Abstract:
A buoy and mooring system provides a robust buoy protective of markings thereon, easily retrieved for inspection and service, weighted and levered for maintaining self-righting, vertical orientation and anchored with a non-corroding system of connectors and links running from surface to sea floor. A mid-line float resists entanglement, and can be installed or uninstalled by operation of various “worm grip” mechanisms. A slack line region accommodates changing tides. An upright tube, weighted at a lower end and flanged at an upper end thereof, secures a buoy in place but pulls up through the buoy for easy retrieval by boat crews. Embedding an anchor is by hydraulic water jet drilling. From a thimble in the anchor to a thimble in the upright at the buoy, no intervening metal components are needed in the load path. Markings are durably and protectively embedded in recesses below the buoy&#39;s outer surface.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/267,612, filed May 1, 2014; which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to marine systems and, more particularly, to novel systems and methods for buoys and moorings to minimize corrosion, chafing, and their combined damage to marine equipment. 
         [0004]    2. Background Art 
         [0005]    Water, whether the salty substance common to the oceans of the world, and their associated tidal rivers and ponds, or fresh water, has a corrosive effect on metals. Moreover, metal apparatus, such as chains, clevis links, cables, thimbles (hondos), loops, rebar, anchors, brackets, and the like have often been used in linkages in tethers between a vessel, such as a ship, boat, barge, or the like and an anchor under water. Likewise, pipelines, buoys for both marking of shorelines, segregated regions, mooring locations, navigation messages, or the like must be moored on the bottom of lakes, rivers, oceans, bays, and so forth. 
         [0006]    It is well established that water environments attack metals by several mechanisms including plant life that grows thereon, animal life that attaches thereto, oxidation (chemical corrosion, crevice corrosion, rust, etc.), and the like. Anodic protection, such as zinc plating lasts for a time, and eventually expires. Cathodic coatings such as paint, rubber dipping, and so forth are subject to damage, pin hole penetrations, and the like which, may ravage underlying metallic components once the cathodic coating is breached. 
         [0007]    Meanwhile, wind moves water. Therefore, waves move floating objects. Tides and stream flows move items that are under water. Thus, with the passage of time, motion moves submerged metal components about, causing corrosion to increase by chafing off outer layers, thereby exposing lower layers of the base metal and increasing the speed of corrosion. 
         [0008]    Steel and iron have been used for millennia. Owners spend substantial resources including time, money, materials, and so forth protecting, servicing, inspecting, and replacing metal components. The effort imposed by bodies of water on owners of metal submerged therein is enormous. 
         [0009]    It would be an advance in the art to provide an improved mooring system for mooring vessels (ships, boats, barges, any other watercraft) and underwater structures such as pipelines, piers, other structures, and so forth in a manner to minimize maintenance, repair efforts, and other resources (such as time) for anchoring and keeping such systems. It would be an advance in the art to provide securement systems that are resistant to corrosion, chafing, and so forth. 
         [0010]    It would be a further advance in the art to protect intermediate floats, such as mid-line floats, against the tangling that seems to be so pervasive and inherent in tethers or lines that secure moored objects to their anchors on a floor of a water body. 
         [0011]    It would be a further advance in the art to provide a buoy mounting system that is serviceable, maintains proper service orientation of a buoy, and resists the effects of corrosion, chafing, and the like. It would be a further advance in the art to provide an improved buoy that can be installed to interface with a system of anchors, lines, mid-line floats, fastening systems, orientation maintenance systems, and the like, thus rendering a buoy easily installed, easily serviced, easily accessed, and easily operated as a mooring device. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    In view of the foregoing, in accordance with the invention as embodied and broadly described herein, a method and apparatus are disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including an anchor system, a system of thimbles at both ends of a line or restraint that performs the attachment of a vessel to an anchor, a grip associated with a mid-line float and acting as a stopper therefor, an upright system for maintaining a tethered buoy in a properly uprightly oriented attitude, a buoy to serve as a message, marker, warning, or mooring buoy, and a connection system. The connection system includes devices and methods connecting an anchor to a line, the line to a mid-line float, the line to an upright system, and the line and upright system to the buoy. 
         [0013]    In certain embodiments, an anchor may be an embedded anchor implanted several feet under the surface of the substrate or floor. This may be referred to herein as the sea floor, notwithstanding the body of water may be a fresh water body and may be a lake, pond, river, or the like. The entire structure may be made of materials that resist corrosion and are formed to minimize the effects of chafing. For example, in one embodiment, a high density polyethylene (HDPE) may be used for its high ratio of strength to density while remaining impervious to corrosion. 
         [0014]    In certain embodiments, an anchor system may include a box or crossbar that first penetrates longitudly into a substrate or sea floor a certain distance, after which it is turned or oriented crossways to the bore constituting its insertion direction in order to penetrate into the adjacent region of the substrate material, and thus provide anchor strength. 
         [0015]    The crossbar or box may have a rocking horse structure that fits inside a longitudinal cavity in the box structure of the crossbar. This rocking horse will typically have a thimble, between shear plates that extend to form orientation plates fitting beside the thimble, registered into an opening in one top face of the box structure. Between the shear plates is secured, fitted, formed, or otherwise located a thimble that operates to control the radius and diameter of bending of a loop of line. The line may be woven rope that will form the tether between the anchor and an anchored object such as a vessel. 
         [0016]    The crossbar or box may be open ended, and may be formed to be an irregular trapezoid. For example, a cut or angle at one end may provide a comparatively sharper edge that will tend to catch on surrounding material, once inserted into a substrate, and thereby obligate the cross bar to change its orientation, dig crossways into the local substrate, and thus turn crossways to provide anchoring force. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the crossbar or box structure may have a mount at one end, operating as a comparatively thick plate closing or partially closing off the cross-sectional area of the internal opening through the box. The mount may be penetrated with an aperture that is threaded to receive a pipe. Insertion of the crossbar box into the sea floor may thus be done by connecting a pipe into the threaded mount and flowing a liquid therethrough while applying a downward force in an axial or longitudinal direction of the box. 
         [0018]    By applying high pressure liquid, such as local water (e.g., sea water, lake water, river water, or the like) through the pipe, the mount end of the crossbar or box becomes a hydraulic jet drill. The comparatively high pressure of the water tends to erode the substrate material ahead of the mount and crossbar, thus drilling into the sea floor. It is urged on by the force applied axially or longitudinally to the pipe. 
         [0019]    Upon achieving an appropriate depth, the pipe may be removed after the source of high pressure water has been removed or stopped. The pipe, typically made of steel, may be unthreaded, and the formerly trailing line, previously looped around the thimble and secured to the crossbar, may now be engaged. That is, during the drilling process, the rocking horse with its thimble is already attached to the box or crossbar in order to follow along (beside) the box, as the water jet penetrates down through the interior of the box cross-section. With the trapezoidal shape (from a side elevation view thereof) at the trailing end of the box structure of the crossbar, a sharp edge at the very end will immediately tend to rock against the wall of the bore that has been drilled. The barbed or comparatively sharper blade or edge of the box with its trapezoidal cut will thus engage and penetrate into the side wall of the bore. 
         [0020]    Upon application of additional force, the leading penetration end or mount end of the crossbar box will also pull into the substrate, thus further driving the sharpened edge into the substrate. The effect of this is engagement of the crossbar across the direction of the bore, thus thoroughly and immediately engaging the substrate. It has been found that subsequent settling of materials will quickly (e.g., within a few weeks) begin to drift down into the bore, thus further consolidating the crossbar in the bore. 
         [0021]    The thimble, mounted between or formed between the shear plates (e.g., typically formed as triangular cleats), secures in an opening in what is now the top side or top face of the box structure of the crossbar. This structure comprises the rocking horse that was inserted inside the sharpened end of the box structure before insertion (drilling) into the substrate. 
         [0022]    This insertion or assembly is executed quite straightforwardly by sliding a re-woven loop of braided polymeric rope into the central, top side opening of the crossbar that will eventually register the rocking horse. Upon drawing the loop fully outside the sharpened end of the box structure, an operator may fit one side of the rocking horse with its shear plates (e.g., side cleats) into the loop, thereby positioning the thimble on the inside radius of the loop of line. The entire rocking horse and rope loop system may then be moved back into the open cross-section of the crossbar. 
         [0023]    The rocking horse eventually moved laterally outward to be registered in a side wall, which will become the upper face once anchored. In that upper face are fitted the side plates or a shoulder of the cleats, thus registering in every direction the rocking horse. The loop of the line or rope is thus free to pivot about the contained thimble in the rocking horse, and is provided with relief in the top face of the box structure in order to proceed away therefrom. 
         [0024]    A grip or worm grip operates as a mid-line float stopper. This may likewise be constructed of a polymeric material, such as HDPE. In fact, in certain embodiments, the rocking horse, the box structure of the crossbar, and so forth are all formed of polymeric materials that are impervious to corrosion. 
         [0025]    The worm grip or stopper for the mid-line float may rely on any type of mid-line float available in the art. These are typically egg-shaped but may take on other shapes. They may be penetrated by the line or may be attached beside the line. In one presently contemplated embodiment, the line at a free end, above the lower loop connected to the anchor system, may pass through a tubular, center penetration of a line float. Thereabove, the line may be threaded through a tortuous path in the worm grip that will subject the line to substantially increased friction, thus precluding movement of the worm grip. 
         [0026]    Thus, the loss of strength common to knotting a line is avoided, even eliminated. The thimble at the anchor end, and the stop grip, or worm grip at the mid-line float both are calculated to not compromise the strength of the rope beyond its specification for working strength in use. Various embodiments of the float may include a version that includes penetration which may penetrated by loops of the line or rope which may then be captured by a bar or rod passed therethrough, such as by a U bolt or shaft that provides detents against withdrawal. Thus, whether threaded onto a new line upon installation, or attached by looping an extant line therethrough, the worm grip may increase friction and provide resistance to movement of the grip in response to the upward flotation or buoyant force exerted by the mid-line float. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment, a tube may be provided with a slot near the top thereof and near the bottom thereof, typically extending from about 90 to about 360 degrees. Typically, a target of about 180 degrees has been found sufficient. In such an embodiment, the line may be installed on such a grip after the float is already in place and after the line has been in service. In this embodiment, the line enters the tube and is captured by one slot, wraps around the tube for some selected number of turns suitable to preclude slipping, and then exits out through the opposite end of the grip, by passing inward through the slot to exit parallel to and at the top end of the tube. 
         [0028]    The upright system may include a shaft, which is actually a tube receiving the line or rope. The line may be completely continuous or may be connected above or below the line float. For example, a re-braided rope loop may be formed at each end of the line. Accordingly, such lines may be prepared to have standard lengths. A pair of lengths of rope or line may be selected, one to be secured at the anchor end and one to be secured at the buoy end of a mooring system in accordance with the invention. The two free ends may then be secured by a suitable mechanism that provides stress relief (e.g., does not weaken the rope below its appropriate rated value of sustainable force), such as a thimble system, a bowline or other accepted mechanism. 
         [0029]    In certain embodiments, the upright may extend several feet, such as, from about 4 to about 12 feet long. It has been found suitable for most buoys to extend the upright a distance of about 6 feet and to weight the lower end thereof with a suitable weighting system. For example, a collar may be formed in one or more parts and secured to the lower end of the upright. In another embodiment, the collar is slid over the lower end of the upright and a flange, pin, or other keeper is placed to keep it secured to the upright shaft. 
         [0030]    In other embodiments, a pin may secure together a collar formed in one or more pieces that simply clamp onto a lower end of the upright shaft or sit on a flange formed at the bottom end thereof. In yet another embodiment, a shaft, such as a pin, bolt, rivet, screws, or the like may pass through a collar having one or more pieces fitted to surround the lower end of the shaft. Thereby, the weight may be maintained at its proper axial position along the shaft. 
         [0031]    In other embodiments, where the collar may be positioned after the lines are all in place, such that one may not be able to pass a line therethrough, the collar may be formed in two or more parts. For example, it may be held together by the pin which also holds the collar together and secures it at its axial position along the shaft. 
         [0032]    The lower extremity of the shaft may be threaded, flanged, or simply free with no treatment other than a set of apertures passing through opposite walls to hold a weight, while passing the line through the shaft toward the buoy. 
         [0033]    The upper end or the topside end of the shaft may be provided with a flange in order to prevent sinking down through the buoy. Typically, the shaft will pass up through the buoy, or be passed down through a bore in the buoy, in order to stabilize the buoy and tether it. Above the flange, which is rotatable within a recess at the top of the buoy, a chamber containing a thimble covers a loop in the line at the upper extremity of the line (e.g., rope). 
         [0034]    The chamber may have one or more faces that may be opened in order to position the rope loop around a thimble. The thimble may be built into the chamber, built into a cap or cover on one side of the chamber, or may be inserted into an empty chamber and then enclosed. The chamber may be completely closed off on both of the flat sides thereof such that a bail may be secured to the thimble. 
         [0035]    For example, a shaft, such as a bolt, passing through the bail, through the side walls of the chamber, through the thimble contained within the chamber, and thus through the rope loop, may be secured by a nut on an opposite side of the bail. The bail may be embodied as a clevis holding, for example, a mooring ring. A mooring ring held by the clevis, bracket, or bail may be regularly accessed by a boat owner to moor a vessel to the buoy. 
         [0036]    In certain embodiments, the upper loop, by way of the bail, may be lifted up through the buoy to the extent of the shaft. With the weight operating as a restraint, a buoy may actually be lifted out of the water supported by the weight collar fixed at the end of the shaft. 
         [0037]    In certain embodiments, a pole, such as a “painter pole” may be secured in an auxiliary bore in a buoy, formed to extend in an axial direction into or through the buoy and parallel to the central bore thereof. In this way, a vessel having a deck some distance about the buoy presents no problem to capture the buoy. For example, a hook, loop, or the like at the top of a painter pole secured into the auxiliary bore may be readily captured. Thereby, the buoy may be lifted, and access to the mooring ring may be had readily by the operators of a vessel seeking to use the mooring buoy. 
         [0038]    In some embodiments, a lock may be prepared and secured to cover the mooring ring, thus rendering it unavailable to improper use or unauthorized users. It is not entirely uncommon for unauthorized persons to temporarily secure to a mooring buoy without permission, thus inconveniencing the correct owner when approaching the buoy for use. 
         [0039]    The buoy may be provided with, or originally formed as, an outer shell. The shell walls may be manufactured by any suitable method, such as by blow molding or roto-molding. In roto-molding, one benefit to a design of a buoy in accordance with the invention is that the central shaft may be formed with the outer shell to be completely sealed and impervious. However, it has been found suitable to back fill the buoy with a closed cell polymeric foam. 
         [0040]    The auxiliary bores may be formed by any suitable method, such as forming during roto-molding, or being drilled thereafter. Seats in the top or topside ends of each of the auxiliary bores may be formed during manufacture of the main outer housing or shell, or may be formed thereafter. In one presently contemplated embodiment, the seats may be formed to provide a shoulder against which a flange may rest or a fastener may be set. 
         [0041]    Typically, the recess on the central bore is formed as part of the outer wall, homogeneous, contiguous, integral, and continuous therewith. Meanwhile, recesses over a pair of symmetrically opposite and diametrically opposed auxiliary bores may be formed. Thereafter, a drill may be used to form each of the auxiliary bores. In yet another example, the seats or recesses for the auxiliary bores may be used as parts into which to inject the foam, thus providing access therefore without additional penetrations. 
         [0042]    Thereafter, the bores may be drilled, or may be fitted with sleeves or liners before or after formation. For example, a liner may be placed through to form each bore, and the expanded polymeric foam may surround all three bores or the walls thereof within the buoy during a filling or foaming process. 
         [0043]    In one contemplated embodiment, a process for installing the system in accordance with the invention may be best adapted to substrates (sea bed, lake bottom, etc.) in locations where stones are not excessively large. For example, gravel, comparatively small cobble, and the like may be jet drilled by hydraulic force. However, solid rock, large boulders, larger cobble (larger than a fist), and the like are not typically penetrated by hydraulic pressure. Accordingly, a system and method in accordance with the invention may be best adapted to sea beds or lake bottoms that may be drilled readily by a hydraulic jet. 
         [0044]    Meanwhile, in one currently contemplated embodiment, a drill bore in a sea bed may be formed at from about zero degrees to about 60 degrees with respect vertical line perpendicular to the sea bed. However, it has been found suitable to provide a drilling process at from about 10 to about 30 degrees, and preferably targeted at about 20 degrees off the vertical axis or perpendicular axis extending to the sea bed. Having a slight angle assists in exaggerating the eccentricity of the forces on the anchor box structure. Moreover, it has been found that the process of “setting” by “pulling in” the anchor or pulling the anchor system into the sidewalls of the drill bore in the sea substrate is assisted by a tendency of the line to cut back on one side of the bore in seeking a direct line between the anchor box and the winch applying upward force. Thus, the additional overburden directly above the anchor assures that the anchor cannot be drawn out the same direction it entered the sea bed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0045]    The foregoing features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0046]      FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of one embodiment of a system and apparatus in accordance with a method; 
           [0047]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0048]      FIG. 3A  is a leading end perspective view of an anchor portion of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0049]      FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the subsystem of  FIG. 3A , this using a sharp edge angled back toward the center of force rather than away therefrom as in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0050]      FIG. 4  is a trailing end perspective view of the anchor subsystem of  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 5  is a side elevation, cut away view of a hydro-drilling process in accordance with the invention; 
           [0052]      FIG. 6  is a side elevation, cut away view of the setting step in installation of a mooring system in accordance with the invention; 
           [0053]      FIG. 7  is a perspective, exploded view of the anchor subsystem of  FIGS. 1 through 6 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 8A  is a top plan view of the anchor box of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0055]      FIG. 8B  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0056]      FIG. 8C  is a front elevation view thereof; 
           [0057]      FIG. 8D  is a rear or trailing end elevation view thereof; 
           [0058]      FIG. 8E  is a left side elevation view thereof; 
           [0059]      FIG. 8F  is a right side elevation view thereof; 
           [0060]      FIG. 9A  is a top plan view of the thimble and rocker system of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 9B  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0062]      FIG. 9C  is a side elevation view thereof, the right side elevation view being identical thereto; 
           [0063]      FIG. 9D  is an end elevation view thereof, the view from both ends thereof being identical; 
           [0064]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a worm grip in accordance with the invention, and illustrating various alternative front elevation views and side elevation views of those alternative embodiments; 
           [0065]      FIG. 11A  is a top plan view of one embodiment of a work grip; 
           [0066]      FIG. 11B  is a front elevation view thereof, the rear view being unnecessary as identical thereto; 
           [0067]      FIG. 11C  is a side elevation view thereof, both the right and left side views being identical to one another; 
           [0068]      FIG. 11D  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a worm grip; 
           [0069]      FIG. 11E  is a front elevation view thereof, the rear elevation view being identical; 
           [0070]      FIG. 11F  is a side elevation view thereof, the right and left side views both being identical to one another; 
           [0071]      FIG. 11G  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a worm grip, this being adapted to use after a line, rope, rode is already in place; the bottom plan view is a mirror image of the top plan view; 
           [0072]      FIG. 11H  is a front elevation view thereof; and the rear elevation view is a mirror image except that the u-shaped member is partially obscure; 
           [0073]      FIG. 11J  is a left side elevation view thereof, the right side elevation view being a mirror image, but the u-shaped member obscuring the detents somewhat; 
           [0074]      FIG. 11K  is a top end view of a cylindrical alternative embodiment of a worm grip; 
           [0075]      FIG. 11L  is a front elevation view thereof; 
           [0076]      FIG. 11M  is a left side elevation view thereof; 
           [0077]      FIG. 11N  is a right side elevation view thereof; 
           [0078]      FIG. 11P  is a bottom end plan view thereof; 
           [0079]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the upright subsystem; 
           [0080]      FIG. 13  is a side elevation cutaway view thereof; 
           [0081]      FIG. 14A  is a top plan view of the upright system of  FIGS. 12 through 13 ; 
           [0082]      FIG. 14B  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0083]      FIG. 14C  is a front elevation view thereof; 
           [0084]      FIG. 14D  is a rear elevation view thereof; 
           [0085]      FIG. 14E  is a side elevation view thereof, both right and left side elevation views being identical; 
           [0086]      FIG. 15  is a perspective, exploded view of the upright system of  FIGS. 12 through 14  along with the buoy system of  FIGS. 15 through 19 ; 
           [0087]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view slightly above and from the front of a buoy subsystem in accordance with the invention; 
           [0088]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view from a lower vantage point; 
           [0089]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional, side elevation view thereof; 
           [0090]      FIG. 19A  is a top plan view thereof; 
           [0091]      FIG. 19B  is a bottom plan view thereof; 
           [0092]      FIG. 19C  is a front elevation view thereof, with no rear elevation view required, as being identical; 
           [0093]      FIG. 19D  is a side elevation view, there being no need for another side, as both sides, right and left, are identical; 
           [0094]      FIG. 20A  represents initiation of a drilling process with a pipe driven, hydro-drilling anchor box in accordance with the invention. 
           [0095]      FIG. 20B  is a side, elevation, cut away view thereof at a greater depth; 
           [0096]      FIG. 20C  is a side elevation view thereof at a greater depth, after drilling, upon initiation of the securement and setting steps of a process in accordance with the invention; 
           [0097]      FIG. 20D  is a side elevation view thereof with the anchor subsystem fully engaged and securing a rope, line, or other rode into a sea bed; and 
           [0098]      FIG. 21  is a schematic block diagram of a process for anchoring an object, such as a marking buoy, mooring buoy, or the like, in accordance with the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0099]    It will be readily understood that the components of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of the system and method of the present invention, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but is merely representative of various embodiments of the invention. The illustrated embodiments of the invention will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. 
         [0100]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 2 , while referring generally to  FIGS. 1 through 21 , a system  10  in accordance with the invention may include an anchor subsystem  12 . The anchor subsystem  12  may be thought of as an embedded anchor system  12 . Above the anchor subsystem  12  arises a line  24 , or rode  24 , which may be formed of a polymeric, non-metallic, braided rope. Such a line  24  has been found preferable to laid rope, chain, metal cables, steel rope, and so forth. The line  24  arises through a line float subsystem  14  that maintains tension in order to resist damage to underwater plants in the ecosystem of the sea bed. 
         [0101]    Ultimately, the line  24  passes through an upright subsystem  16  that includes a shaft  40  or tube  40  through which the rode  24  will pass in order to be secured to the top thereof. The upright subsystem  16  is weighted at the bottom end thereof, which may be from about 4 to about 12 feet below the surface, and is preferably at from about 5 to about 7 feet below the surface. At a distance of 6 feet, an upright subsystem  16  has been found to be suitably counterweighted by a weight of about 4 to 20 pounds with a target weight of 10 pounds in order to keep the upright system  16  in a comparatively upright orientation in the water. 
         [0102]    A buoy subsystem  18  is secured to ride on the surface  19  of the water, secured by the upright subsystem  16 . The buoy subsystem  18  includes suitable materials to float, provided with an opening  86  through which the upright subsystem  16  will penetrate. The upright subsystem  16  may be lifted up out of the water through the buoy subsystem  18  for access, lifting, and the like. Meanwhile, in operation, the upright subsystem  16  suspends in the water from the buoy subsystem  18 , which provides flotation, marking, mooring, or the like. 
         [0103]    In general, a head  20  or crossbar  20  in the anchor subsystem  12  provides securement in a sea bed  72  by embedment or embedding within the sea floor  62 . In the illustrated embodiment, the head  20  or crossbar  20  is a box  20  provided with a cross-sectional area that provides engineered strength and stiffness. The crossbar  20  may be configured in the form of a hollow I-beam configuration. 
         [0104]    A rocker  22  or rocking horse  22  may be fitted into or otherwise associated with the crossbar  20  in order to secure a line  24  that terminates in a loop  26  at the anchor subsystem  12 . In the illustrated embodiment, the crossbar  20 , with the rocker  22  removed may receive a line  24  through an aperture  67  near the center of the crossbar  20 , and extending out through one end of the crossbar  20 . Thereat, the rocker  22  (or at least one plate  64 ) may be inserted through the loop  26  and the line  24 . The rocker  22  may then slide axially back through the hollow interior portion of the crossbar  20  to a location at which the loop  26  and line  24  may exit on the aperture  67 . Registration of the rocker  22  in the aperture  67  is fixed at a suitable location in the top plate  21  of the crossbar  20 . 
         [0105]    A float  28  may be of any particular type, such as a line float  28 , underwater, mid-line float  28 , or the like. Typically, floats  28  are of various types, but should be substantially constant volume, and are often formed of a very strong, stiff, thick-walled, durable plastic that is completely hollow and largely impervious to breakage, leakage, or the like. Accordingly, the float  28  may be sized to provide a sufficient buoyancy force to maintain a substantially constant tension in the line  24 . In order to maintain the float  28  in position, a stop  30  (e.g., worm grip  30 ) may secure the line  24  to the float  28 . As a practical matter, the float  28  will float up along the line  24 , until arriving at the stop  30 . Thus, the stop  30  provides capture of the float  28 . 
         [0106]    In the illustrated embodiment, the line  24  passes through the stop  30  by means of several convolutions  32  or turns  32 . Each of the convolutions  32  is engineered to minimize the stress in the line  24 , and may be radiused at a specific turn radius to prevent excessive stress in the line  24 . 
         [0107]    For example, a line  24 , when knotted, places the bundle of fibers constituting the line  24  into compression at the innermost radius of any turn, and in tension at the outermost turn. Accordingly, great differentials of stress exist across the cross-section of the line  24 . A line  24  may lose substantial pull strength (tensile strength) because of the pre-loading effect of a knot placed in the line  24 . In the system  10  in accordance with the invention, no overly stressing knots are provided in the line  24 . Line manufactures do not require de-rating a line for a bowline more than 25 to 30 percent. Thus, the convolutions  32  are also configured at a size and turn radius that each presents no significant degradation in the rated load (force) value carried by or available for the line  24  as specified. 
         [0108]    As the line  24  progresses upward, it passes a weight  34  (maintained by a keeper  36 ), which maintains the upright subsystem  16  properly oriented. The upper end of the upright subsystem  16  may include a ring  38  or tie member  38  for the purpose of mooring a craft (boat, yacht, barge, or other craft) thereto. Meanwhile, a column  40  acts as an upright  40  and may be constituted by a shaft. More properly, the shaft  40  may be a tube  40  operating as a column  40  enclosing the line  24  while extending the distance at which the weight  34  rests below the ring  38  connected the column  40 . 
         [0109]    The column  40  is maintained in place by a flange  89  fitting in a recess  42  at the top of the buoy subsystem  18 . The recess  42  provides a seat  87  wherein the flange  89  acting as a bearing  89  may rest. 
         [0110]    Bores  44  (auxiliary bores  44 ) may be provided outboard from the column  40  about the buoy subsystem  18 . These bores  44  may be configured as tubes  44 , openings  44 , or accesses  44  in order to receive, for example, a pole  46 , such as a painter pole  46 . Such a pole  46  may be provided with a support  45  near the top of the buoy subsystem  18 , and some securement  47  at the lower extremity thereof. Thus, the pole  46  may be used to carry a flag or marker, banner, or the like. 
         [0111]    Typically, the pole  46  may be provided with a capture  48  at a top end thereof. The capture  48  may be configured as a loop  48 , hook  48 , both  48 , or the like. Thus, a watercraft having a deck much higher than the ring  38  at the top of the buoy subsystem  18  may more easily access the ring  38  by capturing the “capture” element  48  by a rope, a grip, a boatman, or the like. The capture  48  may be used to lift the buoy subsystem  18 , or may be used otherwise to access the ring  38 . 
         [0112]    For example, in one embodiment, the painter pole  46  may be provided with a capture  48 , but lack a securement  47  at the bottom thereof. A support  45  may maintain the pole  46  in the bore  44 , against gravity. However, with no securement  47  therebelow, a boatman may remove the pole  46  from the access bore  44 . One will thus have available a hook  48  or loop  48  as a capture  48  in order to withdraw the pole  46  from the access bore  44 . One may then use the same capture  48  or hook  48  at the end of the pole  46  to reach down and snare the ring  38 , then drawing the ring  38  up towards the deck for attaching a mooring line thereto. 
         [0113]    Alternatively, a capture  48  may simply be used with a securement on the bottom of the pole  46 , to lift the entire buoy subsystem  18 , and with it the upright subsystem  16 . Thereby, the ring  38  may be brought upward to be available for access. 
         [0114]    The buoy  50  itself, or the body  50  of the buoy subsystem  18  may be provided with a marker  52  at a suitable location for warnings, other labeling, instructions, and so forth. The marker  52  is typically used for messaging through textual content. 
         [0115]    In contrast, a marker  54  may typically be a colored marker  54 , as required by maritime statutes in order to identify the type of buoy  50  in the system  10 . For example, channel markers, warning markers, boundary markers, property markers, hazard markers, and the like may be served by a system  10  in accordance with the invention. Also, a system  10  makes a highly serviceable mooring buoy  50 . 
         [0116]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 21 , the anchor subsystem  12  may have a crossbar  20  or box  20  identified by a lead end  56  and a trailing end  57 . In the illustrated embodiment, near the lead end  56  is a mount  58  or mounting plate  58  provided with a threaded opening  59 . The threaded opening  59  provides a securement  59  to receive a steel pipe  55 . The steel pipe  55  operates to carry water under suitably engineered pressure to the threaded opening  59  in the mount  58 . 
         [0117]    By passing the steel pipe  55  through the length of the anchor subsystem  12 , the head  20  becomes a drill head  20  for hydraulic jet drilling. A jet of water exiting the steel pipe  55  through the threaded opening  59  impacts and erodes the surrounding surface  62  of the sea bed  72 , opening up a bore region  74  through which the crossbar  20  will pass as a drill head  20  into the sea bed material  72 . The crossbar  20  is formed as a box  20  that also constitutes the head  20  or principal portion  20  of the anchor subsystem  12 . 
         [0118]    Meanwhile, the line  24  is secured, in advance, by passing the line  24 , with the loop  26  first through the aperture  67  into the empty crossbar  20 , which has a hollow channel  61 . The loop  26  exits at or near the trailing end  57 . The loop  26  is then secured around a thimble  60  that forms part of the rocker  22 . 
         [0119]    The rocker  22  may be fabricated from a single piece of material. In other embodiments, the rocker  22  may be an assembly constituted by a thimble  60  flanked by plates  64  (e.g., shear plates  64 ) that are each largely a smoothed triangular shape in area, having registration shoulders  66  formed therein to fit within a mating portion  67  or aperture  67  formed in the top surface of the crossbar  20 . 
         [0120]    The loop  26  passing out through the channel  61  may be worked over one of the plates  64 , which operate as shear plates  64 , in order to be wrapped around or conform around the thimble  60 . The loop  26  may be formed as a re-woven or re-braided loop  26  formed in a braided line  24 . A suitable polymeric material that is relatively resistant to or impervious to attack by the chemical composition, microbes, plants, animals, and other sea life in a lake or ocean may serve as material for the line  24  and loop  26 . 
         [0121]    With the loop  26  threaded around the thimble  60 , between the plates  64 , the line  24  may be drawn back up toward the aperture  67 , thus drawing the rocker  22  back through the channel  61 . Once the loop  26  is secured around the thimble  60  the rocker slides back inside, along the crossbar  20  to the aperture  67 . The shear plates  64  register in the aperture  67  to position and maintain the thimble  60  in place. The registration shoulders  66  on the shear plates  64  can be moved up into the aperture  67 , registering the thimble  60 , shear plates  64 , and the entire rocker  22 , in general, in the aperture  67  in the upper surface of the crossbar  20 . The rocker may be fastened in with a bolt of some kind to index it during the setting process. The bolt is only necessary during installation. It can corrode away after the anchor is set, or it can be plastic. The loop  26 , will, typically, never again have the proper alignment of forces required in order to remove it from the thimble  60  without human intervention. 
         [0122]    The crossbar  20  is formed in a trapezoidal shape to include a guide surface  68  or guide slope  68  at the trailing end  57 . Here, the trailing end  57  is so identified with respect with the lead end  56 . The lead end  56  and trailing end  57  apply only to the process of drilling or injecting the anchor subsystem  12  into a substrate  72  or sea bed  72 . In operation, after so drilling, the crossbar  20  engages a cutting edge  70  or trailing edge  70  of the trailing end  57  of the crossbar  20 . 
         [0123]    In other words, upon removal of the steel pipe  55 , from the threaded opening  59  after drilling, the crossbar  20  sits within the bore region  74  drilled into the sea bed  72  by the water jet from the steel pipe  55 . The edge  70  is comparatively sharp, and the positioning of the aperture  67 , and thus the rocker  22  may be slightly eccentric, or not centered with respect to the overall length or weight of the crossbar  20 . Thus, upon removal of the steel pipe  55 , following drilling of the bore region  74  in the sea bed  72 , the edge  70  will typically move toward the boundary of the bore  74  or bore region  74 , thus tending to engage or cut into the sea bed  72 . 
         [0124]    After the steel pipe  55  is removed, then drawing on the line  24 , tensions the loop  26 , which transfers force to the thimble  60 , which, in turn, transfers force to the shear plates  64 , which then apply force to the crossbar  20 , in the direction of the line  24 . This direction of the line  24  drawing on the rocker  22  and hence the top plate  21  and crossbar  20 , tends to pull the crossbar  20  toward its top plate  21  rather than axially or collinearly along the length of the crossbar  20 . 
         [0125]    Meanwhile, the edge  70  cut into the wall of the bore  40 . By the force on the line  24 , it is driven into the sea bed  72  adjacent the bore  74 . The effect is to cut with the edge  70  into the sea bed  72 , while the lead end  56  engages the opposite side of the bore  74 . Thus, the two ends  56 ,  57  each force the other into the sea bed  72  in a direction perpendicular to the length of the bore  74 . Accordingly, part of the sea bed material  72  is dug up and begins to fill in the bore  74  above the crossbar  20 . The result is further anchoring of the crossbar  20  in the undisturbed sea bed  72 , that part that did not participate, or was not washed out with the material removed in drilling the bore  74 . The result is a very strong anchoring force supportable on the line  24 . The anchor subsystem  12  has been “set.” 
         [0126]    It has been found that the crossbar  20  is capable immediately of sustaining forces approaching the limit of the dynamometer so applied. However, over time, materials will settle into the bore  74 , completely and effectively filling the bore  74 , and settling in. Thereby, the bore  74  is no longer a bore  74 , but a bore region  74  filled with materials from the sea bed  72 . 
         [0127]    For example, in one experiment, a crossbar  20  was drilled into a sea bed  72 , with a line  24  secured by a loop  26  around the thimble  60 . The limit of the dynamometer attached to measure the load on the line  24  was 4,000 pounds (1,800 kg.). The installed anchor subsystem  12  withstood the force on the line  24  to the limit of that particular dynamometer. 
         [0128]    Inasmuch as a working craft will be stationed on the surface  19  of water such as a lake, bay, cove, ocean, or the like, setting the anchor subsystem  12  by applying a force to a line  24  secured around the thimble  60  of the crossbar  20  will result in drawing the boat back toward the anchor. The line  24  in tension during the installation will tend toward a vertical orientation. 
         [0129]    In contrast, it has been found best to angle the direction of the bore  74  to be from about 5 to about 45 degrees with respect to the surface  19  of the water. Accordingly, the best angle of the bore  74  has been found to be from about 15 to about 25 degrees, and typically about a 20 degree angle has been found a good target angle to use for drilling a bore  74 . 
         [0130]    Thus, as the installation or “working watercraft” is drawn to be more directly vertically above the embedded crossbar  20  at the bottom of the bore  74 , the line  24  tends to cut into the sea bed  72 , in a lateral direction (orthogonal to the vertical direction, orthogonal to the bore direction, or both) thus cutting into the sea bed  72  throughout a cut region  76 . This cut region  76  tends to render the force in the line  24  to be more nearly vertical. Thus, this further assures embedding of the crossbar  20  below undisturbed sea bed  72  in the cut region  76 . 
         [0131]    The drill angle has more to do with setting the anchor, than how it will perform with a boat moored to it. Actually having the angle vertical is the best except to set the anchor in the unconsolidated sediment. Putting it in at a bit of an angle lets the anchor “set” in undisturbed sediment. 
         [0132]    After installation, the free end of the line  24  may be freed from the craft installing the system  10 . The line  24  may connect to another portion of line  24  that also extends upward therefrom toward an upper loop  26   b.  Herein, a trailing letter following a reference numeral refers to a specific instance. Use of the reference numeral indicates any or all of the items so indicated by the number. A reference numeral followed by a trailing letter refers to a specific instance. Here, the lower loop  26   a  is secured around the thimble  60  in the crossbar  20 . The upper loop  26   b  is likewise secured in a similar fashion to the buoy subsystem  18 , by way of the upright subsystem  16 . Various mechanisms, thimbles  60 , loops  24 , fasteners, or the like may be used to select and implement the proper length of line  24  extending between the crossbar  20  and the buoy  50 . 
         [0133]    In certain embodiments, the stop  30  may be placed in the portion of line  24  proceeding, continuous and uninterrupted, from the thimble  60  in the crossbar  20 . It may instead be in that portion of the line  24  that extends continuously and uninterrupted from the buoy subsystem  18  and upright subsystem  16 . Ultimately, in either configuration, the float  28  will be placed as a mid-line float  28  in or on the line  24 . 
         [0134]    The float  28  will be secured by the stop  30 . This leaves the remainder of the line  24  above the float  28  as a slack portion  80  that may go slack at any time with a shift in wind direction, tide, current, or the like. 
         [0135]    For example, the tensioned portion  78  of the line  24  extends from the thimble  60  at the crossbar  20  up to the stop  30  that is holding the float  28  in its vertical position. That is, the stop  30  maintains the float  28  at a particular altitude with respect to the sea bed  72 . However, with shifts in wind direction, tide, current, and so forth, any craft secured to the buoy subsystem  18 , and particularly to the ring  38  or tie member  38 , will drift with the wind, drawing the buoy subsystem  18 , with it, and eventually pulling tension in the slack portion  80  of the line  24 . 
         [0136]    Nevertheless, during such a movement, tension in the slack portion  80  may be reduced, or may be eliminated, resulting in slack, or reduced force. As a practical matter, the designation of the slack portion  80  as such simply refers to the fact that with rising and lowering of tides, the slack portion  80  may be temporarily untensioned. In contrast, the mid-line float  28  and stop  30  maintain tension  78  of the buoyant force of the float  28  on the line  24  in the tensioned portion  78 . 
         [0137]    Eventually, the line  24  must enter the buoy subsystem  18 . It does this, in the illustrated embodiment, by entering the column  40  or shaft  40  of the upright subsystem  16 , near the weight  34  at the foot or bottom end thereof. From the foot or bottom end of the column  40 , the line  24  passes upward through the column  40  and the buoy  50  of the buoy system  18 . The buoy  50  or the buoy body  50  may typically include a wall portion  82  of a comparatively higher density, solid, structural, polymeric material, while the interior fill portion  84  thereof may typically be of a comparatively lower density, closed-cell, foamed polymer (expanded polymer). Typically, an expanded polymeric material is referred to as a foam. The fill  84  may be expanded polyethylene, expanded polystyrene, expanded polyurethane, or other suitable material. However, it has been found best to select a polymeric material for the fill  84  that is of a closed-cell type, resistant to incursion by bacteria, sea plants, sea animals, chemical degradation, and the like. In this way, the fill  84  does not become laden or water logged with moisture, organisms, and so forth. 
         [0138]    Meanwhile, the central bore  86  through the buoy  50  may be formed of the same material as the wall  82 . In certain embodiments, the buoy  50  may be formed by roto-molding with the exterior surfaces thereof and the central bore  86  as a single continuous and contiguous material. In certain embodiments, the bores  44  may also be formed the same as the central bore  86 . 
         [0139]    However, it has been found that a more practical manufacturing technique may be to create the central bore  86  as part and parcel of the outer skin or shell of the buoy  50 , formed continuously and contiguously with the wall  82 . Bores  44  may be added thereafter. The fill  84  may be added through one of the seats  88  of the bores  44 . An aperture may be formed in the outer skin of the buoy  50 , at the seat  88 . Thereafter, after the fill  84  has been introduced and cured, then the bore  44  may be drilled through the fill  84 . 
         [0140]    The seat  87  associated with the central bore  86 , provides a position for the flange  89  or bearing  89 . The flange  89  may be integral with the column  40  to be supported by the seat  87  in the recess  42  at the top of the buoy  50 . 
         [0141]    In the illustrated embodiment, the seat  87  is completely circular, providing a surface  87  or seat  87  on which the flange  89  or bearing  89  of the upright subsystem  16  may rest. Similarly, if the upright subsystem  16  is drawn up through the buoy subsystem  18 , then the collar  34 , acting also as a weight  34 , and its keeper  36  will restrain the column  40  from rising completely out of the buoy  50 . The weight  34  and keeper  36  will lift the buoy  50  once they have engaged the bottom surface of the buoy  50 . Then, the ring  38  may be lifted up, at the top of the upright subsystem  16 , for access. Similarly, the buoy  50  itself may be lifted up by drawing the upright subsystem  16  therethrough and upward. 
         [0142]    The ring  38  may be secured to the upright subsystem  16  and thereby to the buoy subsystem  18 . The ring  38  is typically secured by extending the circumference of the ring  38  through a bail  90 . The bail  90  operates as a bracket  90  secured to the housing  94  of the upright system  16  by means of an axle  92  or bolt  92 . Any type of linear fastener  92 , such as a pin  92 , or the like may be used. In certain embodiments, the axle  92  may be made of a polymeric material. However, metals are suitable, since the axle  92  is not exposed to immersion. 
         [0143]    A housing  94  contains an upper loop  26   b  terminating the line  24 . By means of the axle  92 , the loop  26   b  is retained. The bail  90  secured to the loop  26   b  by the axle  92 , bolt  92 , fastener  92 , pin  92 , or the like sustains the full load in the line  24 . The load path from the ring  38  through the bail  90 , to the axle  92  and an intervening thimble  60 , to the loop  26   b,  and line  24  is the entire load path to transfer force from a moored craft tethered through the ring  38  to the line  24 . 
         [0144]    The entire length of the line  24 , whether in multiple or single continuous segments, extends the load path from the axle  92  at the upper loop  26   b  down to the anchor thimble  60  surrounded by the lower loop  26   a.  This entire load path has no intervening metal carrying load or responsible to maintain load between the upper loop  26   b  and the lower loop  26   a.  Thus, corrosion is eliminated and chafing is minimized. 
         [0145]    Meanwhile, the bail  90 , the axle  92  to which it secures through the upper loop  26   b  as well as the ring  38  may conveniently be made of metal, polymer, reinforced polymer, or the like. For convenience, suitable metals may be used for one or more of the axle  92 , bail  90 , and ring  38 . It has been found that the lack of immersion minimizes corrosion, and the availability of these components for inspection reduces service and maintenance cost, removing the need for them to be made out of non metal parts. 
         [0146]    Moreover, the use of metals, such as iron and steel, provides for additional strength, and thus a smaller size for each of these components Likewise, because these objects are largely unexposed to sea water, or other water sources, other than rain, they have been shown in the observations of Applicant to be comparatively unaffected by corrosion, attack by organisms, whether plant or animal in nature, chafing, and the like. Thus, these components may be made of metal of any suitable marine type, including anodically coated, cathodically coated, passivated, and so forth. 
         [0147]    The housing  94  includes a thimble  95  (see  FIGS. 13 through 15 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the thimble  95  is integrated as a cap  95  that fits into the housing  94 . Alternatively, one may think of the housing  94  as including a cap  95  operating as a thimble  95 . In general, one may refer to the thimble  95  as the pulley-like element (e.g., hondo) received within the upper loop  26   b.    
         [0148]    However, in a typical manufacturing process, the cap  95  may be made formed or fabricated as a homogeneous, monolithic piece from a single molded or fabricated block of material, such as a suitable polymer. Thus, the thimble  95 , the cap  95 , or a combination thereof may be cast, molded, assembled, or otherwise built as a monolith from a homogeneously formed material. Alternatively, the cap  95  may be divided into components constituting the thimble  95  and some covering portion that is part of the housing  94 . In the illustrated embodiment, a cap  95  forms the thimble  95  integral thereto. 
         [0149]    The aperture  96  passes through the cap  95  or thimble  95  as well as the housing  94  remainder. Thus, the axle  92  or bolt  92  may pass through the aperture  96  in order to secure the bail  90  to the housing  94 , the thimble  95 , and thus the upper loop  26   b.    
         [0150]    Referring to  FIGS. 3A through 11P , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 21 , in certain embodiments of an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, an anchor system  12  may include a crossbar  20  configured as a head  20  or box  20  to be driven into a sea bed  72  at some distance below a surface  19  of a body of water. Typically, the crossbar  20  may be configured in any suitable shape, whether solid or hollow. However, certain benefits may accrue to different configurations. For example, if the rope  24  or line  24  and the loop  26   a  are engaged through a solid material of the crossbar  20 , additional strength is available. If the loop  26   a  is actually woven back into the line  24 , then the thimble  60  may be an integral portion formed within the material of the crossbar  20 . However, in this configuration, the length of the line  24  must be determined in advance, or some amount must be cut off in service. Thus, much of the line  24  may be wasted. 
         [0151]    On the other hand, a person performing an installation may select a rope size for the line  24 , and then braid the line  24  back into its self to create the loop  26   a  on site. This requires a level of skill, an amount of time, and so forth that may be much less economical than a modular construction for assembly and installation in a limited amount of time, with a limited level of skill, and limited demand on tools and resources. In the illustrated embodiment, the aperture  67  may be formed, cast, cut, or otherwise made inside a top plate  21  formed as part of the crossbar  20 . 
         [0152]    For example, in one embodiment, the crossbar  20  may be an extruded shape. Thus, the bottom wall  102  need not be of the same thickness or the dimensions as the top wall  21 . Typically, the side walls  104  would be of the same dimensions for purposes of economy and stability. In certain embodiments, the top wall  21  or top plate  21  may extend to a width wider than that of the bottom wall  102 . Herein, top and bottom refer to the directions or relative positions of the walls  21 ,  102  with respect to the approximate installed position of anchor system  12 . 
         [0153]    Thus, for example, the dimensions of width, length, and thickness of the top wall  21  may be selected to provide the proper strength, stiffness, and other material properties needed to support the rocker  22  when loaded by the line  24  during setting of the anchor subsystem  12 . Testing after setting imposes the maximum loading condition. 
         [0154]    Likewise, the section modulus (used as that term is defined in structural engineering) of the overall box  20  or crossbar  20  may be designed by an engineered combination of wall lengths, thicknesses, and widths in any 3 of the dimensions. In the illustrated embodiment, the thickness in a vertical direction of the top wall  21  or top plate  21  is greater than that of any of the other walls  102 ,  104 . However, in certain embodiments, the thimble  60  with its attendant plates  64  in the rocker  22  may actually be positioned in the lower wall  102 , and inserted after drawing the loop  26   a  completely through the crossbar  20 , before installation. 
         [0155]    However, in the illustrated embodiment, the rocker  22  being positioned in the top wall  100  of the crossbar  20  provides a compliance of the line  24  and loop  26   a  to conform or deflect alongside the top wall  21  during the insertion process. Thus, the rocker  22  permits the loop  26  to readily displace about the thimble  60 , and thus lay the rope  24  or line  24  directly along the top wall  21  during installation of the crossbar  20  beneath the sea bed  72 . 
         [0156]    The position of the rocker  22  in the top wall  21 , provides clearance therebelow proximate the lower wall  102  for passage of the steel pipe  55  through the hollow portion of the crossbar  20 , to be threaded into the threaded opening  59 . Orientations and directions are with respect to the installed, horizontal position of the crossbar  20 , not the approximately vertical, drilling position. 
         [0157]    Likewise, as illustrated in  FIG. 3B , the angle and orientation of the guide surface  68  may place the edge  70  at one end of the top wall  21 . In contrast, the edge  70  in  FIG. 3A  is placed at one end of the bottom wall  102 . Operation will be somewhat different for the crossbar  20  depending on the location of the edge  70 . For example, in a configuration of  FIG. 3A , the edge  70  is directed to catch on the bore  74  in the sea bed  72  much more readily. In contrast, the configuration of  FIG. 3B  requires that the crossbar  20  rock further out of its alignment with the bore  74  before the edge  70  can engage or catch in the wall of the bore  74 . 
         [0158]    On the other hand, with the reinforcement and stiffening of the top wall  21  by the presence of the side walls  104  and long wall  102 , the strength and stiffness at the edge  70  in  FIG. 3B  is substantially greater than that of the edge  70  of  FIG. 3A  in the illustrated embodiments. 
         [0159]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 through 6 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 21 , the hydraulic drilling process may rely on a worker to insert a metal or other pressurized fluidizing pipe  55  through the interior hollow space  61  of the crossbar  20  and threading the pipe  55  into the threaded aperture  59 . It has been found that a pipe length of from about 10 to about 40 feet may be used. As a practical matter, a target length of about 20 feet has been found suitable in most mooring applications. Thus, with the sea bed surface  19  being about 6 to 12 feet below the surface in many mooring areas, such a size is fully suitable. 
         [0160]    The steel pipe  55  may be of any suitable length needed, and its diameter should be engineered for column stiffness and water throughput. However, a target length of about 20 feet and an inch and a half nominal diameter have been found appropriate for mooring purposes. For example, most lakes, bays, harbors, and the like have a bottom that is comparatively “shallow draft” for a comparatively smaller craft. Accordingly, water depth is typically on the order of from about 5 to about 15 feet. Accordingly, a crossbar  20  may be embedded 5 or 6 feet under the surface  62  of the sea bed  72 . 
         [0161]    With a length of a pipe  55  much greater than about 20 feet, the pipe itself becomes unwieldy when operated from a craft on the surface  19  of the water. Similarly, the pipe  55  and attached crossbar  20  may be operated from the surface  19  from a watercraft, such as a working boat, tug, catamaran, or other craft, or may be operated from within the water. However, as a practical matter, operating from a dry work station on a watercraft anchored well for stability has been shown to serve best. 
         [0162]    The pipe  55  ejects a comparatively high volume and high pressure flow  103  axially  105  with respect to the length of the crossbar  20 . This occurs during the drilling portion of the installation process. The crossbar  20  is oriented approximately perpendicularly to its insertion angle after being set. The jet  103  or flow  103  initiates in the direction  105  axially  105  with respect to the pipe  55  and crossbar  20 . It immediately encounters and begins eroding the sea bed material  72  directly in front of (below with respect to the horizontal surface of the earth). The flow  103  erodes the material from the sea bed  72 , fluidizing it and passing it back through the bore  74  surrounding the crossbar  20 . Thus, the crossbar  20 , which anchors the line  24 , may also be referred to as a head  20  or drilling head  20 . It serves both purposes. 
         [0163]    Fluidization is the principle defined by the pressure within the bore  74  being of each entrained object sufficiently high to match the drag force required of fluid drag on a solid body in the flow  103 . Thus, the pressure at the lead end  56  of the head  20  or crossbar  20  needs to be sufficiently high to provide impact energy sufficient to dislodge the material of the sea bed  72  near the lead end  56 . Moreover, that pressure must also be sufficient to float out through the bore  74  in an upward direction, all of the loose debris cut away by the flow  103 . Thus, the fluid dynamic drag around all of the material being eroded must be sufficiently high to lift and drift that material back up through the bore  74  to be deposited in the water directly above the surface  62  of the sea bed  72 . 
         [0164]    This fluidized bed approach provides improvements over prior art methods wherein jackhammers pounding underwater drive blades into the sea bed  72 . Such systems provide high intensity shock waves, impact waves, or other pressure (e.g., compressing) waves through the surrounding water. Those compression waves may injure or otherwise influence an operator operating the jackhammer. In contrast, the fluidization process of the flow  103  is continuous, creates no impact, creates no significant compression waves propagated through the comparatively stiff (i.e, almost incompressible) water, thus preserving health and minimizing fatigue of an operator. 
         [0165]    Moreover, in experiments, this fluidized hydraulic jet  103  has been found to drill a suitable bore  74  in a matter of minutes, typically about 5 or 6 minutes of total drilling time will bore from 5 to 20 feet in a typical non-rock substrate. Thus, an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention provide much more rapid drilling, less fatigue, less physiological damage to workers associated with the drilling and setting of the crossbar  20 , and requiring much simpler equipment. 
         [0166]    Also rotating, helical-screw-type embedding systems are complex, powerful, dangerous, and require multiple operators. Personnel requirements are also under water, adding time, complexity, and cost. 
         [0167]    Here, the total equipment weight, the supporting equipment, and so forth are very different and substantially less. For example, a water pump mounted on a boat, suitably sized, rated, and adapted to use in the environment may provide a water source to the pipe  55 . Water becomes the fluidizing agent for both erosion drilling and floating the excavated material out of the bore  74 . 
         [0168]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , setting the anchor may begin at substantially any time after the pipe  55  has been removed from the threaded opening  59  in the crossbar  20 . The crossbar  20  must be able to tilt. In the illustrated embodiment, the edge  70  is tipped into the side of the bore  74  immediately by several factors. One of those factors may be the eccentricity of the rocker  22  positioned in the crossbar  20 . By arranging that position to be off centered, the fluid drag and material drag on the trailing end  57  of the crossbar  20  may be increased or its leverage may be increased for the benefit of the trailing end  57  compared to the lead end  56 . Likewise, the edge  70  is comparatively sharp. Corners of it will catch the wall of the bore  74 . Being formed of a polymeric material, the crossbar  20  need not have an edge  70  that is hardened and sharpened like a steel implement. 
         [0169]    Typically, it is not required that the edge  70  cut into either the lower or higher surface of the bore  74 . The line  24  will tend to draw the crossbar  20  upward along the bore  74 . However, the edge  70  will immediately catch in the material  72  of the sea bed  72  and immediately begin to penetrate laterally (e.g., orthogonally) with respect to the axial direction  101  of the bore  74 , applying a force  107  to the material  72  further embedding the crossbar  20  therein. 
         [0170]    A reaction immediately occurs at the lead end  56 , which now exerts a force  106  upward and into the sea bed  72 . This force  106  as exerted by the lead end  56 , will eventually result in the edge  70  being driven further into the sea bed  72 , in a direction away from the vacant bore  74 . Thus, both ends  56 ,  57  of the crossbar  20  will begin to plow into the sea bed  72  as the line  24  exerts a force  108  upward along the line  24 , in the bore  74 . A certain amount of the sea bed  72  will thus be excavated above the crossbar  20 , filling in the bore  74  therebelow and thereabove. 
         [0171]    Over time, beginning immediately, the bore  74  will refill. It becomes largely reconsolidated within a matter of a few weeks. Heavy materials, including shells, rock, sand, soil, and the like within the sea bed  72  will fall into the bore  74 . Accordingly, the bore  74  will pack quite completely and firmly, consistent with the surrounding sea bed  72 . However, it has been found that a setting process as illustrated in  FIG. 6  renders the crossbar  20  immediately fixed within the sea bed  72 , and capable of supporting thousands of pounds. Thus, the downward force  110  of the sea bed  72  acting on both the lead end  56  and the trailing end  57  balances and supports the tensile force  108  in the line  24  during the setting process, as well as during the mooring or other utilitarian service of the anchor subsystem  12  and the overall system  10 . 
         [0172]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 21 , an exploded view of the anchor subsystem  12  illustrates the orientation of each of the parts and their respective relationships to one another. The line  24  is inserted into the aperture  67  and out the channel  61  or hollow  61  in the crossbar  20 . The loop  26  of the line  24  is typically formed by re-braiding the line  24  back into its self to form the loop  26 . Thus, an integrated, comparatively low stress configuration exists in the load path within the line  24  and loop  26 . 
         [0173]    The loop  26  is manipulated around one of the shear plates  64 , and positioned around the circumference of the thimble  60 . The loop  26 , is then turned back to thread the line  24  and loop  26  back in through the passage  61  or channel  61  until the rocker  22  is directly below or near the aperture  67 . The shoulders  66  fit into the corners  110  of the aperture  67 . 
         [0174]    The shoulders  66  of the shear plates  64  register in two dimensions within the corners  110  of the aperture  67  to position the thimble  60  and loop  26 . Once properly registered, the concavity of the thimble  60  is matched with the end loops  112  of the aperture  67  to conduct the loop  26  out through the top plate  21  of the crossbar  20 . Thus, the loop  26  is free to move and adjust its circumferential position about the thimble  60 . In this way, during the drilling process, the lead end  56  may be oriented approximately downward at some particular angle of near vertical. The loop  26  may be rotated about the thimble  60  in order to lay the line  24  alongside the top plate  21  or top wall  21  of the crossbar  20 . 
         [0175]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A through 8F , the various views of the crossbar  20  are illustrated for clarity. Thus, each of the orthogonal views is visible. 
         [0176]    Referring to  FIGS. 9A through 9D , the various views of the rocker  22  are illustrated, showing the relationships between the shear plates  64 , the thimble  60 , the shoulders  66 , and so forth. Typical dimensions of the line  24 , and loop  26  may be from about ½ inch to about 2 inches in diameter of the line  24 , and a loop  26  having an inner circumference of from about 8 inches to about 1 foot. Typically, the line  24  has about a 1 to 1 ¼ inch diameter, and the inner circumference of the loop  26  is approximately 1 foot. Accordingly, the loops  112  or arcs  112  of the aperture  67  are similarly sized. They may be rounded along their edges, and may be over sized to accommodate the loop  26 . However, it has not been found problematic to leave the sharp edges, as they do not appear to cause significant damage to the loop  26  in service. 
         [0177]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 through 11P , a worm grip  30  or stop  30  may be manufactured and implemented in any of a variety of configurations. For example, the grip  30  will typically include several apertures  31 . Typically, at least two apertures, and sometimes three or more may be important for inducing sufficient friction in the line  24  to resist or even preclude motion by the line  24  through the grip  30 . Multiple illustrated embodiments may be viewed clockwise from the upper left of  FIG. 10 . In the upper left embodiment, the grip  30  may include three apertures  31  in a plate  30  or grip  30  having edges that are nearly squared. These are typically only relieved with a slight chamfer. It has been found that the grip  30  may be formed of a comparatively rigid and strong polymeric material, including various versions of reinforced and non-reinforced polyethylene, polypropylene, or the like. 
         [0178]    The apertures  31  may be aligned such that the center of each is on a line passing between all three apertures.  31 . Alternatively, the apertures  31  may be offset, such as in a triangle. However, an important principle of operation of the stop  30  or worm grip  30  is that the line  24  should not be subjected to a tensile force that would tend to reduce the rating for the operating load that the line  24  may carry. 
         [0179]    For example, proceeding clockwise to the upper right configuration of  FIG. 10 , here, the apertures  31  may be configured such that the remaining material in the stop  30  is completely smoothed to a specific radius selected to optimize the grip  30  by the stop  30  operating on the line  24 , without increasing significantly or above a specified value preselected, the tensile force to which the line  24  is exposed. 
         [0180]    Mountaineering, sailing, pioneering, and so forth make extensive use of lines  24 , typically formed of rope. Rope may be braided, laid, or otherwise manufactured. Laid rope is the familiar twisted line in which bundles of fibers are twisted in one direction, and then in response lay together in the opposite direction. Laid ropes may become unlaid by the continual operation of water on the line  24  surrounding a mid-line float  28 . Therefor, in one currently contemplated embodiment, the line  24  is formed of a braided rope. 
         [0181]    In either mode, braided or laid, a line  24  passes through one aperture  31   a,  and then back the other direction through an adjacent aperture  31   b,  after which the line  24  changes direction to pass back through a final aperture  31   c.  The thickness of the stop  30  may be selected, and the diameters of the apertures  31  may be selected to provide between the apertures  31  a radius or diameter preselected to provide excellent service and no significant or unwarranted decreases in permissible tensile strength. 
         [0182]    Knots have an inherent failure to maintain the internal circumference in a loop  32  of a line  24 , such as the convolutions  32 . One reason is because the line  24 , itself, may not here be displaced, distorted, or otherwise deflected to the internal diameter or radius through such a convolution  32  would turn in a knot. Thus, by providing the solid material of the grip  30 , a minimum internal diameter and radius are imposed, thus protecting the line  24  against excessive tensioning in the outermost surface fibers thereof. 
         [0183]    Proceeding clockwise to the lower right configuration, a tube may be provided with slots. The slots need only pass helically a short portion of the length from one end, passing in a helical direction toward the other end. Rotation about the circumference of the tube encompasses from about 90 to about 270 degrees. It has been found that 180 degrees is a satisfactory included angle in each of the helices  116 . The line  24  is shown as a broken line, merely to illustrate the operation of the stop  30 . A line  24  may enter one end of the tubular structure of the stop  30 , pass out from the inner cavity of the tube  30  to then wrap in one or more convolutions  32  or coils  32 , directed toward the opposite end of the tube  30 . 
         [0184]    Near the opposite end, the line  24  continues by passing into a helix  116  or helical slot  116  at that opposite end. It may then pass out through the internal cavity of that tube  30 . The flexibility of the line  24  provides certain relief from excessive tensile stresses in the line  24 . Moreover, by selecting the length of the tube  30  acting as a grip  30 , and thereby providing a corresponding lesser (e.g., longer) pitch angle, or a more shallow pitch angle and longer run for each convolution  32 , stresses may be minimized in this configuration. 
         [0185]    Proceeding clockwise to the lower left configuration, the stop  30  may be augmented by a pin  120 . Here, the pin  120  includes multiple legs  122 . As a practical matter, the pin  120  may be constituted by a simple leg  122 . The grip  30  may be paired with a set of pins  122  or legs  122  installed by looping convolutions  32  of the line  24  through each of the oblong or extended slots  31 . Here, rather than having circular configurations, the slots  31  may be oval or more oblong and sized to pass two diameters of line  24  therethrough. 
         [0186]    For example, each of the configurations of  FIG. 10 , or alternative embodiments, is shown with a side cross-sectional view on the left and a front elevation view on the right. The convolutions  32  in the line  24  may pass through the aperture  31 , loop around a leg  122  of the pin  120  (here the U-shaped member  120 ) and then pass back through the same aperture  31 . 
         [0187]    Immediately thereafter, the line  24  passes to the adjacent aperture  31 , passing up and around the corresponding leg  122  of the pin  120 , before passing back through that other aperture  31 . Again, the trailing letters a and b following the aperture designation  31  indicate specific instances of the aperture  31 . Thus, the line  24  passes out of the paper through the aperture  31   a,  around the leg  122   a  and back through the aperture  31   a.  Thereafter, the line  24  passes out of the paper, through the aperture  31   b,  circumnavigates the leg  122   b,  and passes back into the paper through the same aperture  31   b.    
         [0188]    Again, the diameter of the legs  122 , the angles or smoothing or rounding of the edges of the apertures  31   a,    31   b,  the detent ends  124 , and so forth may be designed and selected such that the control is asserted to limit the minimum diameter any convolution  32  of the line  24  is permitted to assume when formed. By this mechanism, friction is sufficiently increased that the line  24  will not move after being installed properly through the apertures  31  of the grip  30 . In this illustrated configuration, the grip  30  may be placed on a line  24  that has already been installed, and already has a float or other encumbrances attached thereto. 
         [0189]    By comparison, the configuration in the lower right corner may likewise be placed on a line  24  that is already in place. In contrast, a line  24  must be threaded through using an open or “free” end thereof in the upper left and upper right configurations. 
         [0190]    Referring to  FIGS. 11A through 11B , while continuing to refer generally to  FIGS. 1 through 21 , one may see the various orthogonal views corresponding to each of the configurations illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Thus, one may design a stop  30  according to the size of the line  24  to be serviced, the load expectations that will be experience by the line  24 , and the specification of a manufacturer of the line  24  as to the minimum internal diameter of a convolution  32  thereof, the size of the apertures  31  required, and so forth. 
         [0191]    Referring to  FIGS. 12, 13, and 14A through 14E , an upright subsystem  16  may be formed to receive the line  24  and loop  26   b  for the system  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, the column  40  may extend a distance from a buoy  50  down through the buoy  50  and into the water below the surface  19 . Typically, the distance between the flange  89  or bearing plate  89  at the upper end of the shaft  40  and the collar  34 , which will typically be a weight  34 , at the lower end of the column  40 , may be from about 4 to about 12 feet. However, a target distance of about 6 feet, and typically running from about 5 to about 7 feet provides sufficient leverage against a buoy  50  to maintain the buoy upright. 
         [0192]    The weight  34  is on the order of from about 4 to about 15 pounds. It has been found that a weight of from about 6 to 10 pounds is very serviceable. The collar  34  may be retained on the column  40  or shaft  40  by a retainer  36 . A bolt  36 , pin  36 , clip  36 , rivet  36 , or the like may serve adequately. Typically, it is preferable that the retainer  36  not be formed of metal. One reason for this is that the collar  34  may suitably be formed of metal, such as lead. The presence of no other metals in the area minimizes corrosion to the metal  34 , by precluding or resisting galvanic action. 
         [0193]    Typically, the upright system  16  includes a housing  94 . The housing  94  may be formed by any suitable method, but is typically well suited to manufacture by plastic molding. The housing  94  may include a collar, threaded pipe fitting, threaded aperture, solvent bond, spin weld, or the like in order to secure the column  40  thereto. Typically, extruded pipe  40  or tubing  40  is available to serve the function of the column  40 . 
         [0194]    In contrast, the housing  94  needs a particular shape that may or may not be commercially available. Similarly, the flange  89  may be formed to secure to the housing  94  and column  40  by molding, machining, threading, gluing, or other aforementioned manufacturing and securement method. Of course, the column  40 , flange  89 , and housing  94  may be formed (e.g., molded homogeneously of one material, at one time) as a single piece, but the manufacturing cost and complexity would be unnecessarily increased. 
         [0195]    The upright subsystem  16  will typically include a cap  95 , which may suitably be formed, molded, assembled, or otherwise fabricated as an integrated piece  95 . If integrated, then the cap  95  actually forms, and should be called, the thimble  95  receiving the upper loop  26   b  of the line  24 . The upper loop  26   b  may be identical to the loop  26   a  that secures the anchor subsystem  12  into the system  10 . However, this is not necessarily so. However, it is inefficient to have the line  24  change diameters, as that would change the load rating. 
         [0196]    The aperture  96  passing through the housing  94 , including the cap  95  or thimble  95  may receive a bolt  92  secured by a nut  93  as a retainer  92 . Similarly, the retainer  92  may be a pin  92 , rivet  92 , or other mechanism  92 . One requirement for the retainer  92  is that it carry the full load and should be so specified, designed, selected, and implemented. Thus, the retainer  92  may be a steel bolt  92 , a plastic rod  92 , a plastic bolt  92 , or the like. However, the full load of the line  24  will be born by the retainer  92 , which supports the upper loop  26   b  in the line  24 . 
         [0197]    Referring to  FIGS. 14A through 14E , the various orthogonal views of the assembled upright subsystem  16  are illustrated. The comparative length of the column  40  being substantially larger than its diameter, and an order of magnitude or more greater than any significant dimension of the housing  94 , necessitates an interrupted length shown symbolically in the illustrations. 
         [0198]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , an exploded view of the upright system  16  and the buoy subsystem  18  illustrates the relationship between the upright subsystem  16  and the buoy subsystem  18  when cooperatively engaged. In this embodiment, a pole  46 , such as a painter pole  46  is illustrated, demonstrating a support  45  (e.g., flange, bearing, collar, etc.) and some type of retainer  47  or securement  47 , which may be optional for the pole  46 . 
         [0199]    As described hereinabove, a capture  48 , shown here to include both a hook  48  and a loop  48 , may include a hook  48 , a loop  48 , or both  48 . Similarly, the retainer  47  or securement  47  need not be used or required in certain embodiments. For example, the pole  46  may be used by engaging the capture  48  from above, and thus lifting the buoy  50  in order to access the ring  38  acting as a tie member  38  for mooring a watercraft. If so, then the retainer  47 , illustrated here as a threaded nut  47 , will be valuable. 
         [0200]    Alternatively, the pole  46  may be threaded, and the bore  44  may be threaded at its lower extremity. So the pole  46  is captured therein. A collar, spin welding, solvent bonding, a pin, or some combination may serve as well or instead. Regardless of mechanical configuration, the pole  46  may be a permanent fixture by which the buoy  50  can be lifted, or may be removable therefrom to use the capture  48  as a grapple mechanism on a removable (from the buoy) pole  46 , to gain access to the tie  38  or mooring ring  38 . 
         [0201]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 through 18 , and  FIGS. 19A through 19D , one may understand the buoy subsystem  18  as including an outer wall  82 . The wall  82  may extend to the bore  86 . Both may be simultaneously formed in a suitable process, such as blow molding, roto-molding, or the like, as known in the art. Typically, reaction injection molding may form an outer skin  82  or wall  82  that has a fill material  84  naturally created as part and parcel of the molding process. However, in one presently contemplated embodiment, roto-molding provides a closed mold in which may be formed the entire outer wall  82 , contiguous and continuous with the inner bore  86  or central bore  86 , with the associated recess  42 , central seat  87 , and so forth. 
         [0202]    In the illustrated embodiment, the seats  88  may be formed simultaneously with the overall outer wall  82 , and may provide marking and access to the interior of the buoy  50  by drilling through them. Thereafter, a fill material  84  may be injected, such as a foamed plastic  84 , or the like. Typically, a closed cell foam  84  may be best used. It should be selected to be robust, typically somewhat flexible, but resistant to attack by chemicals, salt, microorganisms, plant life, animal life, and so forth. The outer bores  44  or ancillary bores  44  may be drilled through the fill material  84 . 
         [0203]    Referring to  FIG. 18 , various interfaces  126  or receivers  126  are shown at the bottom of the ancillary bore  44 . Thus, threads may be molded in, later prepared, or the like. Similarly, a taper  126 , boss  126 , flange  126 , or the like may be installed as a keeper  126  to receive and secure a lower end of a pole  46 . 
         [0204]    In the illustrated embodiment, the buoy  50  is provided with a higher marker  52  and a lower marker  54 . Typically, certain requirements are made of the high marker  52 , such as the display of certain codes, numbers, text, or the like. Accordingly, the marker  52  may be provided a slot  127  defined suitably to recess into the wall  82  of the buoy  50 . In this way, a set of text characters (alphabetical, numerical, or both), signage, or the like may be inserted into the slot  127 . A strip may contain a regulatory color code for the lower marker  54 , as a strip of alphanumerical characters may provide the upper marker  52 . In either event, each slot  127  may be created with a lip  125  above, one below, and preferably both, with respect to the slot  127 . One may think of the lip  125  as defining the slot  127 , and providing a capture mechanism. As a practical matter, the markers  52 ,  54  may simply be riveted by a suitable plastic attachment mechanism or a metal pop rivet, or other mechanism within a slot  127  or recess  127  circumscribing the buoy  50 . Thus, abrasion, impact, and other influences are minimized from damaging or removing the markings  52 ,  54  of the markers  52 ,  54 . 
         [0205]    Referring to  FIGS. 19A through 19D , the various orthogonal views are presented to understand the appearance of the design of the buoy  50 . One will note the hemispherical top surface for the wall  82  as illustrated. The hemisphere is necessarily truncated by the presence of the recess  42 . In other embodiments, the rounded shape may be replaced by a flat-topped, cylindrical shape. Edges should all be radiused (rounded) for structural resistance to damage. The buoy  50  is not constrained as to shape. Moreover, the buoy  50  may be made to have a comparatively longer length than its diameter. 
         [0206]    For example, many buoys are spherical. Others may be cylindrical. One benefit of a longer, more cylindrical buoy  50  extending higher in a vertical direction is visibility at a distance. Particularly where water surfaces  19  are particularly agitated, such as in open bays that have wave action proceeding from the adjacent ocean. The upright subsystem  16  maintains the buoy  50  in a comparatively upright position, not withstanding the wave action of wind-driven waves, wakes of passing watercraft, or the like. 
         [0207]    Referring to  FIGS. 20A through 20D and 21 , a process  130  is illustrated. The installation process  130  is described generally by the various steps of  FIG. 21 , illustrated by  FIGS. 20A through 20D . For example, initially, determining  131  a depth of a surface  62  of the sea bed  72  below the level  19  or surface  19  of the water provides information that will assist in selecting equipment. This may occur either prior to (e.g., by mapping or sounding) or after (e.g., investigating a previously identified site) determining  131  the depth of the surface  62  of the “substrate”  72 . 
         [0208]    The process of selecting a site, loading a working boat or barge with the proper equipment, pipes, pumps, hoses, fittings, lines, navigation aids, anchors, measurement devices, dynamometers, and the like may be done in any suitable manner. Thus, the process  130  may begin with a working watercraft properly anchored at the location where a system  10  will be installed in accordance with the invention. Thus, determining  131  the local depth may have already been done previously. Determining  131  the depth may be done by sounding with sonar, measuring with a suitable fathoming device, or the like. On site the pipe  55  with suitable markings and the head  20  installed on it may simply be set on the surface  62  of the substrate  72 . 
         [0209]    Upon determining  131  a depth between a water surface  19  and a surface  62  of the sea bed  72 , selecting lengths  132  is appropriate for several items. For example, selecting a length of the line  24  to be used will be important, and whether free ended Likewise, in selecting  132  various lengths, one may determine whether or not to use a single line  24 , multiple lines  24 , and whether to re-braid any loop  26  on site or to have the loops  26  pre-braided before installation. Thus, in selecting  132  the lengths, it may be important to determine whether other splicing or connecting mechanisms may be appropriate between two separate portions of the line  24 . 
         [0210]    Likewise, in selecting  132  various lengths of items, it may be important to determine the actual length of the head  20  or crossbar  20  that will be used in the anchor. Different applications or substrates may require or suggest differing values. For example, anchoring a channel marker buoy  50  will not require the “pull-out strength” (force support) required by a mooring buoy  50  associated with a comparatively large watercraft, like working watercraft, tug boats, barges, and the like. Such craft may often be moored to piers in harbors, rather than on mooring buoys  50 . 
         [0211]    Nevertheless, whether a small, private watercraft under 50 feet (15 meters), or a comparatively larger yacht, e.g., over 100 feet (30 meters), strength of the line  24 , and anchor  12 , and pull-out force will matter. A 25-foot sailboat has much less strength requirement than does a 50-foot or 100-foot motorized craft to be brought about when reaching the length limit of its line  24 . Thus, those considerations may be processed to determine appropriate sizes of the diameter of the line  24 , the length of the crossbar  20 , and other measurements that exist. 
         [0212]    Other sizes that must be selected  132  include is the length and diameter of a water line passing from a pump onboard a working craft to the pipe  55  and into the bore  74 . Meanwhile, the length, diameter, wall thickness, stiffness, material, and the like may be specified during selecting  132  the specification for the pipe  55  that feeds and drives the head  20  into the bore  74 . In certain embodiments, it has been found advisable to use conventional pressurized, galvanized steel pipe. A diameter of from about 1 inch to about 2 inches has been found suitable. A one to two inch diameter pipe  55  provides sufficient stiffness, and thus may be operable at a typical length at suitable depth and required manipulations. By the same token, a smaller or larger diameter of pipe  55  may be required due to the size of the crossbar  20  or head  20 , with its associated threaded opening  59  in the mount  58  or mounting plate  58 . 
         [0213]    For example, the crossbar  20  or head  20  may be one of several different sizes available, which will suitably have dimensions selected for side wall  104  thickness, bottom wall  102  thickness, top plate  21  thickness, and the like. Thus, the diameter inside and outside of the pipe  55 , as well as its length may be selected  132  and coordinated as part of the selection  132  of sizes. Other sizes may be selected  132  as necessary to complete an installation. 
         [0214]    In a typical operation, a boat will use one or a limited number of pump sizes, with a suitable mass transport rate (e.g., gallons per minute, pounds per minute, pressure differential, and the like). Likewise, the lines or hoses feeding the pump (not shown) its source water and carrying away the pressurized water may be sized according to the specifications for the feeding and output of the pump. Adapters, quick disconnects, and the like between the pipe  55  and hoses on a pump may be specified for a particular job, or may be standard, and simply be adapted to the pump. 
         [0215]    Connecting  133  rigging required may involve connecting  133  the head  20  or crossbar  20  to the pipe  55 , connecting  133  the pipe  55  to the system of hoses fed by the pump, connecting  133  the thimble  60  and loop  26  to the crossbar  20 , and so forth. These and more may all be included in connecting  133  the rigging. 
         [0216]    Connecting  133  may or may not include connecting  133  the line  24  to a test device, such as a dynamometer. A dynamometer may be connected to a reel, which may simply be a permanent part of the equipment responsible to feed out or draw in the line  24  with respect to the working vessel (watercraft, boat, etc.). 
         [0217]    Selecting  134  an angle involves the determination of the angle  128  that will be made by the bore  74  with respect to a vertical line rising from the sea bed  72 , and specifically the surface  62  thereof. As seen in  FIGS. 20A through 20D , the angle  128  may be selected  134 , and is typically between 0 and 45 degrees. More particularly, it has been found appropriate to choose an angle of from about 10 to about 25 degrees. A target angle of about 15 to 20 degrees has been shown to be suitable. Up to 30 degrees does not constitute any particular loss of depth corresponding to the length of the bore  74  due to the cosine of the angle  128 . 
         [0218]    Unlike many conventional buoys, the buoy  50  in accordance with the invention is made of a high density polymeric material, having a sufficiently thick wall to be structurally stiff comparatively robust, and to survive in marine environments, being much more durable than conventional buoys of various types, including standard mooring buoys. Moreover, the buoy  50  in accordance with the invention has the slots  127  or recesses  127  to receive the marking-color stripe  54 . Meanwhile, the recesses  127  may receive the marker  52  by way of a strip, individual alphanumeric elements, or the like that are protected and thus remain visible for a suitably long period of time. The lip  125  maintains the markers  52 ,  54  in place, unlike conventional systems wherein tape or the like is dependent on adhesives that quickly fail and color elements that abrade and leach or bleach out, particularly when positioned directly on the outer surface of the wall  82  of the buoy  50 . 
         [0219]    Thus, the heavier gauge of plastic, the longer chain polymers, and the like provide a much more durable buoy  50 . In some embodiments, the colored marker  54  may be cast in as a color in the buoy  50 . Thus, it will not fall off, and may be made comparatively color fast, even in the presence of the sunshine attempting to bleach it. 
         [0220]    The recess  42  about the central bore  86  provides a place for the ring  38  to be out of the way, not strike the boat tethered thereto, and otherwise be protected. Due to the recess  42 , the ring  38  is not free to move about an outer surface of the buoy  50 , and thus scratch the surface of a boat. Moreover, one or more of the ancillary bores  44  may be used to secure an anchor rod to lock a cap over the recess  42 , preventing or resisting unauthorized access to the ring  38  of the buoy  50 . Thus, the ring  38  will not scratch the watercraft that approaches to make use of the buoy  50 . In certain embodiments, the ring  38  may also be supported in a manner that is standing up and easier to access and grab by a boatman seeking to attach a mooring line thereto. 
         [0221]    The bores  44  may pass through the entire height of the buoy  50 , or may merely be represented as sockets  44 , wells  44 , blind holes  44 , or the like near the outside of the buoy  50 . Attachment of locking plates, and the like may simply be done entirely at the top of the buoy  50 . 
         [0222]    However, with longer lengths for the pair of bores  44 , up to and including a through-hole  44 , a buoy  50  may hold a banner or a sign that identifies the buoy  50 , identifies an instruction or regulation such as a “no wake” condition, or the like. Attached to extend above a buoy  50  will make it more prominent and more easily identifiable as to its function. Also, a pole  46  may be inserted, such as a painter pole  46 , quite literally, to hold a painter line. 
         [0223]    Meanwhile, the work grip  30  or stop  30  also replaces other metal components such as swivels and the like that are frequently damaged and become inoperative due to corrosion, chafing, a combination thereof, attacked by marine organisms, and so forth. 
         [0224]    Moreover, it has been found that the pipe  55 , in use, with a crossbar  20  receiving a nominal diameter of about one to two inches. A crossbar  20  having a deck width for the upper plate  21  of about 4 inches, and a total depth of less than 6 inches, from the top of the top plate  21  or top wall  21  to the bottom of the bottom wall  102 , creates a bore  74  about 18 inches in diameter, the overall disturbed area, which quickly fills in. 
         [0225]    Moreover, the line  24  or rode  24  can be continuous, and includes no metal in the load path. If no knot is required, stresses are reduced within the line  24  from thimble  60  to thimble  95 . A midline splice or connection is permissible using thimbles or a bowline, the latter causing de-rating of the line  24  by about 25 to 30 percent. 
         [0226]    Another great advantage of a system  10  in accordance with the invention is that it may be installed entirely from the deck of a boat. In fact, some work boats have an upper working deck and a lower working deck. On such a boat, even one of modest length (e.g., 20 to 30 feet), such as a 25-foot working catamaran, has been found that a depth of 20 feet can be easily serviced. Thus, a pipe length of about 20 feet plus water depth has been found suitable for many common marine installations. 
         [0227]    Moreover, the drilling process  137  requires no turning elements, no cyclical jackhammer noise, no high power, no hydraulic oil subject to spilling, or the like. Typically, a system  10  may be installed at any depth the pipe  55  will reach. 
         [0228]    In experiments, a 20-foot pipe was easily able to cut 20 feet in distance within a period of about 5 minutes. Moreover, anchors were able to support 4,000 pounds of pull-out strength immediately upon setting  150 . The necessary equipment is comparatively inexpensive. Notwithstanding a pump is required, the other equipment outside of a standard pipe is comparatively inexpensive, much less than $1,000.00, and may cost only a few hundred dollars. The invention can replace concrete anchors in drillable and soft sea beds  72 . Being cost effective to purchase and to operate, the system  10  may effectively replace prior art anchors that are being mandated out of use and out of sea beds  72  by regulatory agencies. 
         [0229]    The load is carried exclusively and entirely by the line  24  from thimble  60  to thimble  95  without any submerged, corrodible, load-bearing elements required. Even a splice, thimbles, or other connection between two separate elements forming a single line  24  may be connected by a bowline, which is approved to require only 25 to 30 percent de-rating of a line  24 , as a permanent splice. The entire system  10  is shippable by boat, and does not need a specialized craft and winch for installation, transport, or the like. The system  10  may anchor as an embedded element in the sea bed  72 , to provide a mooring point easily accessed by a watercraft. 
         [0230]    Meanwhile, the line  24  is hidden from ultra violet rays from the sun, and thus is not subject to such UV damage. The rope  24  or line  24  is protected from chafing against any other elements, as it is connected to a thimble  60  or a thimble  95  at its extrema. As to the worm grip  30 , the rope  24  does not move with respect to the worm grip  30  in an appreciable fashion except its very edges, and there in a very limited manner. A diameter ratio of 3-to-1 between the arc of each thimble  60 ,  95  and the diameter line  24  is maintained. 
         [0231]    In summary, a line  24 , such as polypropylene, braided line may function for thirty years. Thus, a system  10  in accordance with the invention may last that long without alteration. Periodic inspections are simple and straightforward. Abandonment of an anchor can easily be done or it may be removed by re-drilling along the line  24  some distance and cutting the line  24 . Extraction is possible. One may enter a sea bed  72  with a drill, having loops anchoring the drill at two or more points on the line  24 . The drill operates by following the line  24  downward until exposing the crossbar  20 . Of course, this may necessarily interfere with or disrupt more of the surface  62  of the sea bed  72 . 
         [0232]    Extraction is not necessary. One may excavate (e.g., drill) for some distance below the surface  52 , with a minimum amount of disruption, and sever the line  24 . Abandoning the site leaves no significant damage to sea vegetation, sea organisms, nor obstructions in fisheries, or the like. 
         [0233]    Referring to  FIG. 20A , the head  20  has begun initial penetration into the surface  62  of the sea bed  72 . The flow  103  from the pipe  55  proceeds out of the threaded opening  58  of the mount  58  or plate  58  at the lead end  56  of the head  20 . The jet  103  or flow  103  will accordingly excavate into the material  72  of the sea bed  72 , and wash that material upward through the bore  74  to re-settle back down. As illustrated in  FIG. 20B , the drilling process will continue, with the flow  103  continuing to move the over burden  72  or the material  72  in the sea bed  72  upward through the bore  74  as a fluidized flow  129 , yet very little exiting the bore  74 . Fluidization amounts to the fluid drag of the liquid in the flow  103  lifting and separating the particles in the material of the sea bed  72  being carried away from the lead end  56  of the head  20 , up the bore  74 . 
         [0234]    The process illustrated in  FIGS. 20A through 20B  and  FIG. 21  begins with positioning  135  the drill assembly or head  20  with its attached supply pipe  55 . Applying  136  force  170  in an axial direction  101  urges the lead end  56  of the head  20  against the bottom of the bore  74 . This increases the effective force  170  and pressure applied to erosion of the sea bed  72 . As the flow  129  moves the removed overburden or excavated sea bed material  72  away, the pressure drop occurring near the lead end  56  may reduce. If more solid material is encountered, such as clay or a rock, the pressure will increase until the obstruction is moved aside or drilled through. 
         [0235]    Accordingly, application of continuing force  170  urges the head  20  further forward or downward in the axial direction  101  to continue excavation. As a practical matter, it has been found that an excavation to a depth of 6 to 8 feet in sedimentary sea beds  72  may actually be done in a period of less than ten minutes, and often from about 5 to about 6 minutes. This does not equate to excavation into large rocks (e.g., head-size), large cobble (e.g., fist-size), or solid substrates (e.g., continuous). 
         [0236]    For example, if the sea bed  72  if formed of solid rock, a system  10  in accordance with the invention is not appropriate. However, in such an environment, a more conventional system, such as a solid block or weight may be appropriate. This is because the sea organisms that have grown over the solid rock sea bed  72  will also thrive on the solid surface of a solid weight, such as a concrete weight. However, in gravel, silt comparatively smaller cobble, and various types of movable materials in the sea bed  72 , the process  130  illustrated in  FIGS. 20A through 21  will be completely appropriate. 
         [0237]    Drilling  137  thus takes place as a combination of applying  136  a force  170  in an axial direction  101  while forcing a flow  103  out through the opening  59  in the mount  58  of the head  20 . Fluidizing  138  occurs as a consequence of the flow  103  driving the flow  129  carrying the excavated overburden away from the bore face (e.g., outward, etc.). 
         [0238]    Terminating  139  the excavation or drilling  137  with typically be done when the pre-marked depth of the pipe  55  reaches a pre-selected value. For example, excavating a distance of about 20 feet will typically be sufficient to suitably anchor a crossbar  20 . 
         [0239]    Removing  140  the hydraulics is necessary in order to remove the pipe  55 . Thus, the pump must be shut down, or the flow of water should be diverted or shut off, and the pipe  55  should be removed from the mount  58 . Otherwise, the head  20  or crossbar  20  will remain aligned with the bore  74 . 
         [0240]    It is important to free the crossbar  20  from alignment with the bore  74  so the edge  70  at the trailing end  57  of the crossbar  20  may engage  141  the wall  172  of the bore  74 . Engaging  141  may be stimulated by having eccentric loads on the crossbar  20 . For example, the distance from the thimble  60  to the trailing end  57  may be greater than the distance from the thimble  60  to the lead end  56 . In this way, any movement of the crossbar  20  in response to tension or urging from the line  24  will tend to tilt the crossbar  20  against the wall  172  to engage  141  the wall  172 . Again, in certain embodiments, the top plate  21  of the crossbar  20  may include the edge  70 . In other embodiments, it is the bottom wall  102  that will have the edge  70  formed therein. 
         [0241]    Upon engaging  141  the bore wall  172 , the edge  70  will further respond to tensioning  142  of the line  24 . A couple (pair of opposite, rotating forces in engineering) develops. Tensioning  142  the line  24  involves applying a force  176  or load  176  drawing the line  24  upward through the bore  74 , urging the crossbar  20  to tilt about the edge  70 . Ultimately, as the edge  70  digs into the wall  172  of the bore  74  on one side thereof, the lead end  56  will itself become a blunt, shovel-like instrument also. Both the lead end  56  and the trailing end  57  will tend to dig into the wall  172  of the bore  74 , accumulating material thereabove, and penetrating farther and farther into each respective diametrically opposite side of the wall  172 . 
         [0242]    Thus, cutting  143  by the edge  70  is accelerated or exacerbated by the tensioning  142 . Meanwhile, the shoveling reaction of the lead end  56  pivoting about the trailing end  57 , under the force of the line  24  applied to the rocker  22  pivots the crossbar  20 . This causes the lead end  56  to react to the forces of the trailing end  57  and the line  24 . The combination of forces results in a mechanical couple. That is, the trailing end  57  is urged downward by a force  174  of the sea bed  72 , while the crossbar  20  is urged upward by a force  176  applied by the line  24  upward. 
         [0243]    Eventually, the reacting  144  by the lead end  56  will overcome the force  178  acting on the lead end  56  by the sea bed  72 . The ends  56 ,  57  of the crossbar  20  may penetrate the wall  172  of the bore  74  more easily than pulling upward against the overburden acting on the top plate  21 . The crossbar  20  will embed itself within the wall  172  permanently. A certain amount of the overburden will tend to fill the bottom of the bore  74 . Meanwhile, over some short period of time, such as a few weeks, consolidation of material in the bore  74  will permanently secure the crossbar  20  thereat. 
         [0244]    Referring to  FIG. 20D , the installed system  10 , and one more particularly the anchor subsystem  12 , will look approximately like that shown in  FIG. 20D  upon completion of setting the crossbar  20 . Thus, excavating  145  by the lead end  56  and trailing end  57  is done initially by the edge  70  and the guide or slope  68 . However, it becomes substantially universal across both ends  56 ,  57  of the top plate  21  as the crossbar  20  penetrates the wall  172 . 
         [0245]    The evaluation of the force  176  may be done during the actual tensioning  142 , and excavating  145 . During that time, a region  76  adjacent to the bore  74  may be cut into by lateral movement of the line  24  against the sea bed  72 . This region  76  or cut-in region  76  may extend all the way down the bore  74  to the crossbar  20 . Regardless, the otherwise undisturbed, consolidated, cut-in region  76  provides further assurance that the crossbar  20  cannot rise and will not rise up through the sea bed  72 . 
         [0246]    In determining whether the set of the crossbar  20  is suitable, the process  130  may include loading  146  the line  24  with a force  176  greater than was required to set the crossbar  20 . Thus, further cutting-in  148  by the line  24  may occur as greater loads  176  are applied thereto. In one presently contemplated embodiment, measuring  149  the force  176  effectively measures the “pull-out force” the crossbar  20  must sustain, or will sustain. Typically, a crossbar  20  being installed for service purposes (not solely for testing purposes) will not be tested to failure. Thus, the measuring  149  will be done with a force  176  simply calculated to meet a specification. 
         [0247]    Once the installation process is complete, including steps  135  through  145 , the testing process  146 , including steps  147  through  149 , may be conducted. Thereafter or before, one may set  150  a float  28  at a particular depth in the line  24 . The stop  30  may have already been installed in the line  24 , if a single, continuous piece of line  24  is used. However, if the line  24  is to be spliced or otherwise connected from both a buoy free end to a free anchor end, then the float  28  and stop  30  may both be installed at this time. 
         [0248]    However, regardless of when the float  28  and stop  30  are installed, the positioning may be done at the positioning  150  or setting step  150  of the stop  30 . Setting  150  is done by threading the line  24  through the float  28  and the apertures  31  in the stop  30  to fix the float  28  at an appropriate depth (height from the floor  62 ). The principal functions of a mid-line float  28  may be several, including protection of the sea bed  72 , the organisms on the surface  62  of the sea bed  72 , ready identification presence underwater for the location of the anchor subsystem  12  if a buoy is destroyed or lost, and so forth. 
         [0249]    Installing  151  the stop  30  may be done even before drilling  137 . For example, the line  24  may already be provided with a float  28  and stop  30  pre-positioned (temporarily or permanently) on the line  24  prior to drilling  137 . Nevertheless, if a spliced or connected line  24  is used, formed in two segments, each having a loop  26  at one extremity and a free end near where they will join, then the installation  151  may actually occur after threading the float  28  setting  150  the float  28  in position. 
         [0250]    Assembling  152  the upright subsystem  16  may occur at any suitable location or position in the process  130 . Again, depending on whether a single segment ore more segments of line  24  are relied upon, the upright subsystem  16  may be assembled  152  partially at different times and locations. For example, one may use two eye splices on the anchor and two eye splices on the buoy line with a line in between with a bowline at each end tied to the anchor line and buoy line. 
         [0251]    However, eventually, the column  40  must be secured to the flange  89  or bearing  89 , and secured to the housing  94  by the line  24  or by pre-assembly, preferably. Positioning the thimble  95  or cap  95  closing up the housing  94 , likewise dependent upon the configuration of the line  24 , may involve setting the upper loop  26   b  on the thimble  95  or cap  95 . If the thimble  95  is integral with the cap  95 , as illustrated, closure of the housing  94  positions the thimble  95  inside the housing  94  otherwise, the thimble  95  may be separate or inside the housing  94 . The line  24  will eventually run from thimble  60  to thimble  95  with no intervening metal in the load path. Load is transferred by the thimble  95  to the axle  92 . 
         [0252]    Once again, depending on whether a single or double line segment configuration is used, installing  153  the buoy  50  may be done at any appropriate time when access is available and convenience is suitable. To accomplish this, the column  40  or shaft  40  that acts as the actual upright member  40  is inserted into the central bore  86  of the buoy  50 . The bearing  89  or flange  89  of the upright subsystem  16  sits against the central seat  87  inside the recess  42  at the top of the central bore  86 . 
         [0253]    Likewise, the weight  34  may be assembled in pieces to close upon the column  40 , or may be threaded onto the column  40 . Alternatively, it may be threaded onto the column  40  as a single, monolithic collar  34 . The collar  34  or weight  34  needs to be secured near the bottom end of the column  40  by a keeper  36  or fastener  36  of some suitable type. A choice of threads, bolts, pins, rivets, or the like is all subject to reliability and securement of the weight  34  in a position. That position is at the lower extremity or proximate the lower extremity of the column  40 . This provides maximum leverage against the buoy  50  to keep the buoy  50  upright. 
         [0254]    Thus, one may see how the buoy  50  may be installed  153  on the upright subsystem  16  before or after the line  24  is threaded through the upright subsystem  16 . Similarly, the portions of the line  24  from the buoy  50  downward may be completely installed after the drilling  137  and excavating  145  is completed, by simply dropping a line  24  down from the buoy subsystem  18 , through the upright subsystem  16 , to be connected to the line  24  just above the stop  30  and mid-line float  28 . Alternatively, the float  28  and worm grip  30  may be above a splice or connection to the lower segment of the line  24 . 
         [0255]    Installing  154  the markings  52 ,  54  or labels  52 ,  54  on the buoy  50  may be done at any suitable time. In the illustrated embodiment, the recesses  127  in the buoy  50  protect the markers  52 ,  54  or markings  52 ,  54  against damage. In the illustrated embodiment, installing  154  may involve sliding, deflecting and positioning, or otherwise working with the markers  52 ,  54  to place them into the recesses  127 . The recesses  127  may include a lip  125  above and below in order to secure the markers  52 ,  54  therein. An interruption in the lip  125  may provide access to slide a marker  52 ,  54  circumferentially into a recess  127 . 
         [0256]    The system  10  may next be placed  155  into service, after which it may be monitored  156  and serviced  157  periodically. For example, servicing  157  may involve inspections, replacement of parts, repair of parts, removal of marine growth, and so forth up until such time as the system  10  may be decommissioned  160 . 
         [0257]    Thus, an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention solve numerous problems. For example, over recent decades, regulatory agencies who process permits for mooring buoys in bodies of water have conducted comprehensive studies of mooring buoy installations. One purpose is to determine the impact on the local environment, plants, animals, or other conditions, such as access to fisheries, or the like. Another purpose is to develop information suitable for designing mooring buoys that may be properly approved and permitted in a particular location. 
         [0258]    However, one difficulty with conventional studies and their subject mooring systems is their failure, largely, to take into account the longevity of a system. Thus, certain standard installations demanded by regulators and available at present will only survive in operation from about 2 to about 5 years. Thereafter, they must be rebuilt, removed, reworked, or otherwise modified at considerable expense. Many must be completely replaced. Some may be rendered difficult to replace or remove, and are simply replaced by another installation nearby, and the original is not removed. Note that the observed lifetimes of components and constructions of the inventions described hereinabove extend many years, with ropes lasting underwater for decades. 
         [0259]    Moreover, regulatory requirements and compliance are continually in a state of flux. In an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention, years of working with and observing the functionality and longevity of components in a marine environment are coupled with requirements of regulatory agencies, and performance desires from users and suppliers of such marine mooring systems. Accordingly, an apparatus and method in accordance with the invention satisfies virtually all regulatory requirements, in places where it can be installed. With the exception of “impervious substrates” such as large rocks, boulders, or solid rock, a system  10  in accordance with the invention is appropriate. Moreover, for the general public and its uses, all the components of the system  10  described herein far outlast existing installations using currently available technology. 
         [0260]    For example, a standard boat anchor is made of metal that will corrode. Moreover, a standard boat mooring structure is made of metal or concrete. Even the concrete may contain metal. Typically, a section of chain is needed on a buoy to keep the rode (line, tether, etc.), low with respect to the sea bed  72 . Typically, a comparatively long line  24  or rode  24  is needed to give the proper scope or movement to a watercraft. A comparatively longer rode  24  will have a macro growth of algae which may shade existing bottom vegetation. Moreover, as a rode  24  or line  24  moves with wind and tides, the sea bed  72  may be impacted by erosion or destruction. Here, the shortest distance possible is all that is required by these inventions, minimizing such shading. The more nearly vertical a rode  24  must lie or hang, the less horizontal shading imposed thereby. 
         [0261]    Also, historically, a very common anchor system, perhaps the most common, is a concrete block with the shank of a metal eye bolt cast into it, or made of a loop of rebar or the like. Such are still used today, by both public and private entities. However, all cast-in metal components will corrode, leaving the anchor element or concrete block useless. At that point, the anchor block is typically discarded and left on the surface  62  or floor  62  of the sea bed  72 . That footprint influences the sea bed  72  and the plant and animal organisms on its surface  62 . Soft substrate habitat is displaced wherever a hard concrete block is abandoned. This will displace vegetation that thrives on a soft substrate with vegetation that thrives on a hard substrate. Certain vegetation is protected under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Thus, various regulatory agencies having a responsibility therefor are moving away from permitting hard (concrete block) anchors. 
         [0262]    Thus, abandoned blocks displace a certain amount of existing sedimentary habitat. A hard substrate, such as solid rock is not affected as much. This is because organisms that thrive on a solid substrate or hard substrate  72  will thrive on an abandoned concrete block. Here, in a system  10  and method  130  in accordance with the invention, only the line cross-sectional area remains at that surface  62 . A concrete block works by virtue of its weight, typically on the order of about 4,000 pounds (1,800 kilograms) rather than gripping into the surface  62  of the sea bed  72  as does a boat anchor. Here the anchor subsystem  12  for most watercraft weighs under 25 lbs. (10 kg.). 
         [0263]    To dispense with the reliance on the cast-in eye bolt, certain concrete block configurations simply include a tunnel. This tunnel passes a line  24  or rode  24  into a passage, below the surface of a concrete block, and out an exit port. This type of anchoring system or block leaves no metal to corrode. When properly installed, these do not wear out readily. However, regulatory agencies are beginning to disallow such systems due to the impact of the footprint (several square feet, typically about 3 feet wide by 4 or 5 feet long, of hard substrate footprint). Thus, in a soft substrate environment, such a block-type anchor displaces soft substrate vegetation with a hard substrate inviting hard substrate vegetation into the habitat. Currently, regulatory agencies are attempting to disallow concrete block anchor types without a showing of a reason why some other, less damaging anchor cannot be used. An apparatus and method in accordance with the invention remedies those ills. 
         [0264]    A helix anchor is effectively a screw, appearing something like an ice fisherman&#39;s auger. Such a helical screw may be used as an embedded anchor, worked into various substrate types. However, it has the difficulty that it cannot be screwed into rockier or rock substrates. It can be worked into smaller “cobble” substrates. It is typically installed in a manner that measures the load on the powerful, rotating hydraulic motor driving the screw into place. Upon encountering too much back pressure in the hydraulic system, the anchor is deemed to have penetrated as far as it allowed to penetrate. This simply measures resistance to its ability to rotate. 
         [0265]    Another problem with such systems is that they must be made of a strong metal, such as steel or iron, which will typically corrode readily in the marine environment. Moreover, inspectors are unable to recognize whether an anchor of this type is corroding below the surface  62  of the sea bed  72 . Thus, there is no reasonable mechanism for determining when to replace an anchor, short of catastrophic failure. Here, the system and method of the invention may be pull tested anytime and replaced with ease and minimum environmental impact. 
         [0266]    Finally, driven embedded anchors are available. Using a “jack-hammer” type of mechanism one drives an anchor into the sea bed  72 , beginning at the surface  62  thereof. However, such systems still leave metal under the sea bed, and at the sea bed surface. Thus, there is still metal subject to corrosion within the water, and uninspected components therebelow. 
         [0267]    Such systems do not have a suitable, simple, elegant, and serviceable way to connect the rode  24  to the anchor. Moreover, the underwater jackhammer with its specialized equipment is dangerous, and its operation is unhealthy as it creates a continuing cyclical pressure wave propagated from the driver or jackhammer into the water, and directly against the body, and particularly into the ears of a user. 
         [0268]    Perhaps the greatest limitation is the level of training required and the danger to a workman installing such a system. High powered, high pressure, large-force-bearing systems are at work. It is unsafe for an individual worker to be operating such a system underwater alone. Moreover, it requires specialized equipment to handle, adding weight, energy, complexity, safety, and so forth as major concerns. Here, the systems and methods require no large power sources or torques, which can be especially dangerous underwater. All installation operations can be done from a boat. 
         [0269]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its purposes, functions, structures, or operational characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative, and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.