Information About Bravo Mooring
The Bravo Mooring is a breakthrough in mooring technology, engineered for durability, simplicity, and superior vessel protection. It utilizes the natural buoyancy of the buoy as a built-in shock absorber, significantly reducing strain on your vessel and mooring components.
The Bravo Mooring concept; pull a bow line through the loop on top of the mooring all and back off until the boat rides comfortably. The mooring is intended only for vessels that keep a watch incase conditions change.
The Bravo Mooring
The Bravo Mooring is a modification of the catenary anchor leg mooring (CALM) system, one of the most complex hydrodynamic systems in terms of hydrodynamic theory. This complexity comes from a large amount of interaction between the buoy, its mooring leg, the pennant length from the boat to the buoy, and the forces on the moored vessel. It was conceived by the Harvey Gamage and Captain Angello Bravo, one of Lloyd's 41 Master Salvors, for use in critical coral areas where the standard mooring systems with ground chain or simply anchoring would damage the bottom.
When partially submerged, the 500-pound buoyancy of the mooring buoy creates a complex series of force vectors that dissipate the energy before it is transmitted to the mooring block.
The boat must be far away from the buoy to allow partial sinking of the 500-pound floatation buoy to absorb the shock. the forces on the boat and the buoy balance the catenary resistance and reaction. the longer the distance between the boat and the buoy the deeper the buoy can sink and the more shock-absorbing value.
Depending on the freeboard of the boat, let off at least 30 feet of line. Watch the balance between the wind gusts and the way that the boat sits n relationship to the buoy. All catenary systems can result in surging forward when the gust passes. Adjust the length of the pennant to allow the boat to ride comfortably under present conditions.
The concrete block attached to this mooring buoy weighs 8,000 pounds the line to the buoy is a retired 3-inch Dyneema towing hawser. When it was new, its tensile strength was 135,000 pounds. There is no stretch except the shock relief from backing off and submerging the buoy. You are unlikely to move the block if you get too close. More likely to chafe your pennant line. If you do lift the concrete block, please put it back.
In this example, the buoy is always under water, by contrast, the Bravo mooring buoy, at rest, is on the surface. It is a useful illustration of the force vectors for those who want to understand the physics behind the Bravo Mooring.
Bravo Mooring Advantages
The Bravo Mooring is designed to flex with the motion of wind, waves, and tide, unlike traditional moorings. Its buoyancy absorbs and disperses energy, minimizing jarring movements and preventing stress on your boat.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Shock Absorption | Reduces strain on vessel and mooring components |
| Flexibility | Handles wind, waves, and tide motions smoothly |
| Energy Dispersion | Minimizes jarring and sudden stress |
| Ecologically Sound | Reduces to the ocean floor. Only the concrete block touches the bottom |
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Enhanced Vessel Protection | Significantly reduces wear and tear on boats and gear. |
| Low Maintenance Design | Fewer moving parts mean easier upkeep and longer-lasting performance. |
| Smooth Mooring Experience | Ensures a smoother ride whether you're on board or ashore. |
| Environment | Suitability |
|---|---|
| Harbors | Perfect |
| Marinas | Ideal |
| Yacht Clubs | Excellent |
| Private Moorings | Great in both saltwater and freshwater |
Currently Placed Moorings
Seguin Island is the first location of the Bravo Moorings in Maine. Please click the button below to pay the donation for usage of the mooring. This donation will be split with the Friends of Sequin Island and the Marine Learning Project with the hopes to be able to place additional moorings throughout the Maine Coast.
Experience the Bravo Mooring Difference
Crafted from marine-grade components, the Bravo Mooring system offers unmatched reliability. Its sleek design is ideal for high-traffic areas and sensitive ecosystems where dependable holding power is essential.
The Marine Learning Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law and directly support our mission to provide hands-on maritime education and environmental stewardship opportunities to youth across Maine.