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 Be safe out there, everyone!		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Don B
Captain

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USA
317 Posts
Initially Posted - 05/16/2009 :  05:06:30  Show Profile
A very sad event happened yesterday just outside the marina where I keep the Mighty M...

http://www.bradenton.com/847/story/1445076.html

Shows pretty much anything can happen...miles from land or just a few feet from shore. Instantly brought to mind the many times I've been out single handing, in foul weather, and not wearing a life jacket.

I will improve my dumb arse ways.
Don B
86FK/SR #5216 "Mighty M"
Southwest Florida
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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts
Response Posted - 05/16/2009 :  06:23:27  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage
That is a tragic happening. These tragic events and especially for us that go out often single-handed sailing, should consider what measures to take to minimize catastrophes. The easiest thing is to wear a inflatable life vest. I never wore a life preserver until after i began reading postings on this Forum and then I tried them on. The self-inflatables are easily worn , n ot much bulk to them. After you start to wear one, it then becomes habit-forming.
I also added a line release alongside my ladder. In that way, if I were to fall off and able to get to the stern, I could by myself release the ladder so it would drop down. Originally, it had a velcro band attaching it to the stern rail which made it impossible to lower if you were alone and fell overboard.

I am sure there are other safety precautions that can be taken.
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JohnP
Master Marine Consultant

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1520 Posts
Response Posted - 05/16/2009 :  07:26:44  Show Profile
Safety first!

With thunderstorms and rain blowing in this afternoon, with some severe thunderstorms predicted, the admiral and I will NOT be sailing down the Chesapeake Bay to watch and listen to the Blues Festival this afternoon and evening.

Don't want to have to say something like "I Woulda---Coulda---Shoulda!!!"
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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts
Response Posted - 05/16/2009 :  07:48:49  Show Profile
That is a real tragedy! It said he was tangled in the lines. I wonder if a PFD would have saved him?

I'm not planning on testing my luck. I had a manual inflate waist belt type PFD that I always wore but single handing so much of the time I was always worried I might get knocked unconscious and drown.
Because I do solo so much and because of this forum I recently purchased an auto inflate PFD. I don't back out of my slip without it on. It's very comfortable to wear. I don't even notice it's on after a minute or two. I'm planning on getting a lanyard this weekend so at least I'll be with the boat if something does happen.
Edited by - GaryB on 05/16/2009 07:52:30
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britinusa
Web Editor

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USA
5404 Posts
Response Posted - 05/16/2009 :  11:22:07  Show Profile  Visit britinusa's Homepage
Very sad, however, if the guy had a heart attack then .... 'way to go!', I'm sure he would be glad he was out sailing.
(Sorry, the admiral and I are pretty clear on how we want our final trip to pan out.)

Don't forget to inspect your auto inflate pfd's.

After nearly a year of wearing, I found the gas bottle was pierced and empty.

It could have been like that since new, but I doubt it, it's pretty ovbvious when you go to put the gas cannister in place, the end should be unpunctured.

On a brighter note!


We have sailed on our Laser II on the Bradenton river, it's a great place.
We're considering taking JD over their sometime.

Paul.
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Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5378 Posts
Response Posted - 05/16/2009 :  19:43:58  Show Profile
I've been kayaking since 1992, and always wear a PFD year-round. I used to wear a mesh-top PFD which is the lightest fixed type available.

Now I wear a Mustang inflatable. I will check the canister.

While its possible to drown wearing a PFD if you get caught under the boat in a tangle of lines, typically inflatable PFDs have a floatation chamber behind the head. This helps to keep the head out of the water and face up.

The best advice is the title of this discussion really tells it all: Do what you must to "be safe out there, everyone"!
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OLarryR
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3467 Posts
Response Posted - 05/16/2009 :  21:14:50  Show Profile  Visit OLarryR's Homepage
In regards to checking inflatables...there are some that have a window to check on the charge. If it's green then it supposedly is charged. Some of the inflatables have had recalls on the charging mechanism. Boat US had published info on the recalls a couple of years ago in their magazine. I have not seen any new ones since.

Checking out an inflatable to see how it works and/or doing this periodically thru the years is also recommended but the CO2 charge mechanisms can be anywhere between $15 - $40 for a replacement. Many of the mfrs will include 2 charging mechanisms with the initial purchase - 1 is usually preloaded and the other is to replace it after it has been tested or used.
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 05/17/2009 :  06:20:13  Show Profile
Since the gentlemen in the article was found in his boat and the boat was upright, one would have to assume he didn't drown. With inflatable PFD's only recommended for good swimmers, in that size boat, sixty six, and with a number of medical issues, he probably should have been wearing an inherently buoyant PFD.
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 05/17/2009 :  18:15:57  Show Profile
Something else to do when single handing is trail a line behind you. I've got 2-50' tow lines with a float at the 50' joint and at the end of the 100' line...hopefully...were I to fall in, I'd be able to get to the line and hold on 'till Whisper rounds up and stops...
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 05/18/2009 :  12:12:14  Show Profile
Adding from another thread: Make sure your boarding ladder has a release that can be reached or that you can pull the ladder down from in the water.
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