A foam-filled mooring buoy should suit the vessel and the conditions at its berth. Check its rated buoyancy against the combined weight of the chain, fittings, and expected loading. Leave enough freeboard for the buoy to remain visible through normal tidal changes. Foam can preserve flotation after a shell is damaged, but it does not make the buoy indestructible. Examine the outer skin for abrasion, cracks, and weak seams. Check that lifting eyes and attachment points are sized for the mooring system, not just the buoy’s weight. Small details matter.
Before installation, measure the water depth across the tide range and consider the vessel’s swing radius. Confirm that the anchor, chain, shackles, and buoy connections are compatible and adequately rated. Line length and angle affect movement and load; follow the buoy and mooring-system specifications, and ask a qualified marine professional when conditions are uncertain. Lower the buoy without dragging it across rocks or a dock edge. After the first period of rough weather, inspect the connections and look for unusual wear. A clean exterior can still hide a problem, so do not rely on appearance alone.