Given the same water depth and line tension, the holding power of a 19 pound/foot wire rope mooring system in comparison to the holding power of a 90 pound/foot chain mooring system will be __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — weaker

A lighter wire rope mooring system (19 lbs/ft) provides less catenary weight and lower bottom friction than heavy chain, resulting in significantly weaker overall holding power under identical water depth and line tension conditions.