Throwable PFD

[GZigmont]

Carried a Lifesling on my sailboat for the last twenty years, but haven’t seen too many power boats with a Lifesling. My buddy gave me a very nice auto inflatable throwable PFD that he had purchased just before getting out of boating. Nice device, but I’m concerned because it’s not tethered. You only get one throw and can’t pull someone in. Thinking of mounting the Lifesling somewhere (haven’t figured out where yet). Thoughts?

 

[BradOwens]

Is there a way to attach a tether to the throwable PFD?

 

[Mr. T]

I use a throwable from West Marine that simply mounts on your rail via a snap on the tether. Line comes out real fast, never had to use it, thank god.

https://www.westmarine.com/buy/west-marine--throw-ropes--P008_242_003_503?recordNum=1

 

[Chimo]

Mandatory safety equipment in Canada - all vessels. Cheaper too! https://ca.binnacle.com/product_info.ph ... ts_id=3290

 

[pleeson]

Most outdoor stores carrying canoe and kayak equipment have throw bags, a buoyant nylon bag full of rope that you throw for rescue purposes. The rope streams out as the device travels to where thrown. Can be pulled in while coiling the rope and re-thrown if you miss. We keep one clipped just outside the cabin door. Economical and effective.

 

[jlhowland]

The lifesling isn't a bad option, but you probably want to be able to deploy a throwable flotation device independently of a line attached to it. If your throwable is attached to the boat, you have to be mindful that your follow on maneuvers avoid dragging the flotation device away from the MOB, as well as running over the line and potentially fouling the prop. A non-attached throwable is also a good visual marker of the area where the person went in the water and if you lose sight can help you get back to the right area. IMHO you want to be able immediately deploy a throwable to a MOB that is not attached to the boat, and follow that up with a throwable line or pfd with line attached when your maneuvers are complete and you are ready to bring the MOB back to the swim platform.