Throw rescue bag?

[rockDAWG]

Argh... I feel into the water last week on our Capri during a sudden squall. I am thinking to get the throw rescue bag. What should I look for? Recommendation and comments are welcome. TIA.

[Parley]

Check Practical Sailor (2 issues back). They did an extensive study of throw bags.

[rockDAWG]

Thanks Parley.

I am not a subscriber of this Mag yet. May be I should.

[sanctuarysam]

per parley's suggestion i went looking for some info..unfortunately, if you want back articles, be prepared to pay $10.00 per article sight unseen..you can do a free 14 day trial..so far the magazine looks comprehemsive..it is the cooks illustrated of sailing as best i can tell..(or consumer reports for you non chef types..lol
happy sailing

[paulk]

Another good bet is to find a library that subscribes to it (or get your library to sign up for it.) Both our local library and yacht club get Practical Sailor, and keep back issues because they're valuable information resources.

[rockDAWG]

Thanks Paul, I will have my wife to cehck out the locat library. But in the meantime, does anyone recall this article and shed somelight on this topic. Thanks.

[T34C]

I can't seem to find that issue. I beleive the top rated throw bag, for distance and accuracy, was the bigger one from West Marine. (Yellow bag not white). Approx. $50.

[rockDAWG]

T34C, this one right?

[sailingdog]

You can also make your own pretty easily too. I generally recommend using polypropylene line in a throw bag, as the line floats and makes it easier to find/grab when it is in the water, and far less likely to wrap around your prop. Anything smaller than 3/8" line is going to be hard on the hands when you're trying to pull the person in.

Just be aware that polypropylene is very susceptible to UV damage, and should be checked fairly frequently, and if left out in the sun, replaced every year. I have the throw bag pictured above, as well as a homemade one, and they live in the cockpit lockers on my boat, to prevent UV damage.

[rockDAWG]

SD, I was thinking about making my own. but I can't find any soft polypropylene line. I went by West Marine; their throw bag line is very soft and I believe the pay out will be better. Thanks.