I agree that true class 3 pfds with integral harness are superior to inflatables in that you have no worries about whether they will work or not. The main objective is to stay on board. Research thoroughly, but what you will use and commit to using it every time. Sent from my U.S. Cellular® smartphone John Schinnerer <john@eco-living.net> wrote:
On 01/30/2016 08:00 PM, Mark Dvorscak wrote:
I would go with 2 tethers and 2 inflatable pfds with harnesses.
I never can understand how someone will trust their life to a G-string of theoretically inflatable nylon with a mechanism that might not work in a true emergency required to make it function. A.k.a "inflatable PFDs.
I recommend "real" class III PFDs that always work as long as you are wearing them properly - no inflation needed. Modern class III PFDs are sleek, slim, secure, can be bought with safety tether harness/attachment built in, restrict movement minimally if at all, are not bulky and clunky, often have some handy pockets and clip points for knife, radio, etc..
This opinion comes from my experience as a paddlesports instructor and recreational paddler - canoe, kayak, outrigger; still, moving, white, and ocean waters. Here's a paddlesports professional's analysis - most of what he identifies as additional risks applies IMO to sailing as well - sometimes same reasons, sometimes variations (there's no spray skirt in use on a sailboat but there are other potential complications). http://www.exploreri.org/documents/How_about_those_inflatable_PFDs.pdf
I've only used harness and tether on one occasion, on a Corsair 31 tri. The skipper rigged a webbing jackline around the deck (which is the cabin top) perimeter, more like safety lines on a kayak deck. No stanchions, and with the tether on me, I sure would not have wanted to deal with them. Just keeping it free of the winches, clutches, etc. was enough trouble.
cheers, John S.
keep both you and your crew on board. Think about what the young guy would face if you want overboard suddenly leaving him alone on the boat. You will also need to install some stout, dedicated attachment points in the cockpit, at the mast and at the bow. I have found jacklines to be less than ideal on our small boats having tried them both on my 17 and 23 (they were great however on the Passport 42 I crewed down to mexico). With three attachment points i find it easy to move from one to the other quickly with very little unclipped transition time. I regularly sail our M23 offshore with a firm rule of always tethered outside the cockpit, in the cockpit in rough conditions or in the cockpit alone or at night. The only time I think I would string the jacklines would be if I were to do an overnight or longer offshore sail. Also, I would definitely keep some good visual distress signals (both hand held and aerial on board. Another personal rule is no one under 18 crosses the bar in my boat although you won't face that hazard sailing out of Gig Harbor. That's my 2¢ to add to the list you've already started. On Jan 29, 2016 20:16, "Jazzy" <jazzydaze@gmail.com> wrote:
So as I'm dinking around with the electrics I can't help but think about going sailing! With this in mind, my first purchases after getting all the lighting going will be safety equipment.
I live in Gig Harbor, WA. When the family is on board it will be super nice days and mild conditions. When I'm solo sailing (90% of the time), I can't even tell you the nasty stuff I've been in with my snipe and rain coat! So thats a different story. Glad to be alive. Anyway... so you see, I have two scenarios I sail under that I need to accommodate.
Here's what is on my short list so far:
Whistle (air horn can on board already) 2 Coastal Inflatable PFDs 1 Offshore Inflatable PFD with Harness (for me solo sailing, or when little guy is onboard- he's 13) 1 Tether 1 Emergency Blanket (onboard) 1 Handheld Radio (thinking ICOM) 2 Throwable Seat Cushions 1 Telescoping Paddle 1 Water Proof Chart of the local Area (onboard) 1 GPS Chartplotter/Sonar (onboard) Assortment of basic tools ( wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, 3m sealer)... tell if you have something besides! 1 8lb Dansforth (onboard)
Undecided about what to do about Visual Distress Signals. There are some expired flares and such on board, but that won't help with the coast guard. So I need something
Next week west marine is handing back $50 bucks if you spend $300 and it just so happens to be my birthday then, so I shall reap marine presents! AND Seattle Boat Show same week!
What do you all have/recommend? And if you have time...whats your potti situation? I have nothing in this area besides good balance.
I apologize for my million questions, you all are very kind attending to my newbieness.
-= Jazz
-- John Schinnerer - M.A., Whole Systems Design -------------------------------------------- - Eco-Living - Whole Systems Design Services People - Place - Learning - Integration john@eco-living.net - 510.982.1334 http://eco-living.net http://sociocracyconsulting.com