Abstract: A mooring line receptacle apparatus for a watercraft includes an elongated mooring line receptacle for each mooring line, wherein each mooring line receptacle is connected with the hull of the watercraft at the gunwale thereof; and further includes an abutment member connected with each mooring line at a distal end thereof. The mooring line receptacle has an interior hollow defined by a sidewall composed of a durable, resilient material having a slot therein along its entire length. The sidewall opposite the slot is attached to the hull of a selected watercraft via threaded fasteners. One mooring line receptacle is located at the port bow, another at the starboard bow, another at the port stern and another at the starboard stern. Preferably, each of the sets of port and starboard mooring line receptacles end near each other at a generally amidship location on the gunwale where the skipper and crew/passengers enter and leave the watercraft.

Abstract: An automatic mooring system for vessels utilizing a transmitter, a transmitter controlled connector assembly at the distal end of each mooring line and a transmitter controlled retraction assembly at the near end of each mooring line. The connector assembly includes a clasp equipped with a hinged gate which is normally locked in a closed position, but is openable in automatic response to a predetermined signal from the transmitter. This function is accomplished within the clasp by a solenoid operated release mechanism, a receiver wired to the solenoid, and a battery power pack for operating the aforesaid electronics. The retraction assembly is connected with the hull of the vessel and includes a reel that is springably biased to retract its associated mooring line, and is further regulated by a control mechanism. The control mechanism is operated in automatic response to the transmitter via a receiver, a solenoid wired with the receiver and an electrical supply for powering the aforesaid electronics.