Captain Al’s Blog

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.

Our Customers speak ……….

“used the landing loop this weekend at fuel dock with stiff off dock breeze/ had to ask people to not help/great product.”

Truly yours, P C

“I have been using your Landing Loop for the last two months and just love it. You have saved my wife from falling overboard, you have saved our boat from all too often crashing into a dock or pier in the wind, and you have really made docking a pleasure for us……before Landing Loop it was a nightmare!  Thanks for a great idea that has helped our boating pleasure immensely!!!”

Thanks, Dr. K

“WOW!
THANKS AGAIN Allen!
You really know how to make your customers happy,

We’ll be your best reference and promoters in the Texas area. We have a 2007 Catalina 350 sail boat that we cruise in and around Galveston Bay so we’ll be sure to tell everyone about your products and excellent customer service.”

Yours truly,

B.K.

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE LANDING LOOP.

Landing Loop testimonial- from First Mate Aboard……

The wind is up and you are arriving at a new dock with no one there to secure a line. We have all faced this challenge, and it’s not a pleasant situation. For years I have tried to lasso the cleat on the dock, and often I was successful. But too many times I was not.

The solution has arrived. I now use the Landing Loop to secure our bow line every time with confidence, and my success rate is 100%. I can’t tell you how much the Landing Loop has improved the quality of our cruising and reduced the worry. Thanks for a simple and perfect product!

Testimonial —from Serenity

I am writing to express my complete satisfaction with the Landing loop I purchased. My husband and I bought a 27 foot cruiser when we retired last year. I am the first mate, and not being as spry as I once was, docking was often a challenge. When I saw your add, it promised to make this much easier on me.

My first try with the loop was at our local marina with a strong wind. For the first time I can recall, I was able to capture the pylon with ease as we went back into the slip. Next try was at a marina with a cleat on the dock and a strong current. Again it was a breeze. This was a far cry from the problems I had last year. I felt really good when we cruised up to the city dock at Beaufort, NC where there were people in the park watching the boats. I was able to capture the cleat and maneuver us like a pro!

Last month we had my adult son on board. I proudly showed him my loop and he was skeptical (to say the least). After we came back from cruising I was at the bow and used the loop to capture and secure the bow pylon. My son was at the stern, where he tried to lasso the stern pylon. He later told me that after his 8th attempt, he reconsidered his opinion!

After docking, I have had other boaters who recognized the Landing Loop come over to check it out. I always give it a enthusiastic recommendation.

Here are a couple of ideas. I tried them and both worked.

The first is one that will look great. Purchase a Noodle used for swimming pools. I did mine in light blue. Be sure it is round and has a 3/4 inch hole drilled down the middle. Most of them do. Cut two pieces about 10 inches long and keep the balance for the kids. Trim all but about 3/8 inch of the foam off each piece. I used a coping saw. It worked fine. You should now have two tubs that have a 3/4 inch hole down the middle and about 3/8 of an inch of foam around the hole. Slit the tubs down the length on ONE side and place a tub over each side of the white metal frame between the two bent angles. Take a piece of Velcro or a piece of waxed twine and tie it around each piece so the tubs do not fall off when you use the Landing Loop. For added floatation of the pole purchase a 3/4 inch diameter (real) cork and push it down the narrow end of the extention pole (the end with the hole in the side). Push the cork down far enough so the frames slides into the end and locks into place easily. The total cost should be less than $5.00. You can get the cork in a fishing store or I got mine at a hardware store.

You can also go into Home Depot and buy a foam pipe insulation that has a 3/4 inch hole down the middle. It is gray in color and has about 3/8 inch foam around the hole. It fits perfectly round our frame. It comes already slit down the side and has been pre-glued along the seams. Cut two pieces about 10 inches long and place them around the two arms of your Landing Loop. Peal off the wax paper and press the glued edges together. You can buy a piece 4 feet long for about $2.50. Save the extra piece, you may need it for replacement pieces. You should also get the 3/4 inch diameter cork(about $.70) and push it down the pole as above. This solution is not as pretty as the above method, but it works.

Your Landing Loops will now float long enough for you to retrieve them if they fall into the water. If you follow the above procedures, both the pole and the frame will float separately if one should fall into the water. Some water will seep into the extension pole while it is in the water. Be sure to rinse off all the pieces if salt water is involved. Allow them to dry thoroughly before storing your Landing Loop regardless of the type of water.  Sorry, we can not be responsible for damage caused by salt or coroded internal parts of the pole.

See you next week

Captain Al