ROCKER STOPPERS

A forum for discussing topics relating to MacGregor Powersailor Sailboats
Locked
User avatar
jsserene
Engineer
Posts: 131
Joined: Sun May 09, 2004 7:36 pm
Location: Phoenix, AZ

ROCKER STOPPERS

Post by jsserene »

Has anybody used Rocker Stoppers or Magma Rock N Roll Stabilizer on a Mac?

RockerStoppers

Do they work?
Jeff
User avatar
craiglaforce
Captain
Posts: 831
Joined: Fri Jan 02, 2004 8:30 am
Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
Location: Houston, Tx

Post by craiglaforce »

Quite a few of us use rocker stoppers . They help, but are not a miracle cure or anything.

I bought some 2 lb weights and use them on the end of the line. PUt knots above and below the rocker stopper hole and then I cleat the line to the stern cleats. I only use 2 stoppers total, even though they recommend about 6 of them.
Frank C

Post by Frank C »

I use all 6 rocker stoppers, mainly because I found them on WM's bargain shelf (~ $20). They're still no miracle. I suspend them from the hip stanchions. They are knotted so they each remain fully visible when hanging, 3 on each string with a heavy mushroom anchor at the bottom. They would work a little better suspended farther abeam. Some hang them from the boom end, while it is side-tied @ 80*.

Try to keep them as shallow as possible without breaking the surface. If the boat clocks around the anchor at night and they tangle w/ the rode, it's a mess to unravel.

Don't ask ... :?
Murv Barry
Deckhand
Posts: 26
Joined: Sun Apr 11, 2004 5:43 pm

Rocker Stoppers

Post by Murv Barry »

I made a set of "stabilizers" and they are great. I'm referring to the hinged stainless rather than the cone shaped. One is attached to the end of the boom and the other on the other side to the end of the whisker pole. When properly adjusted and weighted they really prevent the boat from rolling with the swells. I built two of the stabalizers for less than half of the $150 WM charges for one. Care must be used if there is current as you need an additional line to keep the stabalizers from pulling you with the current.
User avatar
dclark
First Officer
Posts: 418
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:35 am
Location: Dave Clark - Orange County, CA - 2000 26X Day Tripper

Post by dclark »

I have two sets of 4 stoppers each. I tie them to the stanchions forward of the companionway - one set on each side. I have 10 pounds weighing each one down. I think they help enough to make it worthwhile.
User avatar
Tahoe Jack
First Officer
Posts: 309
Joined: Tue Jul 13, 2004 9:50 pm
Location: Lake Tahoe Nevada 2001 26X Evin/Suz 50..'Octopus'...

Rocker Stoppers

Post by Tahoe Jack »

Murv B....could you give us some details re your SS stoppers?
Been thinking about some fabric drogue-style...but your SS may be the way to go. Thanks Tahoe Jack
Rich Plumb
Engineer
Posts: 149
Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2004 2:55 pm
Sailboat: Venture 25
Location: Covington WA

Post by Rich Plumb »

I successfully use three rocker stoppers on each side when anchored in Lake Washington. I need them because of all the #@$%#@$ power boat traffic. They definately help.

I would caution you about using them in a river, or anywhere, where there is a "current" as you could drag your anchor.

Rich Plumb, "Plumb Crazy"
User avatar
dclark
First Officer
Posts: 418
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 10:35 am
Location: Dave Clark - Orange County, CA - 2000 26X Day Tripper

Post by dclark »

And don't forget to pull them up in the morning before you start to motor off.
Mark Prouty
Admiral
Posts: 1723
Joined: Mon Jan 19, 2004 8:52 am
Location: Madison, WI Former MacGregor 26X Owner

Post by Mark Prouty »

dclark wrote:I have two sets of 4 stoppers each. I tie them to the stanchions forward of the companionway - one set on each side. I have 10 pounds weighing each one down. I think they help enough to make it worthwhile.
Where did you get the 10 lb weights. Old barbell set?
User avatar
jsserene
Engineer
Posts: 131
Joined: Sun May 09, 2004 7:36 pm
Location: Phoenix, AZ

Post by jsserene »

Mark, the 10 lbs. weight is usually a mushroom anchor.
BK
Captain
Posts: 545
Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 9:47 pm

Post by BK »

I also use 3 Rocker Stoppers on each side with a 15lb weight tied at the bottom of each set. I used a new method that worked great here at Poets Cove in the Gulf Islands due to heavy traffic at customs across from my slip. I tied one line to the dock and then ran it across the boat to a support on the safety line pole. This stopped the boat from rolling. I am going to try this with my 12 foot inflatable. I am sure the inflatable will work the same as the dock slip.
Frank C

Post by Frank C »

BK wrote:.... I tied one line to the dock and then ran it across the boat to a support on the safety line pole. This stopped the boat from rolling. I am going to try this with my 12 foot inflatable. I am sure the inflatable will work the same as the dock slip.
Sorry to be dense, Bob. I'm guessing the "safety line pole" is one of your stanchions, right, and you're tying to its little, angled foot-brace?

Cannot imagine how tying like this to an inflatable would prevent rocking, but I'm anxious to hear more! I know you're on the water now - look forward to hearing about it whenever you're able.
Locked