In Praise of Floating Boat Hooks

A piece of advice: given the choice of letting go of the boat hook or releasing the mooring line, always release the mooring line!

Otherwise the current and Habibi’s momentum will wrench the boat hook from your grasp (which you’ve used to catch the line), and you will watch with dismay as both line and hook recede — overboard.

But the boat hook floats! so you will quickly attach the swim ladder then steer toward it. Idle the engine in neutral, lock the wheel, and descend the ladder. 

You will slightly miscalculate the distance, so you will have to jump for it. Then you will swim for the still moving boat, now answering Swimmer David’s question: yes, I can sprint. One-armed, even, because the other arm is wrangling the (yes, it does telescope) boat hook. Be glad you’ve tied your glasses around your neck.

One side of the ladder will detach from the boat, but, presciently, you have tied that side to a stanchion. Still struggling with the extended (seven foot?) boat hook, you will scramble for the helm to steer away from other boats.

Breathe.

You still have to snag the effing mooring line.

Which you eventually do, despite the wind. Secure it, then scamper back and shut down the engine.

Breathe. Mother of god.

You are now drenched and safely moored, just after sunset. Try not to worry about the barnacled mooring loop sawing through your heavy lines, which are firmly cleated to the deck. You will deal with that tomorrow.

The good news? You are now closer to the actual ocean, and an excellent snorkel spot. Kudos.