We have an '02 26 X and have found a mooring anchor in place to use for the summer. It is in an active bay on the East coast of the US. The tide runs 4' normally and water depth at mooring during low tide is 5 - 6'.
We are seeking information and recommendations on -
* best pendant line type, attachment method, etc.
* use of anchoring sail
* whether to leave rudders and or keel in water at mooring
* whether to leave keel down at mooring
* rigging adjustments
* removal of main sail at mooring
* use of drag chain to reduce sway
* etc.
Any help would be greatly appreciated form your experiences.
Thank You Sam
26X Mooring Specifics
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Frank C
Seems like you have a great list of key questions there. I can't really address most of them, but I would suggest you need to assure a taut, well-tuned rig before mooring your 26X.
There have been about a half-dozen examples of rig damage on a mooring. Forum member "Demaster" lost his mast twice on Lake Tahoe (prior threads linked below), others were on rougher moorings, coastal bays in England. Linking direct to Demaster posts:
Photos of the Bent Mast
MAC 30-35
For another "excellent" discussion of mooring issues, use Search button (top-center) for the word pair:
mooring dismast
(be certain to Click the "all terms" button)
One more thing ... our centerboard fits loosely (intentionally) on its hanger and in the trunk. When used under sail it jams securely to one or the other side of the trunk. That dynamic isn't possible on a mooring, so the board would be subject to constant 'working' in its trunk. IMO, leaving it extended would be a big mistake. I see no good reason to subject the rudders to the same sort of abuse, nor to allow their gathering slime in the down position.
There have been about a half-dozen examples of rig damage on a mooring. Forum member "Demaster" lost his mast twice on Lake Tahoe (prior threads linked below), others were on rougher moorings, coastal bays in England. Linking direct to Demaster posts:
Photos of the Bent Mast
MAC 30-35
For another "excellent" discussion of mooring issues, use Search button (top-center) for the word pair:
mooring dismast
(be certain to Click the "all terms" button)
One more thing ... our centerboard fits loosely (intentionally) on its hanger and in the trunk. When used under sail it jams securely to one or the other side of the trunk. That dynamic isn't possible on a mooring, so the board would be subject to constant 'working' in its trunk. IMO, leaving it extended would be a big mistake. I see no good reason to subject the rudders to the same sort of abuse, nor to allow their gathering slime in the down position.
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Morimaro
- Chief Steward
- Posts: 86
- Joined: Mon Mar 15, 2004 8:23 am
- Location: Wokingham Berkshire U.K.
Buoy mooring with Mac26X
Sam,
I had my 26X on a mooring in conditions similar (or worse at times) then yours for a couple of years and here is my experience:
* best pendant line type, attachment method, etc. - Used a double halter between bow cleats through buoy chain.
* use of anchoring sail - didn't have anchor sail at the time.
* whether to leave rudders in water at mooring - I lifted rudders mainly as they were not anti-fouled but another 26X on the same moorings used to leave rudders down, did not seem to make a lot of difference to boat motion at buoy.
* whether to leave keel down at mooring - definitely raise as per previous explanation regarding CB banging when moored/anchored.
* rigging adjustments - None
* removal of main sail at mooring - Mainsail furled on boom in a bag, Jib furled on roller rig.
* use of drag chain to reduce sway - tried Rocker Stoppers to reduce rolling but got in way when boarding from water taxi.
* We moved from single buoy outside harbour to fore/aft buoys up river because the 26X was impossible to sleep on due to motion induced by traffic, tide, wind,current etc.
Cheers
Morris
I had my 26X on a mooring in conditions similar (or worse at times) then yours for a couple of years and here is my experience:
* best pendant line type, attachment method, etc. - Used a double halter between bow cleats through buoy chain.
* use of anchoring sail - didn't have anchor sail at the time.
* whether to leave rudders in water at mooring - I lifted rudders mainly as they were not anti-fouled but another 26X on the same moorings used to leave rudders down, did not seem to make a lot of difference to boat motion at buoy.
* whether to leave keel down at mooring - definitely raise as per previous explanation regarding CB banging when moored/anchored.
* rigging adjustments - None
* removal of main sail at mooring - Mainsail furled on boom in a bag, Jib furled on roller rig.
* use of drag chain to reduce sway - tried Rocker Stoppers to reduce rolling but got in way when boarding from water taxi.
* We moved from single buoy outside harbour to fore/aft buoys up river because the 26X was impossible to sleep on due to motion induced by traffic, tide, wind,current etc.
Cheers
Morris