Caribbean Compass Yachting Magazine October 2016

P RODUCT
OSTINGS
Sailing? Bliss. Dropping anchor? Piece of cake. Picking up
a mooring? Well, okay.
But going alongside a dock? That’s the one that gives many
sailors the heebie-jeebies.
Here are a few nifty pieces of gear that might help make docking
less of an ordeal. Look for them at your favorite local chandlery or
visit the websites mentioned.
OCTOBER 2016 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 28
Boat Hooks Tested, Proven Durable and Reliable
Most owners don’t think much about their boat hook — until it breaks just as they’re
entering a slip on a windy day. Team Boat Hooks from Davis Instruments are tested
and proven superior in punishing laboratory conditions. Durable and reliable, they
provide boaters peace of mind every time they use these versatile tools.
During recent testing against four other brands, the competitors’ hooks tore, broke
and even exploded when increasing weight was added. The Davis hook took 408
kilos (nearly 900 pounds) of pulling force before the stake that pins it into the shaft
failed. The hook simply would not break.
All Davis Instruments Team Boat Hooks include the company’s UV-stabilized Lexan
polycarbonate hook. It’s guaranteed for life to be unbreakable. The tip has a 19-millimetre
thread to fit a deck brush, mop or other accessory. A high-visibility orange cap
covers the threads when not needed and protects boat finishes when fending off.
Another point of failure during testing was the locking mechanism. With increasing
weight, tubes slipped and parted. The Davis locking mechanism withstood 154 kilos
(nearly 340 pounds).
The boat hook tubing is made from anodized aluminum — inside and out — for
years of corrosion-free use. A molded vinyl grip with a palm swell provides a sure
grasp, even when wet. And if it’s dropped in the water, it floats for quick retrieval.
Lightweight, Team Boat Hooks are available in three configurations: a two-section
model that adjusts from 140 to 240 centimetres, and two three-section versions that
expand from 100 to 240 centimetres and 140 to 370 centimetres. They’re easy to
use. A simple twist extends the pole. Rotating in the other direction solidly locks the
sections in place.
From grabbing a mooring or dock line to safely fending off, Team Boat Hooks have
a multitude of uses on board. They can even be used to brush the deck or waterline,
pass bags of groceries, or retrieve a favorite hat blown overboard. No boat
should be without one.
Visit www.davisnet.com for more information.
Chafe Guards Lengthen Life of Lines
Boatowners call upon dock and anchor lines to hold and protect expensive investments.
Innovative and affordable Secure Removable Chafe Guards from Davis
Instruments shield these important links from excessive wear and friction.
Whether for the anchor or tied to a dock, lines can wear through quickly where
they rub against the anchor roller, cleats or cap rails, or especially where two lines
cross. Wrapping the line at these areas of friction with Secure Removable Chafe
Guards eliminates the potential problem. This protects the lines — and the boat.
With outside covers of tough, UV-stabilized nylon webbing and insides of 100-percent
Velcro-brand hook fasteners, Davis Chafe Guards stay in place without need
for additional strings or ties. Recently upgraded, these super line-savers now fit braided
or twisted line from ten to 25 millimetres (two-fifths to one inch) in diameter.
Boaters can easily reposition the Chafe Guards, or remove and stow them for use
at the next mooring or anchorage. Davis Instruments Secure Removable Chafe
Guards are 40 centimetres (16 inches) long and are sold in pairs.
Visit www.davisnet.com for more information.
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