In November 2005, seven sections of 5/16-inch chain were lowered into the steel-ravenous waters of Long Island Sound, beginning a test to find the hardiest candidates for a mooring system. Those test beginnings were described in the March issue.

Amid gray skies, the test chains are hauled out after a winter submerged in Long Island Sound.

To recap, the test rig had five galvanized chains suspended by rope lashings between wooden crosspieces. A stainless steel chain went between the lower crosspiece and mushroom anchor, and a zinc-plated galvanized chain lived between the top crosspiece and the buoy that held up the whole affair. All those chains are identified in the accompanying chart. Note that Acco’s long-link "Mooring" chain is not included, simply because it’s not available in 5/16-inch.…