MOB poles

[MtHopeBay]

I'm curious about Jim Buoy poles in particular. Are they worth the bucks? I know some don't think they're worth the $ or the trouble because you have to get them overboard in a hurry to mark the spot. Good Point. No, Excellent point. I can more easily and more quickly hit the MOB button on the chartplotter to mark the spot. MOB poles are required for offshore racing, though, and that's a factor.

The Jim Buoy 950 is on sale. That's the main reason I'm asking.

MikeB

[celenoglu]

MOB button on a GPS only records the point where the man left the boat. On the other hand a MOB pole will indicate the current positon of the MOB. The amount of wind and current should be always known to search MOB. The poles generally travel as fast as the MOB in water, therefore it will be easier to locate the casualty. If MOB is in good condition, he would swim towards the pole and be easily found. GPS position will not be as accurate.

[Minnewaska]

We are mounting a MOM on the pushpit next to the helm. It has a grenade pin on top. All you do is pull the pin and the unit drops in the water and self inflates both a 6 foot pole and horse collar. With just two onboard, it's impossible to douse sails and keep an eye on the victim.

[capecodda]

We've got a MOM too, for the same reason as Minnewaska. Lot's of 2 handed sailing, rapid deploy, etc., although I must admit I've never deployed it so I cannot speak from experience.

[JimsCAL]

For daysailing or casual cruising in protected water, its probably not necessary. For more serious cruising or long distance racing where some sailing in bad weather is a given, it's really required. The GPS and MOB allow you to find the person and the Lifesling allows you to get them back onboard. Best to have (and know how to use) all three

[MtHopeBay]

Thanks for the replies. We are a sailing couple and plan to sail our Catalina 27 offshore. I want to make my wife feel as comfortable as possible. We'll have jacklines and will clip in when conditions warrant it.

I am going to have a MOB pole of some kind. I really want to know if the Jim Buoy series of MOB poles is worth the cost. They are on sale and if they sound like good quality stuff then I'll order one.
MikeB

[JiffyLube]

We have a MOB pole with horse shoe float, but not the Jim Buoy one...we also carry the Life Sling. I agree with others that the pole will drift with the person overboard, and will give you a more reliable location to search...plus if there is a float attached the person in the water will have something to hang on to. We haven't had to use either of our MOB devices, but they're ready and waiting if we need them...makes the wife feel better too.

[DwayneSpeer]

I think the choice of whether or not to have and use a Man overboard pole is dependent upon where you're sailing. If you will often be in open water with high wave height (including swells) you should have one. If in relatively protected waters where loosing sight of the man overboard isn't a major problem then one isn't necessary. When I bought my boat 12 years ago it came with one. It didn't take me long to ditch it but I make it a 100% rule to have everyone on deck clip in when off shore.

[Pamlicotraveler]

The MOB can swim to the pole. Usually it is attached to a horseshoe float. We have a floting strobe attached. So if there were an MOB at night and you could all of that thrown in the water, there would be a light and a float.

[JiffyLube]

Originally Posted by Pamlicotraveler

The MOB can swim to the pole. Usually it is attached to a horseshoe float. We have a floting strobe attached. So if there were an MOB at night and you could all of that thrown in the water, there would be a light and a float.

I should put a strobe on ours too...good idea for a night time MOB.