Your Recommendation on Safety Equip?

[cal24]

I've got a Cal 2-24 and the vast majority of the sailing I do is day sailing within the local waters of the Puget Sound near Seattle. The nice thing about that is that you get to share the water with Cruise Ships, Tankers, Tugs... not to mention Sea Lions and the occasional Whale.

I've been wanting to do some PHRF beer-can racing, which got me thinking that I've been a little too casual about safety equipment. I've got the basic stuff - Handheld VHF, flares, extinguishers, horn, PFD's, and throw cushions (always keep one or two in the cockpit). But, I'm missing a radar reflector, horseshoe buoy or lifesling, GPS (have been using my iphone which I know is not sufficient), and a light weight auto-inflate PFD that I might actually wear.

Here's what I'm thinking: (trying to keep cost as low as possible)
- Radar reflector - I know this is a hot topic, and I've read the threads here. I'm planning to start with the bare minimum standard Echomaster on the backstay.

- Lifesling 2 - I think this is my best choice given I will still be doing a lot of day sailing with my wife. However, I've got a little problem. My lifelines (which were replaced about a year ago) end just about where the cockpit starts and there is no pushpit. If you look carefully at the attached picture, you can see that the last stanchion ends right before the cockpit begins. I think this is too far forward and would interfere with the sheets. I'm also trying to retain the original configuration, so I don't really want to change the lifeline configuration or add a pushpit. Suggestions?

- Auto-inflate PFD - I keep wanting the hydrostatic auto-inflate mustang variety, but wondering if manual-inflate would be sufficient. What's your experience?

- GPS - We could probably start an entire thread on the best hand-held GPS under $200. I suppose the traditional advice here is the GPSMAP 76Cx, but wondering if it's getting outdated.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Mark

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Your other items are all good but before any of the above, my first safety improvement would be to extend the lifelines around the cockpit. Changing this configuration could only be considered an improvement.

 

[Stu Jackson]

www.boatsafe.com

 

[dscribner]

Cal24,

I bought my GPS on Ebay. It's a Garmin 76C and I find it more than enough for our weekend jaunts. It's accurate. My wife said "It says we're at the edge of the 2 foot deep part" as I WATCHED my anchor settle on the bottom in black Maine waters. Thank God for shoal keels. Charming anecdotes aside, the 76CX takes chips, doesn't it? Mine only takes the CD and since that was discontinued last year . . . . I bought the BlueCharts for my area so I'm all set but if I wanted to sail my Lancer 25 to Antigua I might have a problem. You can use it on land too but you don't get that cute sounding Australian honey to boss you around.

As far as PDFs go, I have one of those autoinflate Mustangs. I don't wear it like I should. I'm afraid if we get tanked by a wave in the dingy, it'll go off and give the tourists (those "from away") something to tell their neighbors about when they get home. So, I have a couple of ginky Walmart specials that we wear to shore.

Fair Winds,

Don

Biddeford, ME
(not too far from the REAL Portland!)

 

[David in Sandusky]

Depth Guage?

I think a depth guage qualifies as critical safety equipment.

Do get the auto inflatable PFD and wear it all the time. That way we don't even notice it. Many of the MOB stories I have read involve some incapacitation of the victim. Hit by the boom. Hit by the boat on the way overboard. And let's face it, the most common source of MOB - drank one or more too many.

We rig the bow and stern lines on each side as jack lines, have good harnesses integrated in our PFD's, and always tether to the jack line going forward in rough weather. If there is only one person aboard who is really good at the MOB drill, then that person tethers up at all times.

 

[JVB]

I consider a panel mount VHF with mast top antenna a prime safety item. Mine has DSC (digital selective calling) and is connected to a cheap Lowrance moving map GPS. If I push the panic button on my VHF it sends a distress call with my current latitude and longitude included. My position is displayed on any VHF with DSC within range (about 25 miles)

 

[cal24]

Cal24,

I bought my GPS on Ebay. It's a Garmin 76C and I find it more than enough for our weekend jaunts. It's accurate. My wife said "It says we're at the edge of the 2 foot deep part" as I WATCHED my anchor settle on the bottom in black Maine waters. Thank God for shoal keels. Charming anecdotes aside, the 76CX takes chips, doesn't it? Mine only takes the CD and since that was discontinued last year . . . . I bought the BlueCharts for my area so I'm all set but if I wanted to sail my Lancer 25 to Antigua I might have a problem. You can use it on land too but you don't get that cute sounding Australian honey to boss you around.

As far as PDFs go, I have one of those autoinflate Mustangs. I don't wear it like I should. I'm afraid if we get tanked by a wave in the dingy, it'll go off and give the tourists (those "from away") something to tell their neighbors about when they get home. So, I have a couple of ginky Walmart specials that we wear to shore.

Fair Winds,

Don

Biddeford, ME
(not too far from the REAL Portland!)

Hi Don,

Yup, the Garmin 76Cx has a micro-SD slot that comes with a 128MB card, but can be swapped out for at least a 1GB card.

West Marine (not usually my first choice) has the 76Cx on sale for $50 off at $199 which almost sounds too good to pass up with free shipping. Looks to be much more expensive on ebay (new) and other places right now. The Garmin site now lists it as discontinued, so WM may be trying to reduce their inventory.

Mark

 

[cal24]

I think a depth guage qualifies as critical safety equipment.

Do get the auto inflatable PFD and wear it all the time. That way we don't even notice it. Many of the MOB stories I have read involve some incapacitation of the victim. Hit by the boom. Hit by the boat on the way overboard. And let's face it, the most common source of MOB - drank one or more too many.

We rig the bow and stern lines on each side as jack lines, have good harnesses integrated in our PFD's, and always tether to the jack line going forward in rough weather. If there is only one person aboard who is really good at the MOB drill, then that person tethers up at all times.

David,

I did forget to mention that I do have an older hummingbird "fish finder" as a depth gauge.

Thanks for the feedback on the auto-inflate PFD. Sounds like good advice - you're well prepared for a MOB situation.

Mark

 

[cal24]

I consider a panel mount VHF with mast top antenna a prime safety item. Mine has DSC (digital discrete calling) and is connected to a cheap Lowrance moving map GPS. If I push the panic button on my VHF it sends a distress call with my current latitude and longitude included. My position is displayed on any VHF with DSC within range (about 25 miles)

JVB,

Yes, I absolutely have a built-in VHF with DSC and GPS on my list... although it's been somewhat lower priority than the other items I mentioned. One of the previous owners had one and the radio mount is still there. It used a stern-mount antenna.

Mark

 

[stephen Penny]

automatic inflatable pf's, Horizon X851 (handheld vhf with gps and distress signal), dinghy, flares, radar, harness, tethers

 

[Joe]

1) GPS If you have charts and you sail in familiar areas you can do without the chartplotter feature... why? The older GPSmap units don't include charts... the new ones do... so you have buy the proprietary BlueChart data... which puts the unit over the $300 range... maybe more. All you really need is a basic GPS, over time you insert waypoints you find important for getting you back home in the fog or at night. You get all the benefits of GPS, and you can easily plot your course on a chart when needed. BTW, gps data is not controlled by Garmin, so the only reason to update your GPS is because it doesn't work anymore. WM sells the GPS 76H for $150.. this unit is reliable... and it floats....other GPS 76 and GPS 72 models can be found for considerably cheaper..and they are more than adequate for your needs. My current GPS 76 has served me well for 8 years.... I have a chartplotter program with FREE maps on my laptop.... but I don't really use it for daysailing.

2. Lifesling The next thing I think is madatory is the Lifesling.... GET ONE NOW... keep it in the cockpit locker if there's no place else... you just need to secure the retrieval line to the boat (perhaps a padeye in the locker)

3) Harness/pfd Also mandatory, in my opinion, is a harness and tether, especially if you single hand. There are many PFD styles available, so I don't think an inflatable model is anywhere as critical as the harness.... but... what ever you get... wear it... it does you no good stowed away in the cabin. WM has a nice coastal level, manually operated model for under $100 that I think would do nicely for your needs. I didn't feel compelled to get the automatic one for some reason. Just me.

4) You need a HORN... the canned compressed air type are REALLY LOUD. I also recommend a trumpet style, in case you run out of air cans when you get stuck in the fog.

5) Searchlight/or big flashlight. Those 12 volt gazillion candle power, hand held searchlights are awesome... and not that expensive. Illuminate your sails with it, or flash the bridge on an uncomfortably close commercial vessel.

6) AIS... Radar reflectors, especially the inexpensive ones, have had poor reviews... and their effectiveness is based on the priciple that the boat that is going to hit you has radar, has it on, and is monitoring it. I really like the ICOM fixed mount VHF with built in AIS reciever. It's on my list, they're about $350 or so. Way bigger safety factor when you can identify local shipping, contact them and know their course.

 

[JohnShannon]

Don't see the point with GPS, doesn't the Iphone GPS work off the same constellation?
Anyway if you are in familiar waters you know where you are. Would be nice in fog.

Have to decide what you are protecting against,

I think your big risk is falling off the boat and going hypothermic in no time.
So, stay on the boat
-lifelines

don't drown
-PFD all the time

get back on the boat fast
-lifesling and practice

get warm
towels and a blanky

call for help
DSC VHF with integrated GPS Horizon 851

If you worry about getting run down in approximate increasing cost
-fog horn
-big flashlight working navigation lights
-radar reflector (passive)
-AIS receiver
-radar reflector (active)
-AIS transmitter
-Radar
-IR camera

If you worry about sinking
-plugs for thru hulls
-bilge pump electric
-crash mat?
-manual bilge pump
-engine driven bilge pump
-lifefraft

 

[cal24]

You guys have definitely gotten me thinking (or rethinking)!

Great pointer to the Horizon 851... I didn't realize you could get a handheld VHF with DSC and integrated GPS.

You're right, I don't really need a handheld GPS with chart plotter capability. I sail in local waters and I certainly know where I am. It would be a different case if I plan a trip up to the San Juan Islands... so for now, this is really a nice-to-have.

Joe - great idea about putting the Lifesling in the cockpit locker for now. I can rig it to be upright and ready to go with the line attached to the boat. Would be a heck of a lot better than what I have (or don't have) now. Thanks for your other suggestions too.

John - I'm not really worried about getting run over or sinking... but you're right, biggest risk is falling off the boat. I will heed all of the advice on PFD use... And we'll need to get a blanky on board!

Mark

 

[wflowe2]

The problem with auto-inflate PFD's is the chance of accidental inflation. I recently (last November) made a trip from Newport to Bermuda and we were in gale force winds and very heavy seas fo 6 straight days. There is no doubt in my mind that My PFD would have inflated with the waves that were breaking over our heads and filling the cockpit. By the way, since I normally sail on inland lakes, I don't need the PFD w/ built in harness, whistle, water activated locator light, and crotch strap. I just listed this Revere Comfort Max on E-bay if your interested. I know "Shamless Plug".

 

[ifmdalvey]

I use British auto inflate PFD with a hydrostatic hammer, never once had it go off by wave or rain, it is required to be submerged to inflate, it also incorporates a harness, easy to wear, which means you are more likely to wear it and hook on when required. Would not go out without it. They are MCA qualified so i carry some useless other PFD`s to keep the CG happy if ever inspected.

 

[JohnShannon]

The knock on the Horizon is range since it has a small antenna down low, but in your case you are in a crowded area and very likely near somebody. I have one and think it is great but can't compete with the 25W fixed mount on a 50ft stick

 

[Joe]

Don't see the point with GPS, doesn't the Iphone GPS work off the same constellation?
Anyway if you are in familiar waters you know where you are. Would be nice in fog.

So... he should buy an I-phone and the associated services, instead of a simple, handheld dedicatd GPS that has no additional operational costs. Is the Iphone waterproof, does it float, will it give you VMG, can you mount it on the bulkhead, will it work on flashlight batteries or hardwire to house bank? Even if it does all that, I like the idea of a dedicated unit for the boat. I use it for course and speed info, plugged in to house bank, on all the time.

 

[stephen Penny]

Suggest automatic inflatable life vests, harness, tether, jack lines, handheld vhf with gps and MMSI distress signal, emergency flares and "deployable" dinghy or emergency inflatable life raft and radar/gps at the helm. Also consider a vhf with MMSI and AIS.

 

[JohnShannon]

Well I thought he had an Iphone and was sailing in known waters so the question in my mind was should I spend on a real marine GPS or something else. Since he already has a sort of GPS, I went for something else like the DSC radio with mommy button.

 

[catsailor]

I think this Cal 24 is going to sink under the weight. The acronyms alone will lower his waterline 2 inches. When I think how far I sailed with only VHS; no, I must be hallucinating.