Can anyone tell me what this is?

Mariner777 · #1 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

I found this on my boat when I bought her. Have no idea what its for but its made by forspar which seems to make sailing equipment. Have had no luck trying to google it. Am thinking of putting it in storage or garbage unless its some piece of sailing gear that I have not yet realized I need. Appreciate any comments... Its about 2 feet or so in size

rpearlberg · #2 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

looks like it's to hold a U-shaped floatation device of some sort.....

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

Yup... a holder for the (illegal in Canada) old horseshoe buoys. DON"T throw it out. At least cut it into pieces and keep them. It never hurts to have some pieces of SS rod around.

knothead · #4 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by rpearlberg

looks like it's to hold a U-shaped floatation device of some sort.....

Exactly, a horseshoe ring holder.

Minnewaska · #5 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faster

Yup... a holder for the (illegal in Canada) old horseshoe buoys. DON"T throw it out. At least cut it into pieces and keep them. It never hurts to have some pieces of SS rod around.

Illegal, as in not allowed to have aboard? Or, illegal, as in doesn't count as a required PFD.

I see no reason not to have a horseshoe bouy to throw to a MOB.

jackdale · #6 (**permalink**) 06-08-2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minnewaska

Illegal, as in not allowed to have aboard? Or, illegal, as in doesn't count as a required PFD.

I see no reason not to have a horseshoe bouy to throw to a MOB.

We need a lifering.

The horseshoe buoy does not replace it. It is not illegal, it does not meet our standards.

I think the OP is American. If so, he should install and use it.

mitiempo · #7 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

No, it doesn't meet our "standards".

We have to have the heavy, hard kind that, if you aim is bad will give the person in the water a concussion.

Omatako · #8 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Just for the interest - how many members have actually tried to climb into a life ring in the water. And when you try, you probably won't be injured or exhausted or a little chubbier than average. And you'll probably be a reasonable swimmer.

But when you are exhausted and injured and a poor swimmer who doesn't like your head to go underwater and a snug fit in the life ring to boot, a life ring is like tits on a rain barrel - useless.

A horseshoe with a double-clipped tie between the ends is easy to get into and is secure when fastened and is a threat to no-one.

I love beauraucrats.

bubb2 · #9 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

A ring buoy was never designed for the victim to get inside of. In fact they are made in sizes of 20,24 and 30 inches round and all are USCG approved, Try to put a large man inside a 20 inch life ring. They are designed to be thrown to the victim and to tow the victim who is Hanging on life ring back to the vessel. This is why they have a line around the out side edge. The life sling on the other hand is designed to craw into to.

Minnewaska · #10 (**permalink**) 06-09-2011

Stranger rules exist, particularly in the USCG, but I'm really trying to imagine the argument for a lifering over a horseshoe. Neither are all that great, but a rule that says a ring is better than the other. Scratching my head.

Liferings must be made in Canada.