Abstract: The present invention is a fairlead for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead comprises a fairlead frame, a pivoting latch, and an actuator. The fairlead frame is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure and supports an axle for a chain sheave. The pivoting latch is mounted to pivot on the axle and comprises a tension link with a chain latch and a counterweight for urging the chain latch into engagement with the chain. The pivoting latch is configured to engage the chain only when the chain is traveling in the payout direction. The actuator controls the action of the counterweight.

Abstract: A system for lashing a tender assist drilling unit (TADU) to a floating production platform includes a plurality of winches on the forward end of the TADU, a plurality of sheaves on the upper portion of the hull of the platform, a plurality of connection devices on the lower portion of the hull of the platform, and a set of lashing lines, each of which extends from one of the winches, through a corresponding one of the sheaves, and vertically down alongside the platform hull to a corresponding one of the connection devices to which it is attached. The winches are operable to reel in and to pay out the lashing lines to control the separation distance so as to maintain an optimal operational separation distance during normal environmental conditions, while allowing the separation distance to be increased in severe conditions.

Abstract: A mooring system comprising a dock attachment line, a submerging member, a submerged sea anchoring line, a second submerging member and a plurality of craft attachment assemblies. The dock attachment line has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is positioned at a dock and the distal end extends therefrom. The submerging member facilitates the submerging of the dock attachment line such that the distal end is positioned below the surface of the water. The submerged sea anchoring line has a first end extending from the distal end of the dock attachment line and a second end spaced apart therefrom. The second submerging member facilitates the submerging of the submerged sea anchoring line. The plurality of craft attachment assemblies extend toward the surface from the submerged sea anchoring line. Each craft attachment assembly includes a first end coupled to the submerged sea anchoring line and a second end directed toward a surface of water positioned thereabove.

Abstract: The static soft rail launch and recovery system provides an anchor or piling located in a body of water away from the shoreline. The anchor remains at a fixed point under water, while being attached to cables having their opposite ends affixed on land to tension the cables. The cables become like rails due to static tension between the two fixed points. The watercraft is placed on a sling carriage that is slidably mounted on the cables and capable of sliding down the cables to launch the watercraft into the water. The watercraft is recovered by a winch cable tied to the watercraft and connected to a recovery winch. The system may be modified to use a single tow cable, attached to an anchor or piling. The system is used to launch watercraft of various sizes, and other payloads, and may be deployed for military, commercial, or emergency missions.

Abstract: A retractable mooring line device comprising a reel for storing and paying off a mooring line (2), having side walls (22, 24) each comprising a series of notches (60) for receiving a releasable latch (54). A latch simultaneously engages between notches in both side walls (22, 24) at a substantially right angle to provide a secure, positive locking engagement between the latch and the reel while permitting the latch (54) to be released under the application of relatively little force. In the preferred embodiment the latch may be actuated by a user's hand or foot and is biased toward the reel by a spring (70) which bears against the housing (18). The mechanism can be exposed for maintenance or repair simply by removal of the gunnel plate (16) and reinstallation of the gunnel plate does not require special loading of the latch spring.

Abstract: A support assembly for a mooring line of a floating vessel comprises a trunnion block which is pivotally supported on the vessel and a stopper block to which the mooring line is releasably secured. One of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a convex surface and the other of the trunnion block and the stopper block comprises a concave surface. In operation, the convex surface engages the concave surface to thereby pivotally support the stopper block on the trunnion block.

Abstract: A buoyant bumper system for attachment to a docking facility and cushioning a boat. The buoyant bumper system includes an elongated travel shaft for engaging the docking facility, a travel sleeve slidably carried by the travel shaft, a system float carried by the travel sleeve and a resilient bumper carried by the travel sleeve in spaced-apart relationship to the system float. Throughout tidal rise and fall of a water body, the system float maintains the bumper at a fixed level with respect to the boat. Therefore, the buoyant bumper system is capable of cushioning and preventing damage to the boat throughout a full range of tidal movement as the boat is docked to a docking facility.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for the safe berthing of marine vessels in the high seas and other unprotected open waters. The invention allows a large vessel to be berthed alongside in close enough proximity to a marine structure so that conventional loading arm equipment may be used to load and unload the vessel under most environmental conditions. One or more floating dolphins moored to the bottom of the sea and provided with fendering means are used for berthing the vessel alongside to the marine structure. The preferred type of floating dolphin is a triangular semi-submersible moored buoyant structure comprising three buoyant column members, or “caissons”, arranged invertical fashion, three buoyant hull segments, or “pontoons”, that support and separate the column members and provide heave damping to the moored buoyant structure, and three horizontal bracing members that retain the tops of the column members in place.

Abstract: A mooring line storage device and system for watercraft having a housing defining an inner cavity. The housing has at least one access aperture and a cover in overlying relationship with the aperture. Cover and housing cooperatively interact to prevent extension of a discrete region of a mooring line from the inner cavity. The device may also include at least one hanger to suspend the housing from a structural member of the watercraft.

Abstract: A mooring pole line attachment device is disclosed comprised of a buoyant base, cylindrical sleeve, the cylindrical sleeve having circumferential rings utilized for engagement of a line. The buoyant base includes an outer cover, inner coil and is filled with a buoyant material. The base also includes a central bore therethrough having a diameter sufficient to receive the cylindrical sleeve therewithin and to allow the base to be affixed to the sleeve so that inferior termini of both base and sleeve align. The cylindrical sleeve is a tubular structure having a central bore of a sufficient diameter to allow placement of the device upon a mooring pole and to allow for sliding thereupon. The sleeve includes parallel, circumferential rings and grooves utilized as attachment points for mooring ropes. The device is placed upon a mooring pole and, due to its buoyancy, floats and thereby adjusts its position upon the pole in accordance with changes in water level.

Abstract: A mooring system (28) of a floatable unit (20), such as life raft or platform, the floatable unit (20) having a first side (21) facing a vessel side (22) and a second side (23) facing away from the vessel side (22). The mooring system (28) comprises at least two back springs (2) which are in connection with the first side (21) of the floatable unit (20), and at least one strap (1) which is in connection with the second side (23) of the floatable unit (20), the back springs (2) and the strap (1) being connected to the vessel (30). The back springs (2) are adapted to control the floatable unit (20) in a longitudinal direction in relation to the vessel (30), and the strap (1) is adapted to control the floatable unit (20) in a transverse direction in relation to the vessel (30). The floatable unit is held in secure and fixed position alongside the vessel side, thereby enabling people evacuating from the vessel to enter the floatable unit without any high risk of injury or damage.

Abstract: A novel mooring line device is described and illustrated. The mooring line device is designed to engage a mooring line, the mooring line having a free end for attachment to a watercraft and a looped end for attachment to the mooring line device. The inventive mooring line device comprises two tubes, secured adjacent to one another, through which the mooring line is threaded. Once the mooring line is wrapped about a piling, the looped end of the mooring line may be engaged within a locking component of the mooring line device, and the mooring line subsequently tightened about the piling and secured thereto via the inventive mooring line device.

Abstract: The present invention is a fairlead for guiding and securing an anchor chain between an offshore structure and an anchor. The fairlead comprises a fairlead frame, a pivoting latch, and an actuator. The fairlead frame is pivotally mounted to the offshore structure and supports an axle for a chain sheave. The pivoting latch is mounted to pivot on the axle and comprises a tension link with a chain latch and a counterweight for urging the chain latch into engagement with the chain. The pivoting latch is configured to engage the chain only when the chain is traveling in the payout direction. The actuator controls the action of the counterweight.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hawser guidance system, adaptable to a quick release mooring hook assembly, which is provided with a hook and a vertical arm supporting a rope carrier that can orient itself aligned with the direction of an incoming hawser or mooring cable, and, optionally, with a righting bar located in front of the hook for righting the eye, in such a way as to guide the eye of the hawser or mooring cable to the hook and to engage the hook of a quick release mooring hook assembly.

Abstract: A boat mooring device comprises two PVC pipes pivotally joined at a common midpoint to be selectively positionable from a coextensive linear configuration to an X-shaped configuration. Each pipe has a segment of nylon line extending therethrough and secured therein. The device includes a first pair of line anchoring structures adapted for spaced-apart attachment to a docking structure, and a second pair of line anchoring structures adapted for spaced-apart attachment to a watercraft. In use, the pipes are arranged in an X-shaped configuration and the ends of the nylon lines are attached to the anchoring structures on the dock and watercraft. Each pair of line anchoring structures are spaced apart at a distance approximately equal to half the length of the pipes. In this arrangement, the pipes form an angle of approximately 60° with respect to one another, which provides the optimal configuration for maintaining the moored boat in position.

Abstract: The mooring line device may be used for watercraft mooring to for example a dock. A bag may have a first wall, a second wall, two side walls, a bottom wall and a top wall with the top wall having an aperture. A hook may be disposed in the aperture with an attachment element protruding from the bag. The two side walls and the bottom may have a continuous opening with a closure device. A rope at a proximal end may be attached to the hook. A strap may be attached to one of the first or second walls and may be disposed to retain a rope when the rope is folded for storage in the bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mooring line connector system for connecting and disconnecting lines, comprising: a female connector body (1) defining an internal receptacle and defining spaced male connector body (21) surfaces defining an axially male connector receiving opening (13); the female connector (1) having at least three substantially cylindrical subparts (5, 7) being integral with said connector body (1) and a line connecting end (2); a male connector body (21) having at least three substantially cylindrical subparts (25, 26, 29) and a line connecting end (22); the female connector subparts (5, 7) being in substantial conformity with the male connector body subparts (25, 26, 29); the male connector body (21) being rotatable in relation to the female connector body (1) to bring shoulders (14, 28) present on each female and male body in contact, or out of contact, respectively, with each other.

Abstract: A shock absorbing line device that preferably comprises one or more loops of shock cord protected by one or more lengths of tubular webbing with carabiners secured to either end.

Abstract: In a method of and apparatus for offshore mooring, a clamping apparatus includes a clamping mechanism and a pulley. A mooring line connected to an anchor or a pendant line connected to a vessel to be moored extends through the clamping mechanism and around the pulley of the clamping apparatus. The distal end of the line extending through the clamping apparatus is connected to an anchor handling vessel. The anchor handling vessel is employed to apply a predetermined tension to the pendant line and the preset mooring line. A remote operated vehicle is then employed to actuate the clamping apparatus and to disengage the anchor handling vessel.

Abstract: A boat docking assembly for docking a boat in a slip alongside a dock comprises a catch adapted for attachment to a boat, an arm adapted for pivotable attachment to a dock at a pivot and connection with the catch, and a dampener adapted to resist movement of the boat away from the pivot. The assembly preferably includes a support line along the side of the boat upon which the catch slides. The dampener preferably provides progressive resistance against movement away from the pivot and reduces the boat's velocity before pulling the boat toward the dock for debarkation or embarkation.

Abstract: The concept of Surge Pro Mooring System; is a self-adjusting mooring line that would serve as a mooring system for any vessel. Normally, lines for mooring boats are a fixed length, which can present problems when the water level rises and falls in tidal situations. The Surge Pro Mooring System would self adjust for -the particular water level or waves encountered. This would eliminate unnecessary stress on the lines, damage to the vessel, and worrying by the vessel's owner.

Abstract: A connection system for Yachts comprising a lightweight rope loop (2) and a body part for connecting sheets, sails and blocks. A tensile connecting device comprises a high strength fiber rope with a first enlarged terminated end that is held captive in a second body part having a shoulder (59a) such that said elongated loop is slipped over said shoulder to form a quickly connected and disconnected tensile joining device.

Abstract: A device for securing a rope or cable that may be easily mounted to an object or supporting structure. The device includes a base having a socket for receiving a plunger. A coil spring is located at the bottom of the socket and exerts an upward bias against the bottom of the plunger. Both the upper portion of the base and the plunger have circular apertures that may be selectively vertically aligned by depressing the plunger to permit horizontal passage of a rope through the aligned apertures. By releasing the plunger, a shearing force is applied to the rope due to the misalignment of the apertures, thereby frictionally securing the rope or cable within the device. A foot operated mechanism may be employed to assist the user in depressing the plunger. The plunger may also be selectively and/or releasably locked in a depressed position to maintain alignment of the apertures, facilitating insertion of the rope without the need for maintaining a downward force on the plunger.

Abstract: An offshore construction includes a floating body (1), at least one anchor line (2) for connecting the floating body to the sea bed, the anchor line being connected to the floating body via a flexible top part (4) which is attached to a connector (5) on the floating body. The connector includes a housing (9) having two mutually perpendicular pivot axes (10, 12) with an elongate tubular member (8) extending in the anchor line direction and a latch mechanism (15) for fixation of the anchor line to the floating body and preventing movement in the direction of the sea bed. The connector includes a rod (13), which can be accommodated within the tubular member. The rod is connected to the flexible top part.

Abstract: A mooring device and method for small boats is provided which allows a boat to be quickly, securely moored to a dock. The mooring device comprises a rigid tubular member having a Y-like shape. An endless cord passes through the tubular member and exits both arms and the leg of the Y-like member to secure small boats safely while accommodating waves of up to approximately two feet in height.

Abstract: A retractable mooring fitting assembly for a marine vessel includes a mooring fitting that has a first end and a second end. A counterweight is disposed toward the second end of the mooring fitting. An axle is interposed between the counterweight and the first end, and the mooring fitting is pivotable about the axle. At least a first bearing provides a load path from the mooring fitting to the marine vessel.

Abstract: A device for securing a rope or cable that may be easily mounted to an object or supporting structure. The device includes a base having a socket for receiving a plunger. A coil spring is located at the bottom of the socket and exerts an upward bias against the bottom of the plunger. Both the upper portion of the base and the plunger have circular apertures that may be selectively vertically aligned by depressing the plunger to permit horizontal passage of a rope through the aligned apertures. By releasing the plunger, a shearing force is applied to the rope due to the misalignment of the apertures, thereby frictionally securing the rope or cable within the device. A foot operated mechanism may be employed to assist the user in depressing the plunger. The plunger may also be selectively and/or releasably locked in a depressed position to maintain alignment of the apertures, facilitating insertion of the rope without the need for maintaining a downward force on the plunger.

Abstract: A hawser system for connecting a semisubmersible tender to a deep draft caisson vessel comprising: a first winch and a second winch disposed on the first end of the tender; a first hawser connected to the first winch and a second hawser connected to the second winch; a first sheave and a second sheave disposed on a second end of the tender opposite the first end of the tender, the first sheave for engaging the first hawser and the second sheave for engaging the second hawser; a first hawser fairlead disposed on a first side of the tender for receiving the first hawser and a second hawser fairlead disposed on the second side of the tender for receiving the second hawser and wherein the first hawser crosses the second hawser three times as each is reaved to each fairlead and wherein the first and second hawsers pass beneath the deck of the tender to the deep draft caisson vessel; at least one connector or joining the first and second hawsers at a position n the deep draft caisson vessel, after the hawsers pass

Abstract: A method of using a semi-submersible tender with a deck, a shape that results in a combined environmental load less than 1000 kips in a 100-year extreme weather condition, a plurality of supports each with a rounded shape connected to the deck, a plurality of pontoons connecting the supports with each pontoon being capable of ballast transfer, wherein the tender is used for mooring in a tendering position relative to an offshore platform during a 1-year, 10-year, and 100-year storm, as well as non-storm conditions, using hawsers with adequate elasticity to accommodate the wave frequency between the platform and the tender and adequate stiffness to synchronize the mean/low frequency movement between the platform and the tender under an environmental load produced during a 10-year winter storm, and enough slack during a 10-year storm to enable the tender to move to a tender standby position, and wherein the tender uses an at least 6-point mooring system for creating global equilibrium between the platform and t

Abstract: A system for anchoring of a tanker near an offshore production unit (1) which is anchored by means of a number of anchor lines (2, 14) and associated anchors, and from which a tanker (3) in use of the system is supplied with oil or gas. The system comprises a first and a second pair of bottom-anchored buoys (13 resp. 15) located before or behind the production unit (1), as seen in the prevailing weather direction (W), and at a chosen distance from the production unit (1). The buoys (13) of the first pair are located closer to the production unit (1) than the buoys (15) of the second pair, and the buoys (13 resp. 15) of each pair has a chosen mutual distance transversely to said weather direction (W), so that a tanker (3) may be moored in the region between the buoys (13, 15) with the fore-and-aft direction essentially coinciding with said weather direction (W).

Abstract: A portable mooring device is adaptable for attachment to existing devices, such as cleat or rail, or directly to a boat or other water craft. A flat plate is attached directly to the water craft or to an existing cleat or rail, and then an attachment device is attached to the plate. The attachment device may be a mounting plate that receives a rod secured thereto by a pin or other fastening device. The rod may be of a desired length to secure the water craft to a dock with a rope or other securing device. The rod is secured in the mounting plate so that it will not move laterally to the dock, therefore keeping the watercraft at a desired distance from the dock and preventing the water craft from hitting and rubbing against the dock, or other water craft. The rod may have a pivot point on the end attached to the mounting plate so the boat can move up and down with the movement of the water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mooring that provides an alternative to the chain traditionally used in mooring installations. It provides a flexible tie member to couple vessels to permanently located anchors which simulates the action of a mooring chain, but which is more durable and where the weights used in the apparatus may be reusable. The mooring apparatus comprises or includes, a flexible or articulable elongate member having a first end and a second end, and plurality of weights each secured and spaced along the elongate member, the first end adapted to be connected to an anchor weight and the second end adapted to be connected to a buoy. The method comprises using the mooring apparatus to moor a vessel.

Abstract: A mooring device for mounting freely around a mooring post for making fast a boat, the device comprising a collar for mounting around the post in a manner that the collar can move up and down according to the tide along the post, with one stem connected to the collar and freely movable around the collar and a buoy in the stem for keeping the collar and stem floating in the water, the stem including a distal ring for connecting a rope for making fast the boat.

Abstract: A remotely operable device that enables one person to quickly attach and release a boat to and from a mooring. The device is retractable to allow for a safe and non-obstructive state while the boat is under way. A mooring buoy with a tall vertical rigid rod is targeted by a catcher at the end of a telescopic arm that is aimed by remote control at the rod on the buoy, and automatically locks with the rod upon contact with a bi-directional latch in the catcher. Guide rails extend from either side of the catcher to form a “V” to quickly enable the catcher to lock on to the rod. A mooring line can then be extended. To get the boat under way, the mooring line is reeled in, pulling the boat close. Then the remote controlled latch releases the rod. These operations can be performed by cables controllable from the cockpit of a boat or by radio or infra-red control links for controlling electronically actuated motors, latches or springs.

Abstract: A vertical, flexible, fiberglass pole extending vertically upward from a mooring buoy, the pole having a resilient line holder attached near to the top of the pole. Reflective tape is applied to the pole. The line holder retains a mooring line, which is secured at one end to a chain anchoring the mooring buoy. In an alternate embodiment, a resilient line holder is attached to a piling through a vinyl base. The hook is arranged vertically, but can rotate in a horizontal plane 180 degrees. A label of reflective tape is applied to the vinyl base for increased visibility, even during nighttime. The line holder retains a mooring line, which is secured at one end to a cleat attached to the piling, in a coil until removed when mooring.

Abstract: The present invention is a boat mooring system for stabilizing a boat while docked which allows the effective length of the mooring line to vary for substantially greater distances than that of the prior art. The boat mooring system contains a multi pulley arrangement such that a small movement in a spring tensioning device results in a substantial change in the effective length of the mooring line. Thus, a change in tide, or weather conditions results in a substantial compensating effect.

Abstract: A mooring system and method for mooring in deep and ultra deep water which allows conventional shallow water floating platforms and vessels to be moored in deep and ultra deep water using a conventional shallow water mooring system, while maintaining an acceptable watch circle. A plurality of buoys are placed at a specific depth below the ocean surface and are tethered at high tension to the ocean floor such that the buoys remain stationary. A shallow water floating platform or vessel can then be moored to the buoys using a conventional mooring system, being in effect “fooled” into believing that the sea bottom is shallower than it actually is.

Abstract: A mooring and tender system comprising: a deck; a shape that results in a combined environmental load of less than 1000 kips in a 100-year extreme weather condition; a plurality of supports connected to the deck; a plurality of pontoons connecting to the supports, at least two hawsers for connecting the tender to a production platform, each having adequate elasticity to accommodate the wave frequency between the production platform and the tender, and adequate stiffness to synchronize the mean and low frequency movement between the production platform and the tender under an environmental load produced during a storm having a designation of up to a 10-year storm in the tendering position, connecting means securing each hawser; a hawser guidance system; an at least 8-point mooring system with each mooring lines consisting of: a first length of steel wire rope; a length of polymer rope secured to the first length of steel wire rope; a second length of steel wire rope secured to the polymer rope; and means for c

Abstract: A mooring system for watercraft for use with an anchor, the mooring system having an elongated anchor line which is attachable to an anchor; a connection member which is connected to the elongated anchor line; one or more shore lines which are connected to the connection member; and a watercraft attachment line which is connected to the shore line. The watercraft attachment line is then attachable to watercraft, preferably small and/or personal watercraft such as a “jet-ski(R)” watercraft or the like to moor the watercraft in offshore water.

Abstract: An anchoring system for the production of hydrocarbons at sea by employing a moored production vessel or ship in which the ship is equipped with a mooring apparatus, preferably at the bow portion, and with at least one connection unit for a production riser from the seabed. Included is an anchor located at the seabed, as well as at least one anchor line adapted to connect the anchor to the mooring apparatus on the ship. There being provided a permanent anchor, preferably in the form of a suction anchor, gravitation anchor, or pile anchor. The anchor being provided with a swivel mechanism for the anchoring line, preferably with a buoyant body attached at a middle portion of the anchoring line, and whereby the riser is in the form of at least one flexible hose, the lower end of which is connected to said swivel mechanism. The flexible hose contains at least two passages for hydrocarbons and possibly other fluids.

Abstract: A shock absorbing and adjustable-length mooring and utility securing line for mooring a boat to a dock in a marine environment utilizes a hollow flexible tubing constructed of substantially inelastic fabric material and a bungee cord disposed within the tubing. The hollow tubing has a central section disposed between the opposite ends of the tubing, and the fabric material of the central section is movable lengthwise between a gathered condition and a fully-stretched condition to accommodate a lengthening of the line as the opposite end portions of the central section are moved farther apart from a condition at which the central section is in a gathered condition and to accommodate a shortening of the line as the opposite end portions of the central section are moved closer together from a condition at which the central section is in a fully-stretched condition.

Abstract: An automatically adjusting mooring system that is lightweight and flexible for storing in small spaces comprises a water weight bag made of a flexible and durable material, a pulley and a line. The pulley is hung on a floating object and the line run through the pulley. One end of the line is tied to a stationery object and the other end to a water weight bag. The water weight bag is filled to the desired level to provide the weight and tension necessary to keep the line taut an maintain the floating object in a safely docked position.

Abstract: A mooring apparatus for securing a mooring line for a floating rig or the like, includes a soil penetration means, an anchoring means, and coiled tubing or the like, the soil penetration means and anchoring means being arranged upon the coiled tubing. Fluid may be pumped down the coiled tubing to drive the soil penetration means, or to activate the anchor. A transmission cable, to control the mooring system or supply it with power, may also be disposed along the coiled tubing. Various penetration means, such as drill and helical augers may be used. For soft soil, the soil penetration means may include nozzles to erode the soil. The soil penetration means may either be retracted, of sacrificed to form part of the anchor. The anchor may then be fixed securely by supplying concrete or the like down the coiled tubing and into the hole. The mooring apparatus includes a buoy, releasable by remote signals.

Abstract: A vessel includes at least two anchor lines connected respectively at a substantially fixed position near the bow and near the stern of the vessel. At least one of the anchor lines includes at least two branching anchor lines each connected with one end to the anchor line in a connection point and connected with the other end to the seabed. By means of this system, a stable anchoring arrangement is achieved in which the sides of the vessel are easily accessible by for instance a shuttle tanker. The system also allows for a weathervaning action through relatively small angles, for instance between 0 and 90°. In another embodiment, at least one of the anchor lines is connected to a substantially fixed position pulling system such as a winch system for lengthening or shortening the anchor lines. For providing a weathervaning action through a range of about O and 90°, the anchor lines are maintained in a tensioned state by the winch system and are varied in length.

Abstract: A rubrail mooring line receptacle apparatus integrating a rubrail with a mooring line receptacle. A pair of bow mooring lines are connected at their respective near ends to the bow of the watercraft, for example via respective starboard and port cleats, or via a centrally located bow eyelet. The distal end of the bow mooring lines are preferably connected adjustably to an abutment member, preferably in the form of a handle, which is snappably held in place at the gunwale. Port and starboard rubrail mooring line receptacles include a sidewall, a rubrail member integral with a lower portion of the sidewall, and, preferably, a flange member connected to an upper portion of the sidewall. The rubrail member is robust and preferably provides internal and external curvilinear surfaces, wherein the internal surface provides an interior hollow which is preferably concave and is sized to restably receive a bow mooring line therein.

Abstract: A docking system for vessels employing at retractable docking line coupled to a rotatable spool. The rotatable spool is controlled by an operator of the vessel by a centralized hydraulic or electrical system. The retrieval systems allows for free wheeling line deployment and variable speed line retraction. Solenoid valves and relays are used to allow an operator to retrieve lines at various speeds allowing the vessel to be moved fore or aft for proper docking alignment. A weighted end cap allows for passing of the docking lines and further provides for sealing of the docking system when placed in a storage position.