Working the Pulley Catch on the Malone Canoe and Kayak Hammock

Question:

Hi, Ive mounted my Malone to the ceiling as per instructions and now have my cedar strip canoe hanging in it. But when I wanted to lower it, it wouldnt come down. With the canoe directly under it and getting wider as I move to the mid point of the canoe, the release wont work. I have to climb a ladder to hold the release down before itll start to release. Do you have a suggestion? Is this a design oversight? I have a garage door track right in the way of manually holding the release down.

asked by: Gary K

Helpful Expert Reply:

I went out to our demo warehouse and put together the Malone Canoe Hammock's (part # MPG346) catch pulley together with both ropes to experiment a bit with how the pulley catch worked.

What I found out is that the catch is very solid and exactly what you're looking for in this sort of product. It's a little tricky to get the catch to release. The best motion to release the catch is a smooth downward pull on both ropes to raise the weight a little before the catch will release and let you lower the canoe.

I can't stress the downward part enough. You have to pull straight down on the rope to get the catch to release at all. If you're to the left or right of the weight at all, the catch will stay stuck. Though I did find a little motion towards the weight helps the catch release.

This feels like a bit of a design oversight, as you'll put yourself pretty close to the canoe when lowering from this position. Plus, you have to be ready for the weight of the canoe almost immediately when you get the catch released.

expert reply by: Jacob W