When an anchor chain suddenly goes taut it can sound like a gun going
off (or a cleat tearing out!). Take the stress off your anchor, windlass,
and boat by rigging a SHOCKLES on your anchor chain. Our custom anodized
heavy-gauge carabiners will fit most chains (see guidelines below) and snap
on and off your chain easily. If they don't fit your chain size you can
simply clip on any of a dozen different shackles or stainless clips instead.
SHOCKLES are available in three lengths (12", 18" and 24") and two resistances
(FORCE/2 and FORCE/3). Your SHOCKLE choice will obviously depend on your
use and there are no wrong choices.
The best length of SHOCKLE for your use will depend on the amount of
stretch you required. SHOCKLES are pretty versatile and more than one size
will work for a specific application. In addition, you can always set a
specific amount of stretch by making the safety line shorter than 2X maximum
length.
Use a Force 2 if you just need moderate shock absorption (boom tie-down,
small boat dock lines, etc.). Force 2 take around 100 pounds of pressure/weight
to stretch them. If you just need a little stretch (or if you want to make
sure that there isn’t too much stretch) you’ll want to use a short 12” SHOCKLE.
If you want significant stretch you’ll use a longer one.
For applications that demand a very stiff SHOCKLE (asymmetrical spinnaker
tack, anchor snubber, boom preventer, dock line snubber on large boats)
you’ll want to use the stiffer Force 3.
The Force3 is the heavy-duty SHOCKLE for when you need lots of resistance.
The Force3 has 1.5 times the resistance as the Force2 SHOCKLE. The Force3
is ideal for applications where a powerful tension is required. Ideal as
an anchor chain or dockline snubber (for larger boats), asymmetrical spinnaker
tack, boom preventer, and securing or reducing shock on any part of your
boat with high loads. Force3 SHOCKLE comes in three lengths and three colors.
Also, you can create a progressive shock absorbsion system by rigging
two different length SHOCKLES side-by-side. For instance, when tying your
boat to two pier posts fore and aft, we’d suggest rigging a 24” SHOCKLE
side-by-side with an 18” SHOCKLE on either end of your boat. In this way,
the shorter SHOCKLE will take up the initial pull and keep your boat secure
and shock free. But if you get a big pull (from passing waves or a gust
of wind) the pull will also come onto the second SHOCKLE. We’ve used this
technique with great success on our 42’ catamaran (using pairs of F3 SHOCKLES).
We’ve designed the SHOCKLE system so that there is 80% stretch for each
size yet only 6” difference in length between the three sizes (12”, 18”
and 24”). When tying a boat you can even use SHOCKLES at either end of your
lines, as well as in the middle, The lighter F2 SHOCKLES will keep the lines
snug while an additional F3 will add complete shock absorbsion if needed.
If you would like any assistance in choosing the right size or strength
please send an email to info@ahoycaptain.com
and let us know the specifics about your boat and the planned usage.
Warranty
SHOCKLES come with a 5-year warranty! SHOCKLES are designed to withstand
the rigors of a marine environment. SHOCKLES are guaranteed for five (5)
years from the purchase date. Should you have a problem with the SHOCKLES
during this period, simply return the SHOCKLES to us and it will be replaced
at no charge.
