Captain Al’s Blog

This week we will talk about some of the items in last week’s Blog, Paragraph No 1.

Let’s consider whether you single hand or have mates to assist. If you single hand, then check out a previous blog “Tips for Single Handing”. The idea came from a captain who operates a 75ft yacht single handed. He uses the Landing Loop modified for his use. Check it out. I tried it. It works.

Next, if you have mates that assist in docking they need to be trained how to use the Landing Loop before you leave the dock. I suggest that you copy the pages “Detailed Instructions” from our web site. Laminate it and keep it on board so you can show it to your mates. Showing the video would be great, but I realize that is not going to happen. A five minute drill on what to do will generally do the trick. Your mates need to know what to do and when they are to do it. It will save lots of yelling and screaming, especially if your mate is your wife.

Where are the cleats and how do they line up with the cleats on the dock? I wish I had a simple answer for this. The captain must do some planning and practicing to see which cleat to tie to and which cleat on the boat should be used. I have had some people tell me they use the mid cleat on their boat and tie up to the center cleat on the dock. Others tell me they reach for the end cleat on the dock and use it as the spring line cleat to keep their boat close to the dock. Survey where the cleats are and which way will work best for your situation. You may not have cleats in these locations. Please do this before you get into a docking situation. Actually, this planning needs to be done whether you use our Landing Loop or not. If you have two mates and two Landing Loops use one on the bow and one on the stern. Tie up both at the captain’s instructions. This makes docking much easier and life very comfortable and relaxed on board.

Next time we will talk about what to do to prepare for docking when using the Landing Loop.

For those of us under deep snow; THINK SPRING. IT WILL GET HERE..

Have a great week.

Gadgets Unlimited, Inc.
Captain Al

As I sit here in Chicago, with 1.5 feet of snow in my driveway, I realize that there are less than 60 days left before boating season. What a wonderful thought !!!…. It also reminds me that we (captains) need to start thinking about operating our boats. It will be five months since I touched mine.

 
Of course, docking jumped into my head first. It’s a great time to think about it and maybe brush up on a few pointers. Education will always improve our ability to handle our boats at that critical docking moment. This is especially true for those of you who have purchased our Landing Loop over the holidays. Here are a few thoughts… Most of these are relevant whether you use our product or not. All are true whether you are a professional captain or one of us( weekend captains).

 
1. Think about what size boat you have. Where are the cleats on your boat located and how will you use them to DOCK your boat? Do you pull in bow first or back in? Where are the cleats on the dock located in relation to your boat cleats? Do you single hand, have one or two mates? How experienced are your boat mates? Do you keep lines tied to your cleats? What length are your lines that are used for docking?

 
2. Using our Landing Loop will change the way we tie up our boats. Before the Landing Loop we would tie our line to the boat and throw it to someone on the dock. If there was no one there, many of us would jump off and take the line with us, hoping that we landed safely. Others would throw the line and try to lasso the cleat, hoping that we had the ability of Gene Autry.

 
3. Many of the weekend captains would just gather their friends, cast off their lines, and go. Never thinking about returning to the dock and how to dock the boat safely.

 
4. That’s what we are going to try to prevent over the next few weeks. How can we plan, organize, educate our crew, and be prepared for the return trip.

5. Just one personal experience that I witnessed last summer. I asked one of my pier mates if they would like to use my Landing Loop. I asked if I could show him what to do. He said he knew what to do and proceeded to take off for an afternoon trip on his boat. Upon his return, his son was placed on the bow with the Landing Loop in hand. He made a loop in his line by tying a knot that prevented the line from sliding(as in a slip knot)and tightening. He hung the knot on the frame of his Landing Loop and extended the pole. The line fell into the water and he ending up jumping off the boat anyway, the boat smashed into the pier, and many fine four letter words were spoken during the mishap. Five minutes of pre planning and education could have avoided the near disaster.

 
Boys will be boys, and men often times behave like boys. We handled the situation, but after the fact. We will try to prevent others from having the same experience with some common sense planning and thought.

See you next week..
Captain Al

You will find two different video pages on our site. The one on the “PLAY VIDEO” tab is a shortened version that allows the viewer to get a quick overview of what the Landing Loop will do. 

The second Video is located on the “Click to view YOU TUBE VIDEO”.  This is located on the right hand blue button on the “Play Video” page.  It is the video that you will receive when you take delivery of your new Landing Loop. It is about four and one half minutes long and gives the viewer more detail about how to setup and use the Landing Loop.

The Landing Loop is easy and simple to use.  We want you to become familiar with how it works before you get into a docking situation. Pay close attention to how Tracy slides the pole and line through her hands as she extends the pole. Practice using the Landing Loop 4-5 times on the dock before turning on your engines.  Try it from on your boat while still tied to the dock.  It is important that your Landing Loop and your mate are prepared and ready to go before that critical docking moment.  Timing is everything when the wind is blowing you off the dock or into another boat. Your Landing Loop will become your best friend as soon as you learn how to use it.  You may not need it every time, but when you do, it is wonderful. You should be a pro within ten minutes of practice.

You should also consider buying our Float Kit.  It’s a very inexpensive insurance policy for your Landing Loop.  It will prevent your Landing Loop from sinking if it falls in the water.  See our Combo Offers.

Thanks for stopping by.

Captain Al

In His article “Misguided Angels” written in the December 2009 issue of “Power and Motor Yacht”, Capt Bill described a situation that has happened to many of us as well. The folks walking on the dock ran over to assist in docking, grabbed the lines, and ended up causing damage because they were not familiar with the situation and conditions….

ANOTHER PERFECT USE FOR THE LANDING LOOP: When pulling into the dock, have the mate ready with the Landing Loop loaded and ready to use. All other lines will be off the deck and the dock hands will see that you have control of the docking situation. They may come over to help, but there will be nothing for them to do except watch. As the boat approaches the dock, the mate simply places the Landing Loop frame and docking line over the cleat and ties down the boat while still on deck. No lines for the “Misguided Angels” to touch. If necessary, a simple, “We have it under control folks”, comment should eliminate the problem.

Thanks for the idea, Capt. Bill
Gadgets Unlimited, Inc.
Captain Al.

Things have been happening the last few weeks on the Internet. I though you would like to know what others are saying about the Landing Loop. You can Google “Landing Loop” to find others. Here are a few comments.

Independent Web Sites that have posted articles about our Product. We want to thank them for their interest in our product.
1.   http://boatsafetymaintenance.suite101.com/article.cfm          Find us under contributing articles.

 2. http://boatingsafety.sundragonconsulting.com/Useful%20Products.html

3. http://www.myboatsgear.com/mbg/product.asp?prodID=1943

4.http://a0701408.uscgaux.info/pages/8bel2009/8BEL0909.pdf Find new products section.

5.http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f260/landingloop-413260.html

Web sites with which we have relationships:

1.  http://marketplace.boatingmag.com/pages/Landing_Loop.html

2. http://www.greatlakesscuttlebutt.com/home-page-article.php?ID=349

3.  http://news.nauticexpo.com/press/deck-fittings-safety-equipment-for-boats-UA.html

4.  www.marine.com        Look under Deck hardware-boat hooks.

5.  www.sailnet.com        Click on Store tab along top, then look under Deck hardware-boat hooks.

6.  http://www.perrimarinesales.com/

7.  http://www.lakestclair.net/network/Landing-Loop.html

I hope this information helps.

Thanks for stopping by.
Captain Al

We are proud to announce the development of our new      ”Snap Stretcher”                        

STOP FIGHTING WITH YOUR SHRUNKEN CANVAS COVERS, JUST ATTACH A SNAP STRETCHER.

 
The Snap Stretcher will eliminate the need to fight with shrunken canvas covers. When you are ready to stretch that last snap and it won’t quite make it, just attach one snap on our SNAP STRETCHER to the snap on the canvas cover and extend the other snap to the surface mounted snap. It’s that easy. The Snap Stretcher will work on any type of canvas cover that has standards snaps installed.

The Snap Stretcher is strong and resistant to UV sun rays. It will fit most existing snap situations. The Snap Stretchers are available on our web site. They are packaged 5 to a bag and sell for $9.95 plus $1.50 S&H in the lower 48 states. They will be shipped by US mail. Check the web site for COMBO money saving offers when shipped with your Landing Loop.

 
Please enjoy.
Gadgets Unlimited, Inc./Landing Loop
Captain Al

Landing Loop.com is proud to announce that starting October 15, 2009 through December 25, 2009, WE WILL DONATE A PORTION OF EVERY SALE to the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water..

As stated on their Web Site, “The BoatU.S. Foundation is a national 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally sensitive boating. The Foundation’s goal is to be the leader in boating safety and environmental education and outreach, with the purpose of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of our waterways, and keeping boating a safe, accessible, and enjoyable pastime.”

The BoatU. S. Foundation’s Life Jacket Program for Kids is as follows:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water sponsors the Life Jacket Loaner Program for Kids which makes children’s life jackets available to boaters who are unprepared for visiting children or whose kids have outgrown their old life jackets. Over 350 locations nationwide loan kid-sized life jackets on a daily basis, free of charge.

Each year the need for life jackets outgrows the number that the BoatUS Foundation has available to loan. The program goal is to raise $50,000 by this spring to meet this need – They need our help!
For as little as $10, your tax-deductible contribution will fund the purchase of a child’s life jacket – or for $250, your gift will buy enough supplies to establish a new life jacket loaner location. We want to help make boating safer for children.

Your contribution of any amount will make a difference to some small child.

Our mission: To produce a simple yet safe docking device to enhance the chances of safely docking a boat and to minimize the risk of damage to the boat or injury to the crew. Our desire is to enhance and support this wonderful Foundation.

DURING OUR PROMOTION OUR GOAL IS PROVIDE FUNDS FOR AS MANY ADDITIONAL JACKET LOANER LOCATIONS AS POSSIBLE.

Thank you for your help and support.
Captain Al

For more information or to donate to the BoatU. S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, go to www.boatus.com/foundation

Here’s the answer to my question in the previous Blog, ”Where it all Began”.

My partner, Roger and I dock out boats on the same pier in the Marina. I knew he was in the manufacturing business, so I asked if he would take a look at the new “Landing Loop” I developed. He said, “I think you may have something here”. Let’s talk to the engineers about it. So, we did.

After that discussion, we refined the design several more times. Patents were filed, Trademarks were registered, molds were made and refined, packaging was designed and completed, and product was manufactured.

 We tested the Landing Loop in several locations and under several different conditions. The test included testing it with 10 different types and sizes of lines. Tests were performed on all kinds and sizes of boats and cleats. Tests were made in salt water and fresh water. We tested the Landing Loop on pilings, poles, cleats, logs, and other boats. We even tried it on paint cans. We developed a light weight extra strong telescoping pole, special nylon re-enforced tips for the frame, and a special process for making the frame rust and UV resistant. The final development was the instructional video to teach every user how to dock with the Landing loop before they use it for docking.  The video is included with your purchase.

The Landing Loop is a wonderful safety tool.  If used correctly it will greatly reduce the injuries and damage to boats while docking. Watch the video and practice a few times.. Then go out and enjoy your boat. No more frustrations while docking. No more yelling at your spouse or mate. If you can get within 6-8 feet of the dock, you can easily tie up using the Landing Loop.

Remember… Never Jump off your boat again… Just reach for your Landing Loop.

Thanks,
Captain Al

P. S. Watch for our new product introduction in October, 2009. Stop fighting that shrunken canvas cover… Grab a “Snap Stretcher”

I have been boating for over 20 years,,, I spent 15 of those years boating on the Des Plaines and Illinois River in Central Illinois. My family and I have watched boaters year after year slam their boats into barges, crash into piers as they docked, and occasionally crash into other boats while pulling into and out of their slips. Docking at the gas dock was another story altogether. If the gas attendant was busy helping others, forget about docking. The wind would blow you away. I watched and watched and concluded “There must be a better way.”

While storing my boat at the Harborside Marina on the Illinois River near Wilmington Illinois, I met my partner, Roger Leyden. We became boating buddies and for 12 years knew nothing about the Landing Loop. We just traveled together and had great boating experiences. We both eventually left the River and now dock our boats at a marina on Lake Michigan.

The docking situation seemed to get worse on the Big Lake.  More wind, rougher waters, and many more boats. I watched and watched again. On any given week end I could see 4-5 boats crash into the piers, mates on the boats trying to lasso the cleat, and the clincher was seeing a friend jumping over his boat railing onto the dock, missing the pier, and falling into the water.  He also broke his ankle in the process. I concluded that I had to do something about the way we dock our boats.

I bought an extension pole at a home center and began playing with PVC pipe, wire, rubber pipe, Velcro and plastic hose . It took me 2 years to come up with something that worked every time. I have 10-15 different proto types in my basement showing the progression and the development of “Landing Loop”. Now the question became; How can I get it manufactured economically, who would make it, and how much would it cost?

That question will be answered in my next blog.

See you next week
Captain Al

P. S. If you live or boat around Wilmington Illinois, you can purchase the Landing Loop at Harborside Marina. Just ask Ron at info@harborsidemarina.com.