with a couple of hose clamps. I was advised to do this the first year I went cruising in Maine by a fellow sailor. Sounded
good and it wasn't totally useless. A hooknife is much better, imo: not only is it sharper, shaped better for its
intended purpose, have a larger edge area, but it's also held much more securely with the boothook. And, it's
so easy to rig I don't need to put it on the boathook unless and until I need it.

But, BB

But, DDQ, , I would advise also having a wetsuit and gear aboard. Yes ago when I bought mine I bought a 'shortie'
because I found it much easier to get into and I figured if I needed to put that thing on
I also needed to do it quickly. No, haven't used it in anger yet.

Murphy's Law being what it is, I think you also have to anticipate hooking one while just under power - and no wind.

But, IN ANY EVENT, the best defense is to first figure out how to minimize the chances of getting caught. This
isn't just a gear question, but is also a handling/navigational question. It took me a while to figure out which
side of the buoy to pass on.

Jerry