The sole purpose of the mooring buoy is to support the mooring chain. The two preferred designs for mooring buoys are a traditional buoy with hardware or a buoy with a tube through the center. Both offer reliable flotation and will last for several seasons, depending upon the salinity of the water. Obviously, freshwater applications will extend the useful life of any mooring system. A permanent mooring system, when properly designed, should securely position a boat so that it can be left unattended, with little attention, for long periods of time. Each system usually consists of a mooring buoy (to float the chain), a mooring anchor and a length of chain (running between the anchor and the mooring buoy). Also the proper ground tackle includes correct sized galvanized shackles and swivels. Always keep in mind, that the mooring system is only as reliable as the "current" conditions of the environment. All Taylor Made Sur-Moor Buoys are built to withstand the constant abuse of most mooring environments. This product ships in approximately 1 days