The commercial standards for throwables mean that you need a special lifesling if that is the device of choice (Lifesling III = considerably more expensive than a more simple ring buoy). It's not so much what you have that is credited to meet the requirements, it's what you have in addition to the requirements. I have throwable cushions, a mustang stick, and a lifesling III, and countless fenders. I can tell you from experience that the cushions tend to fly poorly - like a half functional boomerang - and you only get one shot. The sling can be slung a pretty good distance and you can retry as often as you like before circling around. The mustang stick can be thrown easily the farthest but, as any inflatable device, could fail to deploy and like other throwables only gives one shot and no mechanism for retrieval. As for using the lifesling to lift someone on board, I have practiced using the main sheet with boom poled out. It is a challenge but it does work. For any amount of incapacitation on the part if the victim plan on sending a swimmer in the water to assist...at the very least with attaching the purchase system to the sling.
I got my RYA and IYT certs and during that time I was introduced to the "crash back - hove to" method and have practiced it with surprisingly good results. But this method limits your ability to perform the concentric circles prescribed for the lifesling. For lifting a victim, PS found that a long mooring line made to the bow cleat and led back to the primary winch, with the catenary drooped in the water, was the best method. Bring the victim along the leeward side where the catenary is waiting to provide stability. Once stable the victim stands or kneels on the line while stabilizing off a halyard, toe rail, or other crewman's assistance. The primary winch can then by tightened to lift the victim on board. PS also noted that a mechanism for lowering the life lines may need to be considered. Josh Muckley S/V Sea Hawk 1989 C&C 37+ Solomons, MD On Mon, Mar 2, 2020, 17:56 Bruce Whitmore via CnC-List < cnc-list@cnc-list.com> wrote: > So I have a lifesling and a throwable cushion. Yet, I see lots of boats > with horseshoes, and commercial boats with life rings. > > Is there an inherent reason for one design over another? > > Bruce Whitmore > 1994 C&C 37/40+ > "Astralis" > Madeira Beach, FL > (847) 404-5092 (mobile) > bwhitm...@sbcglobal.net > _______________________________________________ > > Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each > and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - > use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray > >
_______________________________________________ Thanks everyone for supporting this list with your contributions. Each and every one is greatly appreciated. If you want to support the list - use PayPal to send contribution -- https://www.paypal.me/stumurray
