For years we did the same thing. Raised our course manually (think, 2-3 boats pulling down the main line and attaching buoys), but eventually a fisherman cut our main line. Luckily, one of the neighbors caught him and we were able to collect damages and spent it on a new Wally Sinker course that we've had for five years. If someone snags it, there's still the potential to have it cut, but at least for us, raising and lowering the course (using a compressor, and leaving the buoys attached) saves a ton of time....and our backs and shoulders.