Anti-lassooing device

Last time we used the lasso system was in Iles Chausey, Wind against tide, 25-30 kts of wind and 3kts of tide, at High Tide. We did try the Buoy friend but that was unsuccessful and after 4 tries, resorted to lasso before attaching to the ring when pulled close. Even two burly marines hanging over the bow couldn't have caught and attached us, but SWBO managed easily and the winch did the hard work; Result- straight forward and no need to curse and swear, or a trip to the physio to sort out a boggered back.
 
Sandyman said:
But how can they if you've fitted some kind of heathrobinson rope cutter to it ?
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By picking up the pickup buoy or passing a line through the ring on top, depending on how the system is intended to be used. I think we can assume there will be a straightforward way of using the mooring, otherwise the OP would have just made his own life very difficult, wouldn't he?

Pete
 
Surely just a cone fitted under the bouy with the point downwards will ensure that any rope just slips off the bouy.

A rope that sinks low before being drawn up tight will defeat a cutter anyway.

When you've fitted whatever solution you decide on let us know.

Then we can all come over and bet a few beers on who is most successful in defeating it! :)
 
Interesting posts. Never heard of lassoing mooring buoy's and the possible damage it might cause (used the pick up buoy on the mooring I had) and always thought that using another person's mooring was a no no, unless permission was granted beforehand. However, I had to use somebody's mooring at the start of the summer as my yacht was taking in water, easy fix, but must admit I felt a bit uneasy about using the mooring. After reading these posts may have solved a mystery. Years ago I came back to my mooring after a weekend's diving to discover my buoy was missing! I had to use another mooring on the plot, then contacted the owner from the public phone in the pub. (no mobile phones in those days) We often wondered if the buoy had been stolen as it was almost new, so maybe it got damaged by somebody lassoing onto it.
 
Never heard of lassoing mooring buoy's
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Being high sided we do it on mooring buoys with eyes when the tide is running or its windy. Then in comfort and safety we can pass a rope through the eye and release the lasso. On two occasions when there was no alternative and it was blowing and bouncy we just put 4 lassos over the buoy and rode to those overnight . Cannot see how that would damage a riser particularly as most are chain.
 
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akyaka said:
Being high sided we do it on mooring buoys with eyes when the tide is running or its windy. Then in comfort and safety we can pass a rope through the eye and release the lasso. On two occasions when there was no alternative and it was blowing and bouncy we just put 4 lassos over the buoy and rode to those overnight . Cannot see how that would damage a riser particularly as most are chain.
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Why was there no alternative? Whose mooring was it?
 
JumbleDuck said:
Why was there no alternative? Whose mooring was it?
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Given the circumstances I describe no . The alternative of trying to reach an eye from a pitching deck is unsafe and poor seamanship . Ownership of the mooring is not a relevance . it is accepted practice wherever I have sailed , which includes the Western Isles, to pick up a free mooring that is capable of taking your boat and in good condition on the understanding that you are prepared to vacate if the owner returns .
 
Lazy Kipper said:
I've never lassoed - how do you do it in a safe manner? It sounds a good idea as we have very high freeboard.
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We tie a rope of sufficient length to drop over the buoy to the bow cleats ensuring it passes underneath the pulpit . Then harnessed on we stand or kneel in the bow with the rope ,which has been brought back over the top of the pulpit , and drop over the buoy as we motor up to it then fall back with the tide/wind . If its temporary we just ensure that the rope goes through the fairleads either side. If longer and having the advantage of twin bow rollers we transfer the rope to these.
 
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JumbleDuck said:
It's a bit old gaffer for my tastes, and growing the beard takes time.
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I really must take issue with your latter statement. Growing a beard actually SAVES time, around 10 mins every morning for over 30 years = (365x35)/(6x24)= 88 days in my case. That's about 2 1/2 months of shaving I have avoided. I can thoroughly recommend it to, the extra time in bed is lovely.
 
Why pussy foot around with a rope cutter? Make a proper example of a few lassoers and it'll soon discourage them!
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akyaka said:
We tie a rope of sufficient length to drop over the buoy to the bow cleats ensuring it passes underneath the pulpit . Then harnessed on we stand or kneel in the bow with the rope ,which has been brought back over the top of the pulpit , and drop over the buoy as we motor up to it then fall back with the tide/wind . If its temporary we just ensure that the rope goes through the fairleads either side. If longer and having the advantage of twin bow rollers we transfer the rope to these.
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Thanks, very helpful, we have problems with buoys with a soft rope top eye or no pick up buoy, that method will work well.
 
Lazy Kipper said:
Thanks, very helpful, we have problems with buoys with a soft rope top eye or no pick up buoy, that method will work well.
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Just make sure you avoid doing it on Polyform "ball fender" type buoys, as you then apply all the load to the soft plastic eye of the buoy, and may break it. Either ripping it right off (in which case at least you'll know what you've done) or simply making a small tear so that the buoy slowly deflates and sinks, possibly after you've gone on your merry way thinking all is well.

I'm told that some rigid buoys don't like this treatment either, but it's less clear to me how the damage is done.

Pete
 
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