"Temporary" moorings

[Amgine]

A few years ago I experimented with a simple little mooring kit. I used three cheap fluke-type anchors, each on a 10' length of chain, laid out in a triangle, all shackled to a swivel and a center chain up to the surface (should have had a mooring ball and penant, but it was only an experiment...)

The system worked well, even held up during a nasty thunderstorm which had wind gusts over 70mph from 180°. But there was little wave action to test against.

My question is, has anyone else experimented with this model? The gear could be increased in size and still be fairly easy to carry aboard. All the chain could easily fit in a bucket, for example. Mooring buoys, unfortunately, are usually hard shelled rather than a collapsible soft, like a fender, but it's possible room could be found for one. It would be really nice if we could sail some place we wanted to stay for a few weeks and put down a temporary mooring rather than the anchor; I'd feel more secure, and a quick sail to another bay for dinner and back again wouldn't involve hoisting and then resetting the anchor...

Thoughts?

[GordMay]

Systems, similar to that you describe, have been in use as permanent moorings for at least 25 years (that I’m aware of).
I’d think the system “more bother than worth” for temporary (even longer-term) anchorage.
I used a large (30" φ) round inflatable fender as my permanent mooring buoy. It was buoyant enough to float my 25 feet of 3/8" H.T. light chain.

[Boracay]

Is this what you are thinking of...
http://www.southwindssailing.com/art...ntHarbor.shtml

[delmarrey]

Here's a site to a good "PERMANENT" mooring regulations for those who might be interested. It covers different types of anchors unlike other cities................._/)

http://www.harbormasters.org/rockport/mooring.shtml

[Amgine]

Well, I wouldn't call 3 x 12lb danforth knockoffs a permanent mooring, nor 10' of chain enough, but yes the design is pretty much a permanent mooring; more than most rules require actually. The difference, I think, is the size of the anchors and the chain.

On the other hand, it didn't take much time to set up. I've often spent more time fussing about my set with a single anchor.

Most likely it isn't a really useful idea. But it's just another thing I'll keep doodling in the back of my head as a possible tool for the ultimate cruise, where I stop places for weeks or months at a time rather than hurrying on to the next spot.