Review on Docking Stick Boat Hook Adapters: Convenient Package of 2 by Joey Gilbert

I've tried different routes, using different sized bowlines and even wrapping the spike twice; but still found it had a tendency to detach from the top. My boat is longer than my slipway, so I reach out of the cockpit and thread the loop on the dock handle through the first cleat on the corner of the slipway, hoping to use it as a spring cable to pull me to the dock; but when I pass the top the loop tends to detach from it. Sometimes this happened even after doubling the size of the bowline and wrapping it all the way around the base of the mandrel with the tip of a docking stick held close to the dock. . The failure rate was particularly high after dark, so you have to position it that way. Must have tried this thing two dozen times, no exaggeration, with bowline of all sizes and placed carefully on a docking stick as shown in the instructions. If the loop stays on top; That's incredible. But if it doesn't and you planned to use that line to jump next to your dock; It's bad news. I also tried the Landing Loop device and the results improved; but still not 100% reliable. Sometimes it can be difficult to tighten the slipknot before it comes loose from the lace; but at the same time I did not succeed only once in a dozen; in contrast to the docking station, which fails in one out of four cases. I don't think either of these methods should be considered the primary docking method for one-handed devices, especially after dark. More like an extra tool, especially when you have a team on board. But if you're a 64-year-old single person like me, you really don't have time to see if any of these things work first before moving on to Plan B. Your plan A has to be the one that works. every time. You can't rely on any of them. I keep them both on board and can imagine when they will come in handy, but rarely take them out. Instead, I usually prepare a boat loop from RS Marine (I bought a long boat line with a very long loop) to haul me up to the pier when the wind blows me away. But I can loop a line over a spike and hold it more securely than a docking stick or landing loop, and it's easier and doesn't leave a pole in my hands to fiddle with.