Life-Slings and what I didn't know...

[artbyjody]

My Catalina was probably one of the most safety-ladened boats when it was at the marina (at least three of everything if not more) (less the BBQ grills - just two of them!). Mostly due to when you buy a new to you boat - most of the safety gear is second hand and in my case, probably dated back to the date of manufacture of the boat. It did come with a Life-Sling contained in a moldy and worn case that I couldn't read the instructions. Seemed self-explanatory anyways, toss the thing out and reel them in...

That is after all what I would with the two other life rings (the hard ones) that were mounted on both port and starboard sides.

Thanks to tenuki's post on the Man-Overboard...I went on reading and found this document on Life-Slings and I realized I had it all wrong...

First I discovered that I do not have the 4-1 block to use with it. So, even if I had to use it - I couldn't EFFECTIVELY (and after reading all those reports on failures to bring someone on board).

Secondly, the version I have is apparently the same sold from the popular commercial outfits - its not inflatable (just float foam in yellow with who knows how much of the float-able line), has no bowline or lifting eye, reflective tape, and nowhere to attach a strobe or light.

So, the cool thing is that I always KNEW that the hard life rings were not suggested (especially with them being white and not orange - but I did have the 150ft yellow floating nylon), but they were additional to be used as they were placed at other stations other than the helm. But looking back at the last two summers - the what-if scenario.... I would of never known how to use the Life-Sling - to begin with - much less know that it is really not up to standards at that rate...

That document was helpful in realizing what is required in regards to this piece of equipment - and perhaps this post, for others that acquired their boats second-hand or have put off looking at safety gear, would get the same insight I gleaned....

[teshannon]

Art,
Thanks for posting that article, it's inspired me to have a closer look at mine. It's ust been hanging there since I bought the boat. I also noticed it says the sling should be mounted inside the rail. Mine and I think every other one I've seen is outside the rails. I'm assuming inside means easier access for deployment.

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by teshannon

Art,
Thanks for posting that article, it's inspired me to have a closer look at mine. It's ust been hanging there since I bought the boat. I also noticed it says the sling should be mounted inside the rail. Mine and I think every other one I've seen is outside the rails. I'm assuming inside means easier access for deployment.

Yes, I do believe that's the case, since the flap opens to the front of the softcase, and if the case is outside the rails, then you have to reach over the rails to open the case.

[sailingdog]

BTW, for any multihull owners, I recently read an article on the LifeSling and multihulls, where they recommend you get a longer line than is normally supplied with the LifeSling to use with it. The reason that was given was the faster speed of multihulls can require a longer line for it to operate properly.

[artbyjody]

Please post the link of the article: hearsay is hearsay (no offense):

From my originally referenced site:

Length of Retrieval/Trailing Line. The high visibility yellow polypropylene floating line of each LIFESLING should be approximately three times the length of the boat. If a boat has a wide turning radius a longer length of line may be required. Boats with a tighter turning radius may have to use a shorter length of line to keep from turning into the line before it encircles the victim.


If you have something particular to a multi-hull (assuming it is a sailing vessel) please contribute the link to the reference - it would be much appreciated

[artbyjody]

You are certainly welcome and thanks for the acknowledgment....

Originally Posted by teshannon

Art,
Thanks for posting that article, it's inspired me to have a closer look at mine. It's ust been hanging there since I bought the boat. I also noticed it says the sling should be mounted inside the rail. Mine and I think every other one I've seen is outside the rails. I'm assuming inside means easier access for deployment.

[sailingdog]

Not sure if I can dig up the article reference, since it wasn't my magazine. I'll have to ask my friend if he still has it... but the discussion was several weeks ago, so he might not.

[artbyjody]

Just give us a reference to: (ref PM)...its interesting as multi-hulls are conceived to be more ahem 'agile'... in respects to designer goals... my goal is not to alienate but to enforce the standards using this device..

I hope your friend is still a friend

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Not sure if I can dig up the article reference, since it wasn't my magazine. I'll have to ask my friend if he still has it... but the discussion was several weeks ago, so he might not.

[sailaway21]

I was under the impression that LifeSling offered the hoisting tackle as an option. Their box packaging could leave the unwary buyer to assume that it was included.

The only liferings with which I am familiar that are white are on yachts. All merchant vessels carry full size rings painted international orange.

[sailingdog]

Artbyjody-

I don't know where you got the idea that most multihulls are more agile than monohulls... This is not true of most cruising catamarans under sail. While they may be a lot more maneuverable under power, since most have two engines and props and can effectively spin in place, under sail, the higher windage and twin hulls of most cats makes them significantly less agile.

This is not necessarily the case with trimarans, which tend to pivot on their central hull and generally have less windage.

However, IIRC, the major reason for the longer line was not the agility of the boat, but the speed. In six knots of wind, a good multihull can generally be doing 5-6 knots... without much trouble or effort. If the line isn't long enough, by the time you get the line over to the COB, the Lifesling will already have passed out of their reach. A longer line reduces the chance of this happening.

Originally Posted by artbyjody

Just give us a reference to: (ref PM)...its interesting as multi-hulls are conceived to be more ahem 'agile'... in respects to designer goals... my goal is not to alienate but to enforce the standards using this device..

I hope your friend is still a friend