Always use a snubber or your boat could end up like...

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Indeed, and there is a striking difference in anchor ball usage. I put it down to a higher level of skill and education, since in the UK there is no enforcement (unlike the case in Germany and some other European countries, where there is vigorous enforcement of the anchor ball requirement).

Sort of ironic you would phrase it this way DH. The foundation of this current discussion (dispute) is that not using a snubber demonstrates a lower level of skill and experience. I’ve tried to understand why this may not be the case by listening to others — much like with the day shape discussion where those of us on the never-use side tried to explain how unnecessary they are, at least over here.

[cyan]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

It is true that in the UK there are many more and much more interesting harbours, than in the U.S., not just per mile of coastline but altogether. It's one reason (out of several) why cruising UK waters is much more interesting than U.S.

The hand-pulled ales available at some UK harbours are interesting to me.
My sailing interest ends at cold and foggy weather.
To each his own.

[cyan]

Originally Posted by wingssail

I'd argue against the generalization about snubber use in North America.

On the west coast of Mexico, which is heavily populated by cruising yachts from the USA, snubber use is virtually 100%. In fact two snubbers (bridle) can be observed on a vast majority of anchored boats.

On the other hand the use of day shapes is virtually unheard of.

It is not a lack of skill, or even education, since most cruisers now days have been exposed to some sort of boater's education. It's just that most people are followers; if you see everyone else doing it, you do it, needless or not, or if it is enforced by authorities, you do it.

If there are countries where such rules are heavily enforced, people will do it to avoid a fine.

In the US, (and especially in Mexico) authorities rarely enforce boating laws of any kind, especially ones for which there is not seen to be a obvious reason, such as a black ball to indicate a vessel is anchored. (please do not start telling he how important that rule is, most people just don't share that feeling and so, maybe being Americans, they just don't bother).

Are we scofflaws? Probably. Are we uneducated or unskilled? Not sure I agree with that one. Would I rather live in Germany? Doubtful.

Bingo.
The long rollers arriving on the West Coast from thousands of miles away demand a certiain ground tackle attention, and snubbers fill the conventional wisdom.
Day shapes in Mexico? Sure. They need more education and skill and stuff. That's cute.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by wingssail

. . . It is not a lack of skill, or even education, since most cruisers now days have been exposed to some sort of boater's education. It's just that most people are followers; if you see everyone else doing it, you do it, needless or not, or if it is enforced by authorities, you do it.

Yes, I think that's right, and important.

Originally Posted by wingssail

Are we scofflaws? Probably. Are we uneducated or unskilled? Not sure I agree with that one. Would I rather live in Germany? Doubtful.

Germany is a pretty nice country. I lived there for some years. I prefer Sweden, and Russia for that matter, but if I had to choose between Germany and the U.S., well . . .



Uneducated and unskilled? Well, relatively . . . and on average . . .

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by cyan

The hand-pulled ales available at some UK harbours are interesting to me.
My sailing interest ends at cold and foggy weather.
To each his own.

Well, it's not just ales. Don't forget the lager. And SOME UK harbours? Please. I daresay there is no harbour in England without a pub.


Don't confuse London with the rest of the UK. Fog is quite rare on the South Coast. Palm trees grow in Southampton.

[Arthurwg]

Quick question while we're at it: What would be the best chain hook? Clevis or slip with latch? Any recommendations?

[cyan]

Originally Posted by Dockhead

Well, it's not just ales. Don't forget the lager. And SOME UK harbours? Please. I daresay there is no harbour in England without a pub.

Don't confuse London with the rest of the UK. Fog is quite rare on the South Coast. Palm trees grow in Southampton.

Southampton?
Good beer.
Interesting views.
We all cruise differently.
To each his own.

[Delfin]

Originally Posted by Arthurwg

Quick question while we're at it: What would be the best chain hook? Clevis or slip with latch? Any recommendations?

None of the above. Soft shackle instead.

[a64pilot]

Originally Posted by Arthurwg

Quick question while we're at it: What would be the best chain hook? Clevis or slip with latch? Any recommendations?

I have both the old one and the new M2, I prefer the M2 myself
https://www.mantusmarine.com/mantus-chain-hook-landing/

[Delfin]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I have both the old one and the new M2, I prefer the M2 myself
https://www.mantusmarine.com/mantus-chain-hook-landing/

I guess I am flummoxed on why one would want to spend $200 on a device weaker than a $20 soft shackle that is no easier to attach. Beats me, but I guess I am missing something.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by Delfin

I guess I am flummoxed on why one would want to spend $200 on a device weaker than a $20 soft shackle that is no easier to attach. Beats me, but I guess I am missing something.

.

[Tillsbury]

Originally Posted by Delfin

I guess I am flummoxed on why one would want to spend $200 on a device weaker than a $20 soft shackle that is no easier to attach. Beats me, but I guess I am missing something.

$20 for a soft shackle! Beats me why you wouldn’t just make one from $3 of line .

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by Delfin

I guess I am flummoxed on why one would want to spend $200 on a device weaker than a $20 soft shackle that is no easier to attach. Beats me, but I guess I am missing something.

I never saw the point either; in fact I tie my snubbers on with a rolling hitch and never felt the need for any extra device. Rolling hitch holds like a splice on chain and takes no more effort than rigging a soft shackle.



I do, however, use a chain hook -- a plain, open, forged one -- on my belaying strop. That is so that it can be thrown on and yanked off instantly if needed, particularly if, for example, the windlass clutch is slipping.

[daletournier]

I always find the anchor ball thing amusing, I may of seen a dozen? during my cruising years, definitely wouldnt be much more, most wouldnt know what they actually are outside of Europe.

When I did my Rya courses in Brisbane Australia we used to put one up, the instructor would jokingly say this identifys us as RYA training vessel...lol. then theres the motoring cone...lol.

In regards to snubbers all I know and have cruised with use a snubber, cant think of anyone I know that doesn't, it's just a automatic thing.

[Mike OReilly]

Simple rolling hitches used here as well. I never tried a Mantus hook, but I went through three different versions before moving to simple rolling hitches. Each hook I tried had some problem; too hard to get attached and to stay on, too hard to detach, sometimes both, somethings hard to attach the snubber lines to the hook, etc...

Rolling hitches are easy to tie on and remove, and are very reliable. And they cost nothing. I do use one of the simple hooks as my chain stop, so it wasn’t a waste.