NBC Mooring Tackle Minimum Recommendations
What follows is a chart that summarizes the minimum recommendations that was created by the Mooring Improvement Group. The Nyack Boat Club has adopted these recommendations within a new set of House and Grounds Rules. Based on the Mooring Improvement Group's recommendations, the club, and mooring committee, strongly recommend that the bottom chain for a moorings be 30ft long, and with the diameter specified on this chart for the size of the boat it anchors. The committee has also set as a minimum mooring weight, the weight of a mooring on the line just above that which describes your boat. Note that Sonars and Ensigns can safely use a lighter specification than would be indicated by their length, given their light weight, and in those cases they should refer to the specifications based on weight. Where boat length and boat weight diverge on different lines of this chart, logic and reason will be applied.
Boat Size | Maximum | Mooring | Bottom | Top Chain (20') | Pennants |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16'-18' | 2,000 lbs | 200 lbs | 1/2" | 3/8" | 1/2" |
| 19'-21' | 3,000 lbs | 250 lbs | 1/2" | 1/2" | 1/2" |
| 22'-24 | 5,000 lbs | 300 lbs | 5/8" | 1/2" | 5/8" |
| 25'-27' | 7,000 lbs | 350 lbs | 5/8" | 1/2" | 5/8" |
| 28'-30' | 9,000 lbs | 400 lbs | 5/8" | 1/2" | 3/4" |
| 31'-33' | 12,000 lbs | 500 lbs | 3/4" | 5/8" | 3/4" |
| 34'-36' | 15,000 lbs | 500 lbs | 1" | 5/8" | 1" |
| 37'-39' | 19,000 lbs | 600 lbs | 1" | 3/4" | 1" |
| 40'42' | 25,000 lbs | 800 lbs | 1" | 3/4" | 1" |
| 42+ * |
* Boats over 42' should discuss requirements with Warren Frerich or the Mooring Committee Chairs.
Please note that many believe that shackles and swivels should have a diameter one size larger than the chains they attach to. Also know that though this page defines a minimum recommendation, the Nyack Boat Club accepts no liability pertaining to any loss associated with mooring failure. Members moor their boats at their own risk.
Also note that going beyond this recommendations is not necessarily a good idea. You obviously do not want bottom chain so heavy that it will never be lifted by your boat, thereby reducing instead of increasing catenary. Also please be aware that many who traditionally lifted their mooring balls out of the water are finding the weight of the new top chain difficult to work with, and, for the sake of your back, it might be a good idea to change course and rig your mooring to leave that ball in the water.
Last updated 4:29pm on 11 January 2025