Rigging the SlapStopper

The retrieval line - helps you to
get the SlapStopper back on board
and holds it off the rudder..

You will need three things:

  1. your SlapStopper – fastened together using the tabs to the shape best suited to your boat.
  2. A pair of guy lines that can be tied to the tab at the end of the SlapStopper that hold it in light tension against the hull.
  3. A retrieval line (right) to be tied through the central tabs on the ‘outboard’ end of the SlapStopper to hold it away from the rudder and so you can pull it aboard again without getting into your dinghy or down onto the stern platform.

When you are setting up for the first time, you aim is to get all the lines and positions set up and marked so you can get the SlapStopper repeatably snug against the hull every time with no adjustment apart from tightening the guy lines to the marks you make at setup. It’s impossible to tell you exactly how to set up for your boat: you just need to experiment until it looks right and sounds quiet!

Once you have marked all the lines and you have worked out how to attach them, the procedure will go something like this:

  1. Lay out the guy lines from the bows to the transom.
  2. Spread the SlapStopper out across the pushpit so it’s in the right orientation to slip into position either side of the hull.
  3. Make the recovery line fast to the SlapStopper (you probably leave it attached), and to your chosen point on the stern of your boat (eg the backstay, which is generally nice and central)
  4. Make the guy lines fast to the SlapStopper, making sure they are outside rigging, guardrails, danbuoys etc and underneath mooring lines, fender lines etc.
  5. Let the SlapStopper slide down the transom to be supported by the recovery line
  6. Adjust the guy lines to tension the SlapStopper snugly against the hull (sometimes it might need a nudge from a boathook to ease it into place but mostly it should settle in happily).

If you have gybe preventers rigged, they can make perfect guy lines, as you can see:

Just three lines, and it can all be rigged and recovered from the deck in just a few minutes - even if it's blustery.

Setting the SlapStopper up the first time might take a bit of patience, but you will be rewarded: The crucial thing is to make sure it is floating right up against the hull with no gaps where the wave can break through and trap an air pocket against your hull.

Once you get the hang of it you can get the SlapStopper rigged in less than ten minutes even if it’s blustery.


The SlapStopper is available
exclusively from C&J Marine.

Buy Online Now
or ask for the SlapStopper
at your favourite Chandlery...