I have one that came with my boat. I'm going to get rid of it. Most of the time it's me and my sailingcutie and I'd rather she or I not spend crucial time getting the whole mess thrown overboard, which BTW is a 2 handed operation at the rail of a boat and could, in choppy and panicked conditions, find the rescuer going overboard as well. We're cruisers and if we're in bad weather we're both usually on deck, tied in, or both. I don't think they're ofuseful for a cruising couple.
I can see the utility of them on race-boats both inland and offshore. On a raceboat though you're often much closer to the edge of control, often use both hands for the boat, and are never clipped in. I've been in several races where people went overboard. They were all club races and there were lots of boats around, but we also race out of sight of each other in some races. On a raceboat you also have a crew, which allows a spotter, several to sail the boat and one to deploy the pole, so you're not loosing any time deploying it.
Now if I had unlimited boat funds this:
Switlik MOM 8 Man Overboard Module
would be something I would purchase. Even with unlimited funds it would be low on the list though. It's very well designed, I have to admit. Inflatable pole and ring with drogue and
line that all deploy instantly with the pull of a pin. The whole thing looks like a rigid plastic
lifesling container on the rail.
Now the disclaimer. Remember that safety gear is of very little value unless it's use is PRACTICED. When was the last time you chucked YOUR pole overboard? Even if you don't retrieve the pole often go chuck it over the side and the marina and see what it gets hung up on. I recall once being invited out on someone's boat and a plastic bag went overboard. The owner of the boat asked me and my girl to sail the boat back and retrieve it while he watched us sail his boat. He said he's always wondered that if he went overboard if sailing guests would be able to pick him up. Great opportunity to practice though especially since it wasn't scripted!
Medsailor