Shortly after posting my question to you, I just remembered that the company that a friend of mine works for as a metal fabricator and builds gangways, etc. owns another company that does seabed stuff --installing the gangways, floats, etc. I think a lot of their work is commercial, but I called them to ask about installing a mooring for a 20,000# sailboat in a bay of approximately 60 feet of depth.

Holy shit...here's the email I just got in response, after the phone conversation.

> Hi there, sorry I missed your name this morning. There are a few variables
: in the installation of the buoy. Is the bottom flat, mud, sloped or rock,
: etc? If it is relatively flat we don't have to use a tieback to shore, or
: another anchor to hold it from sliding rolling down the slope. Having said
: that, the best way is to use 2 anchors and use them with a yolk to minimize
: the buoy from swinging or rotating in a large circle as the winds and tides
: change. It also gives the system a safety factor in case the anchor line is
: damaged, or cut etc. A simple one anchor system will cost about $ 6,000
: ...........we've also installed ones over $50,000 (depending what you are
: mooring and the depth and slope below). I'd estimate yours will be between
: $6 - 9,000, depending on your requirements.

It's not sounding like Fantasy Island anymore ;-) There has got to be another way that is safe and effective and not as expensive!