high probability, but they're out there. It's just a matter of being in the right place, etc. If you wanted a mooring in Marion, maybe I could help.

[marsbar]

When I was looking for a solution to moore my 19' Starwind in NJ, I spoke wiith the NJ State Marine Police. I was told that there were no specific regulations except being sure the boat was illuminated at night (mast light) and keep clear of channels. So, one is expected to use common sense in placing the mooring. This sounded just too good to be true, so I called back a couple of days later and spoke with another person at the Marine Police headquarters. I was told exactly the same thing!

I "screwed" a Helix mooring into the soft bottom of Barnaget Bay in about 4' of water...very easy self-installation. Been using it for 3 years now and would recommend this strongly.

Good luck....Mark