RIGGING A SHOCKLE FOR A DOCK-LINE SNUBBER
The normal way to rig a SHOCKLE as a dock-line snubber is to take a clove hitch in the line, attach the SHOCKLE, take another clove hitch approximately 150% to 175% of the SHOCKLE length, clip the SHOCKLE to it, then fasten the free end of the line to either boat cleat. [For instance, if you are using an 18” SHOCKLE, the clove hitches would be 27”-31” apart.]
This works well for dock-lines up to 5/8” in diameter. For thicker lines you may wish to use a pair of webbing ‘prussiks’ to attach the SHOCKLE to the line. This has the added advantage of making it quick and easy to attach, detach or adjust the SHOCKLE. A prussik, similar to a rolling hitch, tightens on the line as weight is applied, yet is easily loosened.
Use a 36” length of tubular nylon webbing (or nylon line approximately 1/3 to 1/2 the diameter of your dock-line) for your prussik. Attach the free ends with an overhand bend, making sure that there is an inch or so of tail sticking out. The resulting loop will be about 24” in circumference.
Loop the webbing around the dock-line, thread it back through itself, and keep going around and through one more time. A tug on the webbing will cinch it up tight on the dock-line. To move it in either direction simply loosen it and slide it up or down the dock-line.
Tubular nylon webbing works the best. It is very strong (2,000# - 2,500#), supple (so it grips any wet or dry dock-line well), and sun resistant. It also distributes the load evenly on your docking line, especially important if you are leaving your boat for a long time.
You can use the same technique for your anchor chain if the SHOCKLES carabiner doesn’t fit through your chain links. Simply slip a loop of webbing through a link of your anchor chain, thread it through itself and cinch it tight. (Be sure it isn’t caught between links.)
Again measure a distance about 150% to 175% of your SHOCKLE length, attach another loop of webbing, and attach your SHOCKLE between the webbing loops. You can easily move the webbing loops closer together or farther apart as needed. This method of fastening to chain, while a bit slower than simply clipping the SHOCKLE to the chain, has the added advantage of less wear on the carabiners.
If you have particularly small chain links you can use a line instead—anything that will fit between the links. Some blends of polyester webbing will also work. Do not use polypropylene rope or webbing since it is not nearly as strong as nylon.
With a few spare pieces of line and webbing you’ll easily be able to rig your SHOCKLES quickly and efficiently for any situation. This includes any time you don’t want to clip the carabiner direct to something—use a loop of webbing instead and clip the SHOCKLE to it.
