CLEAT CAPTOR Z IN ACTION
RIG! The mooring line is laid around the Cleat Captor Z jaws and SLIGHT tension is applied to the line which is then led through the rope retainers and held against the handle. Then as the boat and operator come alongside the selected cleat...
DROP! Cleat Captor Z behind the cleat. Both jaws rest on the marina deck as the Cleat Captor Z is dragged towards the boat...
PULL! the handle briskly. The jaws flex and position the loop beneath BOTH cleat horns***. The loop closes around the cleat base and releases from the jaws and rope retainers...
LINE SECURED! The line is then hauled in so that the vessel lays alongside the marina finger. Crew can SAFELY step ashore to secure all mooring lines.
Although the action is shown as a series of steps, it should appear seamless to the user. Pulling the handle firmly and briskly facilitates this. The mooring line needs to be pulled approximately 1 jaw length to ensure that the loop fully closes around the cleat base.
SETTING UP THE MOORING LINE ON THE BOAT
Ideally the line should be run from the Cleat Captor through a block or a closed fairlead attached to a strong point at the vessel's midships point. The optimum point for best balance can be found by experimentation. The line can be hauled at this point and then cleated off or run to the helm position so that the Skipper is able to haul the vessel alongside. An alternative docking procedure can be seen on the TIPS & TRICKS page. A range of optional equipment to assist with docking can be seen via the STOCKISTS page.
PLEASE NOTE:
***Numbers of other docking aids consist of a modified boat hook and lasoo arrangement. They require a reasonable degree of operator skill. Unskilled operators aboard moving boats sometimes hook one cleat horn only, which often results in the mooring line springing off leaving the boat adrift. Cleat Captor Z's unique patented design avoids this problem, even with unskilled operators.
Some other docking aids employ a tube handle with a cable or rope loop attached to the handle. These arrangements may be POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS when heavy boats are involved as they may result in the operator suffering injury while attempting to bring a moving boat to a halt. They also have the potential to pull the operator off balance and fall overboard. CLEAT CAPTORS do not pose these risks as the mooring line completely detaches from the jaws and handle.
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