Question 3490 Deck General

The correct answer is D) shorter. The catenary length of a mooring line is inversely proportional to the weight per unit length of the line. Since the 90 pound/foot mooring chain is heavier than the 19 pound/foot wire rope, the catenary length of the chain will be shorter than the catenary length of the wire rope, given the same water depth and line tension. The other options are incorrect because: A) the catenary length can be determined based on the weight per unit length, water depth, and line tension; B) the heavier chain will have a shorter catenary length; and C) the catenary lengths will not be identical due to the difference in weight per unit length.