For my snotter I use a length of nylon line with a loop spliced in each end with 3 to 4 metres between loops.

Put one loop under the chain and pass the other loop through that one and pull it tight.

Put the unlooped loop on a cleat and let out the chain so it is slack and the snotter takes the load.

Nylon is nice and stretchy. You can have a length of plastic tube over the snotter to reduce chafe.

If you know how to splice three strand rope the whole thing will cost you less than $10.

I agree that nylon is reasonably stretchy and, since I own a cat, I also count on my nylon bridle lines to provide some of the flex. But I also wanted something that could stretch more to absorb big shock loads. The Shockles snubber stretches a massive 20cm before becoming static. That's a lot of extra shock absorption above and beyond just relying on the nylon.

Re pricing, the Shockle anchor snubber costs US$59.95 - with free shipping to a US address. Unfortunately they don't seem to ship to Australia.

I couldn't tell you yet how long it's going to last - hope for a long while - but at least they come with a one-year warranty. They were also very helpful when I emailed [email protected] (on the contact page on their web site). I think that the key thing is to ensure that they do not stretch by more than 70%.

Yes I realize that nylon is stretching too, but the snubber provides extra shock absorption - more than the stretch in the small section of nylon bridle that is redundant to the snubber. The snubber also responds more quickly to jerky loads, and as a result the boat seems to veer less now when it is on the hook.