Click here for Out Haul Mooring Standards

Note:

These mooring standard are the same as Portland Harbor. Cape Elizabeth does not enforce compliance with mooring standards but vessel owners should recognize that failure of substandard gear could increase their exposure to claims for environmental damage, clean up, and damage to other property. It could also jeopardize payment of insurance claims under some policies.

Compliance with these standards does not constitute an opinion by the Harbormaster or the Town that the mooring will not fail. Each installation should be individually evaluated by an experienced mooring installer. Many Cape Elizabeth mooring areas are quite exposed and large mooring gear is cheap insurance.

Buoy

White poly ball preferred.

Assigned number and blue band on buoy are mandatory.

Name of owner is recommended.

Chain

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

Heavy Chain 1.5 times maximum water depth
Light chain 1.0 times maximum water depth
Pennant 2.5 times the distance from chock To waterline

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. This description applies to most Cape Elizabeth mooring areas.

Boat Length	Boat Weight	Mushroom Weight	Block Weight	Chain Size Bottom	Chain 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