The Landing Loop, a Product Review
How To Dock a Boat Safely and Easily with This Handy Device
Jan 17, 2009
Docking a boat, especially if there are winds or currents to deal with, can be a harrowing experience, and too often results in injuries to crew members or the boat. Almost every boater has at least one docking disaster story to tell. Long-time boaters, inventors and businessmen, Allen Greenberg and Roger Leyden developed The Landing Loop to making docking a safe and simple experience.
How the Landing Loop Works
Before using the Landing Loop for the first time, the boater needs to put a slip knot in the bitter end of one or more of the boat’s docking lines. The specially designed tips of the Landing Loop hold the dock line in a wide loop so that the line can be hooked over a cleat or piling while the boat is still 10 feet or so from the dock. Once the line is around the cleat, the slipknot works like a noose to snug the dock line around the cleat, securing the boat while the crew is still safely aboard. A demonstration video showing how to use the Landing Loop is on the company’s website.
Components of the Landing Loop
The Landing Loop has a lightweight, three-part, telescoping aluminum pole that works much like a boat hook. The pole extends from 45 inches to approximately 11 feet, and locks in place with the twist of wrist. The aluminum pole is ribbed for extra strength and does not wobble or flex when fully extended. It has a comfortable foam handle that gives a good grip even in wet weather. A sturdy Y-shaped metal head locks onto the pole and accommodates standard dock lines from a half-inch to three-quarters of an inch in diameter. The Landing Loop also comes with an easy to understand instructional DVD. When the Landing Loop is dissembled, and the aluminum pole fully collapsed, it is easy to store, even on small boats with limited stowage.
Landing Loop Works with Any Size or Type of Pleasure Boat
The Landing Loop has been used successfully on sailboats, powerboats, pontoons, and motor boats of all sizes with good results. It can be used to secure a boat to a dock, a piling or another boat. The company is currently working on an adapter so the Landing Loop can be used with mooring buoys also.
Where to Buy a Landing Loop
In the United States, its territories, and Canada, the Landing Loop can be ordered on-line at the company’s website or by calling 800-250-9545. The Landing Loop sells for just under $80, plus shipping. Greenberg says the company, Gadgets Unlimited, Inc., is willing to ship the Landing Loop worldwide, but shipping costs to many locations exceed the price of the Landing Loop. The company is hoping to find overseas dealers.
This is one boat gadget that is worth the money. The Landing Loop is a simple, sturdy and easy to use device that makes docking simpler and much safer for everyone involved.
 |
 |
 |
