Product of the Week- The 'Happy Captain' boat hook

by Carolyn Drumm/Sail-World on 24 Nov 2012 The ‘Happy Captain’, just released in November, has been the culmination of a three-year dream for two happy captains and good friends, Murray Bragg and Arthur Nommensen, from Queensland.

Their story: The pair have sailed the seven seas in power and sail boats and bays in Tinnies. They enjoy all things maritime, even the excitement of storms at sea, but always with one exception. They grew to hate all boathooks at least, that is, all the ones currently on offer.

These were all either too long to stow, too short to reach, or they sank when dropped. Their hook shape could not scoop up a mooring rope lying on the dock, or if they did by luck, the rope would fall away from reach.

They would not, even when advertised to do so, reliably thread a mooring rope through a buoy-ring or jetty cleat. In the dark you couldn't find them. they would corrode and jamb, or not lock so they would slide apart or they would be too heavy or too fragile.

So the good friends set about finding a solution with the help of their first mate wives and the friendly yachtie community, who are always quick with advice.

After three years, many tests, many prototypes and dead ends, and three resulting innovation patents later, Arthur and Murray have finally become Happy Captains.

The New 'Happy Captain' Boathook:
The ‘Happy Captain’ boathook has a triple extension pole with a trigger locking system and a secondary lock to ensure failsafe extension of the pole, stopping it slipping when extended. The locking system for the hook and accessories also ensures firm and stable attachment.

Advantages of the ‘Happy Captain’:
* It glows in the dark
* It cannot electrocute you as it has *no metal parts. (*Some versions have two tiny 316L SS 3mm x 10 mm pins)
* It extends to 3 meters
* It magically threads the mooring rope through the ring or cleat,
* It actually picks up and holds a rope from a jetty, deck or your boat deck
* It floats when extended even when a brush is attached

...and not just a boathook:
The range includes a growing list of very cool attachments that fit the triple extendable boathook pole, such as soft care and firm care brushes, which can be used to scrub the deck or as a cobweb brush. You can even connect pool attachments There is also tasteful Happy Captain marine apparel. The rain proof Happy Captain 'packet-jacket', for example, which fold back into its own breast-pocket to store or carry with you, are perfect boating accessories.

From the reaction of all yachties, crabbers, home pool carers, house holders, gardeners, golfers and even house-painters who have seen this range, all believe that you too will think it is, for sure, 'The World’s Best Boat hook'

Watch a demonstration here:


To learn more or purchase the 'Happy Captain, http://www.happycaptain.com.au/store.php/products/happy-captain-boathook-complete!click_here.