A new addition to the box with every WaterLily this summer is a handy rope tensioner.  We decided to include one so you can quickly get your WaterLily positioned exactly where you want it, and easily untie it when you’re ready to pack up.

Pictured below along with the included 12’ of paracord and a stainless steel carabiner, it’s the curious black hook looking thing. 

But how the heck does it work?  OK, it’s a little confusing at first!  But once you get the hang of it you’ll be wanting more for all your rope tensioning needs!  In this blog post, we’ll give you the details on using this handy piece of kit.  The two most useful methods are illustrated below:

The most straightforward way to set up is to make a big adjustable loop. 

1. Start by securing one end of the rope to the tensioner as shown below.  (Steps 1-3 in blue in Figure 2.)

2. Next, thread the free end of the rope through the carabiner that is attached to the four lanyards on the turbine. See Figure 5 below.

3. Loop the free end of the rope around the tree or whatever you’ve chosen to anchor the turbine to upstream from the installation location.

4. Wrap the rope around the small tab and adjust the length until you are satisfied with the position of the turbine. (See step 4 in blue in Figure 2)

5. To lock it in, wrap the rope around the larger serrated tab and pull tight, forcing the rope into the serrated notch. (See step 5 in blue in Figure 2

6. For added security in strong currents, another wrap and / or a safety knot are advised.  Be sure any excess rope is secured so it does not get tangled in the turbine’s spinning rotor.

If this seems hard to remember, have a look at the markings on the tensioner (see Figure 1). This setup is explained right on the piece itself.  The dotted lines indicate where the rope passes behind the metal.

Another way to use the tensioner is to make an adjustable loop in one end of the rope while the other end of the rope remains fixed.

1. Begin by making a small loop in one end of the rope. The perfection loop (pictured below) is a nice one to use.

2. Attach the loop to the carabiner

3. With the turbine laid on shore (no tension on the rope) pull the rope up through the hole in the tensioner and wrap it around as shown below.  (see steps 1-3 in red in Figure 2)

‍

4. Wrap the free end of the rope around the branch, rock, or whatever it is you’ve decided to anchor the turbine to upstream from the installation location.

5. Place the turbine in the river and wrap the rope around the small hook on the tensioner.  (See step 4 in red in Figure 2)

6. Adjust the length to position the turbine where you want it, then lock it down by wrapping the rope around the long serrated hook.  (See step 5 in red in Figure 2).  The fixed end configuration is shown below.

This method could also be reversed, with the adjustable loop passing through the carabiner and the rope fixed to the anchor point.  It depends on which end of the rope is more accessible for adjustment which varies with every location.

We hope this new addition to the product makes set up easy for everyone, regardless of knot knowledge!  We welcome your comments, suggestions and questions!  Get in touch or leave a comment.