Boat hooks are part of the basic equipment of every yacht. They are mainly used when mooring when the arms do not reach far enough - for example to lay a line on a low-mounted cleat or to grab a mooring line that is too far away.
The Mooring Trio from Buoycatcher in England goes one step further and adds practical additional functions to the classic principle. The system consists of a telescopic pole and three interchangeable attachments that take on different tasks when mooring and manoeuvring. This eliminates the need to carry several individual tools on board, as Buoycatcher combines the most important functions in one compact system.
Three attachments for different tasks
The Mooring Trio set contains three different attachments that are fitted to the telescopic pole. The first is a line threader. This tool makes it easier to pull a line through the ring of a mooring buoy. Instead of leaning far over the railing and fumbling the line through the ring with your fingers, this can be done from the cockpit or the bow with the extended threader. The attachment grips the line, guides it through the ring and allows it to be pulled back to the boat.
The second attachment is a mooring line grab. It is used to pick up the mooring line. The thick ropes are often overgrown, so they quickly slip out of the hand or even harbour a risk of injury due to ragged-edged pocks and mussels. The grab lifts the mooring line safely and guides it to the bow.
The third attachment is a classic boat hook with a curved end. It can be used to grab mooring lines or mooring lines lying on the jetty. A special feature, however, is a rubber attachment for the hook. This is designed to make it possible to hold onto other boats without leaving scratches. The attachment literally softens the point and provides a larger, non-slip contact surface.
The attachments are screwed onto the telescopic pole and can be changed quickly. This should be possible without tools. All metal parts are made of stainless steel. The boat hook attachment and the telescopic pole are made of plastic.
Telescopic pole for reach
The telescopic pole can be extended to a length of around two metres. This provides sufficient reach to reach buoys or lines from the cockpit or from the bow without having to lean dangerously far over the railing. The pole is light enough to hold for long periods of time, but stable enough to withstand pulling when a line is pulled.
The material is designed for a saltwater environment and is corrosion-resistant. The telescopic function should be rinsed regularly with fresh water to avoid salt deposits that could make it difficult to pull out. The workmanship meets British quality standards - the Buoycatcher is manufactured in England.
There are two telescopic poles to choose from: The long version measures 118 centimetres when pushed together and can be extended to an impressive 3.30 metres if required. The smaller version measures a compact 52 centimetres and can be extended to 1.80 metres.
Use when mooring
The buoycatcher is particularly useful when mooring to mooring buoys or in harbours with mooring lines. The manoeuvre with a mooring line typically goes like this: The boat approaches the pier deck stern first. As soon as the stern lines are secured, you can engage the forward clutch and give thrust ahead. Once the stern lines have been stepped into, the boat is initially stable, even in crosswinds. The mooring line attached to the pier is then gripped with the telescopic pole and hook and lifted. With the metal hook on the line, the boat is pulled forwards over the running deck, where the line is pulled onto the bow and secured to the cleat. Gloves are recommended for the final steps. Mooring with a mooring line lying in the water is particularly common in Mediterranean harbours.
Price and availability
The Mooring Trio set costs 216 euros. This includes the telescopic pole and all three attachments. The price for the compact and long telescopic pole is the same.
The Buoycatcher is manufactured in England and sold worldwide via the manufacturer's website. The website offers detailed information to the individual essays and application examples.
Technical data:
Construction:
- Extendable telescopic pole
- Extended length: 1.8 or 3.30 m
- Length inserted: 0.52 or 1.18 m
- Material: Corrosion resistant
- Production: England
Attachments in the Mooring Trio set:
- Linen threader
- Mooring line grab
- Classic boat hook
Properties:
- Multifunctional (3 in 1
- Compact stowage
- Salt water resistant
Availability:
- Price: 216 Euro
- Set: Mooring Trio (pole + 3 attachments)
- Individual attachments can be reordered
- Worldwide shipping
- Website: https://www.buoycatcher.com
Michael Rinck
Redakteur Test & Technik
