Mooring pick-ups

[Hank Kivett]

I have notice several attachment to boat hooks that allow you to pickup a mooring ball...does anyone know if they work and if so which seem to be the more reliable...expecially for single handed sailors and are they really worth it...

[Mike OReilly]

This grabber hook works great. I can attach and detach it easily using the boat hook. Great for grabbing balls with eye attachments.

[nigel1]

Hi Hank

Your right, single handed sailors are worth it.

About two years ago, my better half bought me one of these
Mini Hooker Mooring Buoy Retriever Hook C/w Pole

But to be honest, I am ashamed to say, I have never used it. Not that it does not work, but when picking up a mooring, I run a long line from the bow, outside the guard wires, and down to the cockpit.
I'll pick up the buoy from side deck, where the freeboard is much lower.
On a couple of occasions, I've backed up to the buoy, and then stepped down to the swim platform to pass a line through the ring on the buoy. Once that's done, just a matter of shortening up the mooring rope, and then rig couple of proper moorings from each bow cleat to the mooring buoy.