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What happens after you fall off your boat.

33K views 108 replies 54 participants last post by  seattle sailor 
#1 ·
I am just curious here. I think we all know falling off a boat means certain death. So we have jack lines and harnesses to keep us attached to the boat. This makes us feel safe and comfy. But what happens after you fall overboard. I imagine hanging on the side of the boat not being about to get back aboard. Has anyone tried jumping over the side while at anchor to see if they could get back on board. I hear people talking about their jack lines and harness a lot, but no one ever talks about getting back on deck after you have put the jack lines to the test.

Pete
 
#96 ·
Not sure if it was mentioned, but if you do run jack lines in calm seas, wet them down first. Nylon stretches a lot when its wet (when the weather is bad) so install them wet. If installed dry, they'll be very loose when they do get wet (when the weather is bad).
 
#97 ·
I have jumped off while under sail doing about 2 knots. It was very tough to get back on, I tied off on a cleat and winch to make a step. Other boaters passing by would stop to see if we needed help so I would think it's safe to say few people ever try a real person for a man over board drill.
 
#106 ·
on my boat i have a dove tail , canoe tail, whatever you prefer, it is swept and allows for easy climbing. i understand after a fall and being in shock after all of it, it may not be easy but if i needed to i could drop the outboard to help climb on. besides that, i have a long main sheet that is fed through an external climbing micro pulley going upward. i tie it to a riggers belt with hopes that WHEN i do go over the weight of my body will release the main and give me a chance to get to the boat instead of it sailing out of sight.
 
#108 ·
Otter,
You mean you attach the mainsheet to a belt you are wearing? The picture I visualize is you being dragged, your body resistance sheeting in the main. :eek: How does the sheet attach to the belt? With a Quick Release that will release under load I hope.

Better to balance the trim with a bit of weather helm so that she'll head up into irons, then test it out... (no don't jump over, release the helm :laugher)
 
#107 ·
I want to Thank everyone that has made a post in this, I am working on "Sometimes" working for a September splash time.

Just 2 days ago i was thinking about Jack lines and this has given me a lot of helpful information.

again thank you All.
 
#109 ·
When I was young I bought a Clark 14, similar to an International 14. Bought it in February and couldn't wait to try it in Elliot Bay Seattle. Maybe 15 kn. Had a tiller extension. Tag on it said, extremely strong, will not warp. Boat sailed great. The tiller extension allowed me to hike out until I broke it. Now I couldn't get my weight outboard and reach the tiller. I capsised. I stood on the centerboard and righted the boat. It came up but went down again as soon as I was aboard. That happened a few times. Later, ashore, I found that the flotation compartments under the deck had flooded and the boat would not even float upright at the dock when I held it by the mast. I had been seen from ashore and the police boat rescued me and towed the boat ashore upside down. I was very angry, it was a brand new boat built by the Clark Boat Co. In Kent/WA.
 
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