Every yacht, from dinghies to large boats, relies on a mooring hook. It's indispensable for reaching lazy lines, retrieving lost items, or aiding someone boarding. Companies offer a plethora of designs an equipment, from classic wooden-handled ones to practical telescopic aluminum models, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Observing docked yachts reveals various storage methods for mooring hooks, from coach roof hooks to boom insertion or vertical mast placement. However, two crucial considerations emerge: proper fastening to avoid hazards and accessibility for swift retrieval. Whether grabbing lines during mooring or boarding lazy lines, these hooks play a pivotal role.
Specialized models, such as those with sheaves for smoother line handling, cater to demanding customers seeking convenience. Aluminum hooks remain popular for their lightness and functionality, with some featuring space-saving telescopic designs. Options abound, including rubber or nylon spikes and stainless steel spring clips for easy storage without the need for ropes or bands.
How to secure your dinghy
Determining how to transport and secure a dinghy during navigation largely falls to the discretion of the yacht owner, aside from adhering to common-sense guidelines. This decision is closely tied to individual needs and, notably, the dimensions of the yacht. For safety and practical reasons, it's advisable not to have a dinghy on deck, towed behind, or suspended on a davit. However, both rigid and inflatable dinghies require dedicated storage, especially those that aren't easily inflated or deflated manually or electrically.
In most cases, inflatable dinghies aboard are inflated and ready for immediate launch. The method of carrying your dinghy varies depending on its type and your yacht's hull size. Towing offers advantages such as freeing up deck space and immediate readiness, but it necessitates careful consideration to prevent wear on the dinghy and facilitate maneuvering, particularly in tight quarters like during docking.
If you opt to lift your dinghy on board, several options exist. Larger yachts, typically 45 feet or more, often install stern davits, such as the Swivelling davit, which is highly recommended for its sturdiness and practicality. Attention to detail is crucial during installation to ensure safety, including proper counter-plates to prevent collapse. Once installed, it facilitates effortless and safe launching or hoisting with its three-arm lift system.
Alternatively, securing the dinghy to the deck plan or transom is another viable option, depending on available space. Proper securing is essential to prevent mishaps caused by loosened straps or improper fastening. Typically, dinghies are secured at the bow, between the forestay and mast, or at the deckhouse. Adding counter-plated eyebolts to fiberglass surfaces enhances secure fastening, although this adds hardware to the deck. To minimize this, bored toerails can serve as strap fastening points, reducing wind contact surface to lessen stress.
During extended voyages, slightly deflating the dinghy can aid in flattening it for space efficiency, particularly during sail maneuvers. Proper securing involves fastening it at least at four points, with additional attention to securing the bow against strong winds. Protecting the dinghy from adverse weather and UV rays with available covers is advisable.
When it comes to securing the dinghy, straps are preferable over lines, offering quick adjustment and durability. UV-resistant lines with stainless steel hooks, like the Belt + ratchet 25 mm x 400 cm, ensure longevity and sturdiness, with rubber contact surfaces to prevent damage to the dinghy over time.
