Mooring aids - Swiftie, Bosco, Moorfast?

[pvb]

I wouldn't want to do that; I wouldn't trust it.

It's exceptionally strong. I happily use it on its own for a whole day, but add another line if staying overnight.

 

[LadyInBed]

I happily use it on its own for a whole day, but add another line if staying overnight.

I assume that you are able to reach over the bow and touch the buoy, or do you have to lift buoy and chain to reach?

 

[BabaYaga]

Since it hasn't been mentioned yet: There is also this one, which has been around for 20 years or so. Does what Hook&Moor does in that it threads a line through a loop or ring and brings it back. I have had one for a long time. It´s all plastic and so probably more fragile than H&M. But also only a fraction of the price.

http://www.boatoon.com/de/shop/p/jack-the-reefer-bojenfaenger-20257/

Demonstrated first in this video:
http://www.bootshop66.info/videos/video-jack-the-reefer/

 

[pvb]

I assume that you are able to reach over the bow and touch the buoy, or do you have to lift buoy and chain to reach?

Have to lift the buoy. A penalty of the high freeboard of modern AWBs!

 

[Hydrozoan]

We can just about reach buoys to put on a line (or two), and then take the HD off - though I'd happily use it alone for a short stop. As pvb says: it's light, releaseable and quickly secured and whilst I can see the advantages of line threader types, what we wished to do was minimize the time taken to get fast to a buoy, in bouncy conditions particularly. It does that to our satisfaction - though if space and budget permit I can see why one might choose to have both types.

 

[Birdseye]

We bought a cheap mooring device at a boat show some years ago. It worked when it worked, if you know what I mean, but wasn't reliable in difficult conditions and I'd like to upgrade to something better. There are a few makes on the market - any recommendations please?

Used a SwiftieMatic for years and years with no problems and lots of success,

 

[Humblebee]

Don't know if you are time rich or money rich, but if the former and slightly practical, the handy duck looks like it could be self made from an aluminium screw gate climbing carabiner or other similar 'clips' and some cellotape to hold the carabiner to your current boat hook (with line attached of course)

There used to be a wooden boat hook and t'other side had a groove to hold a stainless steel carabiner type 'clip' that slid out of the groove. (Just like the ducky one, but older and stainless.

Just found them:

But at this price: http://www.seamarknunn.com/acatalog/kong-snap-on-mooring-hook-200mm-6100.html#.VNVRm52sWSo

I'd be buying a wide mouthed second hand climbing carabiner and cellotape.

$420 ?! give me strength.
http://www.greenboatstuff.com/dacobrgbo.html

Nice idea, thanks for that, but pricey compared to the Handyduck. I'll have a better look next time I am in a climbing shop though.

 

[Humblebee]

Can you get the website's webshop link to work?

The link provided is to the manufacturer's distributor in Britain, not, I think, a retail outlet. I found a few online chandlers selling HandyDuck with the help of Mr Google.

 

[Humblebee]

Since it hasn't been mentioned yet: There is also this one, which has been around for 20 years or so. Does what Hook&Moor does in that it threads a line through a loop or ring and brings it back. I have had one for a long time. It´s all plastic and so probably more fragile than H&M. But also only a fraction of the price.

http://www.boatoon.com/de/shop/p/jack-the-reefer-bojenfaenger-20257/

Demonstrated first in this video:
http://www.bootshop66.info/videos/video-jack-the-reefer/

Thanks BabaYaga, that's interesting. I'll see if they are available in Britain.