The key thing is not to grab the loop in the painter with the hook on the boat hook. Grab behind the loop.

If you grab the loop and tension comes onto the mooring line you will not be able to release the hook from the loop and it will 1) pull the boat hook into the water, or 2) pull the boat hook user into the water.

We have done this. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Yikes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Blush.gif" alt="" />