Approach and Hook Up

Steer the boat from a helm station that enables you to see the buoy during the entire hook up maneuver.

Establish unmistakable hand signals to communicate during hook up and release.

Approach buoy from down wind / current on slow speed. Keep buoy on the same side as the helm station for better visibility during approach. Shift to neutral when buoy is alongside. Grab pick-up line with boat hook at stern and pull buoy aboard. Ensure that the boat is clear from the downline before shifting into reverse. Lay buoy in aft barrel and hook to top splice of downline.

If current or wind prevents pulling the buoy aboard, attach the pick-up line to the cleat and let boat swing until it can back up straight against the wind / current to the buoy. Then lift the buoy aboard and attach the hook and line to top splice of the downline.