⛔MARKER BUOYS!⛔
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Every state may be different for marker buoy requirements, but all markers have a similar function. They are designed to warn other boaters that there is gear in the water and they need to use extreme caution when approaching a farm.
You need to know what your state requirements are. In Connecticut there is a separate permit just for your marker buoys. In the image below you can see an example of a buoy.
Marker buoys are not very heavy and don't require large anchors. If you are using a small mushroom anchor, you need to be sure to set it after you deploy the buoy. If the mushroom anchor is sitting straight up in the mud, the chain and line will wrap around the anchor as the tide comes in and out. This could start to pull your buoys underwater at high tide. You can prevent this by giving your buoy a pull with the boat, directly after deployment. This ensures that the mushroom is laying down in the mud.
At the bottom of the line we use 1/2" galvanized chain that makes up 1/3 of the anchoring system. The rest of the system we use 1" 8 strand nylon line that makes up 2/3 of the system. There is a swivel at the top of the chain where the nylon line is connected. This allows for the buoy to spin at the surface without the chain getting all twisted at the bottom.
Anchor knots are a great way to make connections with line and metal. It prevents chaffing and you don't have to change out the line as frequently. We use an anchor knot to connect the line to the chain and we use another anchor knot to connect the marker to the nylon line.
As a farmer you are responsible and liable for other people's safety around your farm. If one of you buoys breaks free or if the symbols and lettering is not clear, then you can be responsible for someone getting hurt on your farm. Remember to check the connections, clean, and touch up any symbols that might have faded overtime. This is not only to protect boaters, but also to protect you.
@jill_pegnataro -
Awesome info - the marker buoys are really important to protect your farm and other boaters. We struggle with the best method for keeping the buoys looking fresh and have found having a few back up handy so we can swap out buoys mid-season to allow for touchups has been really helpful.
@suzie_flores -
Hi Suzie!
That is great advice. We do the same thing for the Thimble Island Ocean Farm. Always a good idea to have backup. Most buoys will take over a month to be custom made and delivered. It's important to keep that in mind before one breaks free from your farm.
@suzie_flores -
Hi Suzie!
That is great advice. We do the same thing for the Thimble Island Ocean Farm. Always a good idea to have backup. Most buoys will take over a month to be custom made and delivered. It's important to keep that in mind before one breaks free from your farm.