Lifeline safety netting

[Eric C Lindstrom]

Has anyone had success installing lifeline safety netting on a Hunter 240 (or 23.5 for that matter). This is one of my winter projects as my daughter will be 2 this coming sailing season and I would love for her to feel safe on deck and in the cockpit (and Daddy would like to feel safe as well).Any advice/information/sources would be greatly appreciated.Thanks in advance,Eric C Lindstrom

 

[Allen]

Rules for kids

When we got our boat our son was almost two. We looked into safety netting, but opted instead for a Jim-Buoy Childs harness, with a length of line, and the bitter end clipped onto the main sheet d-ring in the cockpit. The tether attatched to the harness in the middle of the back, so he couldn't take it off. Our thoughts were that we'd rather have him tethered (and retrievable) than overboard. The harness allowed him to move about freely, and allowed us to have some peace of mind.. If I had it to do over, I do the same thing again. Hope this helps.Allens/v Couldn't Wait

 

[Michael Bell]

When best laid plans fail

The tether sounds like a good idea.In Oregon, it is the law now that children 12 and under wear a life vest when outside the cabin (except at anchor). Regardless where you live, what water you are on, if you have lifeline netting or a tether – the life vest is a must.And like seatbelts in a car, if you start them out wearing the vest – it’s just part of the adventure.

 

[Steve Dion]

another dumb law?

Why would they think that it is less important to have a life jacket on at anchor? The kids should have them on when they are anywhere near the water. Our marina has a rule that all kids (whether or not they can swim) until they are 12 years old.This is to cover their asses and for all those people that say my kids can swim......

 

[Mike Pajewski]

Considered netting but....

WE considered netting on our 23.5 when my children were youmger, They have been sailing since the youngest was 4. I never could figure away to keep the bottom closed, so we never did. My children & I always wear life jackets when underway. I do let them take them off in the cabin, but once on deck they come on. They did consider it part of the adventure and never put up a fuss. It helps when Mom & Dad set the example.