Securing the Boat While Working

As anyone who works on a small boat would know, fighting the wind and tide to stay in the right place can be a challenge for even the most experienced boat handlers. At Deer Isle Oyster Company, they use a hook to hold the boat in place while working on the water.

Author(s): Charlie Neill, GMRI Intern
Source: Deer Isle Oyster Company
Date: 2024

Securing the Boat to Gear

Aquaculturists often work in small boats out on the water. For oyster growers especially, it’s important to keep the boat right next to the lines of floating bags or cages. When the wind is blowing or the tide is ripping through, it can be extremely difficult to keep the boat in the right spot and close enough to the gear. At Deer Isle Oyster Co. they use two hooks fastened forward and aft to the gunwale of one side of the boat to keep the boat secured to the line while they work.

A look at the securing hook in action holding the boat steady next to a surface line.

How the Securing Hook Works

At the bow and stern of the Deer Isle Oyster Co. boat there are two metal hooks tied to short sections of rope and fastened to cleats on the side of the boat. When working on a section of line, the crew will attach the hooks to the longline to hold the boat in place.

Especially when working with only one or two people on board, this innovation allows the crew to focus on one task at a time instead of trying to work while also driving the boat. In addition to preventing the boat from floating away from the work at hand, the hook is simple to use, easily made, and takes up very little room on board.

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