Flopper stopper - La Cruz,,Chamela,, Melaque - 2013

February, 2013 - Anchored in Bahia de Navidad Lagoon, Mexico

Magma Rock N Roll Stabilizer (flopper stopper) .

La Cruz, Chamela (Perula Bay) and Melaque are so far the places we have deployed it but this we could have used in at least a couple others. Even with a stern anchor out this is a help.

In La Cruz end of December and our first deployment of the Magma Rock N Roll Stabilizer (flopper stopper). 

First we moved the whisker pole end out to 6’ from the side of the hull, the recommended length. To make sure it did not go back in we put a hose clamp on the end at the desired length. 

In La Cruz as you can see we had four lines.

1. One is the line from the side deck to the whisker pole. Attached to that line is the whisker pole (WP). Also attached to that line is also a snatch block.

2. Another line about 40’ runs through the snatch block and down to the flopper stopper(FS). It is tied off at the mast.

3. Another small line is attached to the flopper stopper so you can close it to retrieve the FS when needed.

4. A line that holds the wisker pole in between the side stays.

This did not all work that great. The FS did it’s job but the line to the snatch block banged on the whisker pole and the little line to close the FS got wrapped around the line from the snatch block.

The line to the WP made noises at the side stay where it was tied off.

The FS is hard to retrieve as you need a boat hook stretched out far to grab the line on the snatch block and then bring it into the side of the boat, then grab it and haul up the FS. It is also hard to deploy as you essentially drop it over the side as best you can hoping it does not swing back into the side of the boat before you get it into the water by losing the line. We did find a fix.

 In La Cruz we got the FS working and it did fine. The system needs improving.

Debbie is setting the stopper retrieval line. - Bahia de Chamela (Perula Bay).

In Chamela we moved the line holding the WP to the mast where it did not make any noise.

 We moved the little line to close the FS but it still got tangled. 

The line to the snatch block still banged on the pole at times.

When we were in Chamela  Bay in the beginning of January 2013.

At least 15 ' down, Chamela Bay was clear! 

At least 15 ' down 

 

Melaque.

 In Melaque we changed the setup a lot. We moved the little line to close the FS for retrieval up to the bow pulpit.

We moved the line that holds the FS and goes through the snatch block to the stern cleat (no banging). This line is nice on the snatch block because you can then easily adjust the height. It is recommended to be 20’ down but some anchorages the best you can do is 15’ or so.

We moved the line (replaced it) that holds the pole centered to the bow cleat. This line used to be tied between the side stays. With the FS line on the stern cleat this line works great on the bow cleat. The line between the stays was not a great idea but worked.

1. One is the line from the side deck to the whisker pole. Attached to that line is the whisker pole. Also attached to that line is also a snatch block.

2. Another line about 40’ runs through the snatch block and down to the flopper stopper(FS). It is tied off at the stern cleat.

3. Another small line is attached to the flopper stopper so you can close it to retrieve the FS when needed. It is attached to the bow pulpet.

4. A line that holds the WP in between the side stays was replaced with a line from the front of the WP to the bow cleat..

We also added a 5th line.

5.  This line is our new retrieval line and deployment line.

 With this line you just lower the FS over the side until you reach the desired depth, then let it swing out on the line that holds it through the snatch block.

To retrieve it you simply pull up on the line. This line also acts as a safety line in case the line from the snatch block breaks. This is also a heavy line. It is tied off on the whisker pole and then to the boat.

This setup is working great and may get tweaked again however we are real satisfied with it.

Deployment line tied to the whisker pole.

 Next deployment what we need to do is extend the pole about six more feet and try that. There is not any down or up pressure on the whisker pole, it is just a guide for the lines.
Magma “Rock ’n Roll”™ Boat Stabilizer
Fully open 36” x 21” (91.5 cm x 53 cm) 756 square inches
resistance (4878 sq. cm).
• Folds flat for storage 10-1/2” x 36” x 3” (27 cm x 91.5 cm x 7.5 cm)
• Includes 3/16" dacron bridle assembly
•Weighs only 18 lbs. (8 kg)
• Complete with attractive rugged storage case

"Now, your whole family can enjoy boating more comfortably while anchored, drifting, fishing or moored! Our patented hydrodynamic design breakthrough relies on shape rather than heavy weight, making it more efficient and easier to handle. Our proven hinged-wing stabilizer operates silently without noisy flapper valves or vanes to keep you awake at night. So remarkably effective, it actually reduces motion sickness and accidents caused by uncomfortable wind and sea conditions. For use on sailboats, the Rock & Roll may be attached to a “swing out” boom or to a spinnaker pole"

Bottom line - this product is definitely worth the cash!  We were on the "fence" about buying it so now that we did, we are glad we did.  Being in the Mexican Riveria, there are a few anchorages that tend to be a little rolly so now we don't hesitate.  It's the difference in getting no sleep to getting a good night's sleep.

Now to get another one!  The ultimate setup would be to have one on each side!!