It’s far from obvious where the Lifesling should go on a boat as small as mine! After giving it a lot of thought, this is what I came up with:
Why is this best?
- It’s accessible regardless of the state of the camper canvas. Exterior access is always available here. The starboard side is the only side where the Lifesling wouldn’t be obscured behind the cabin door.
- It’s on the helm side: This is the side you want to bring your MOB in on, because the helmsman can keep the MOB in view from the steering station.
- It’s reasonably out of the way. Mounting it any place is going to “use up” precious cockpit space, but this is just about the least onerous bit of space to use. It’s a primary dis/embarkation spot, yet having the Lifesling here doesn’t affect mobility in and out of the boat in any significant way.
- It’s in plain view, and always accessible. I want guests as well as regular crew to be aware of the rescue gear and able to find it easily.
I still have to figure out how the MOB gets back aboard!
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I’ve had a Lifesling aboard my last three boats, and wouldn’t be without one. Three tims in the last five years, I’ve fished folks out of the water, and it’s not an easy task.
The Lifesling will put you on a victim faster than most other devices, as you basically drive it to them in a circle. Be sure to have a plan as to how you’d get someone aboard you’re boat, and practice.
On Saturday, five people spent an hour in the water after their 30′ sailboat capsized off Matia Island, here in the San Jauns. As I listened to the rescue on the radio, the Good Sams that picked them up in 3′ seas had a chore on their hands.
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