Mooring springs

[vyv_cox]

I inherited some of the springy things with my boat. I found them very squeaky in use and got rid. The rubber bone type are quieter but don't last more than a couple of years I've found.

A squirt of oil fixes the squeaking but does make them mucky to handle. I have a bit of a photo collection of snapped rubber ones. They seem a lot less tolerant to overload and/or long term use.

 

[Rocksteadee]

The bits of chain could well be the first part of the stern to mooring line. ie the bit which goes onto a shackle to the sea wall ring. Thus preventing wear on a line from chafe.
Especially useful to focus the attention of the unwitting passerby who has offered to take your lines to see a lump of chain thrown at them making a rapid movement towards their head

 

[vyv_cox]

Mine is the one without a boot but both have safety chains just in case of spring failure.