MOB procedures when sailing with weaklings.

[island808]

I've been reflecting on my man overboard procedures. The mac seems hard to fall out of... But...

I am quite certain i can hoist any member of my family one armed out of the water in calm enough seas. And although i have to do some repair to do before i can put my swim ladder back on (the ladder must have been used a bit too much or backed into something. The glass around the bolts is soft and cracked from an impact) i was able to lift myself up onto the transom with my arms to test boarding ( i guess all those pushups they made us do paid off). But the other day i managed to hit a stupid crab bouy and fouled the prop in rougher water. If i had fallen over or had to enter the water to unfoul, it would have been hard going even with that tiny ladder to enter that bobbin tiny transom. ( i tied off and leaned over the tilted engine to get it free) but with something like 4 feet of freeboard, im not too optimistic of my chances otherwise.

Ive taught my family how to pilot the boat under power, how to drop sail, tie a few knots and how all the equipment works, how to cleat etc. so i can yell orders and whatnot, but i need a plan to practice. I see no MOB setups on any other boat, but the powerboats have platforms and sailboats, generally a lot less freeboard.

What can a 12 year old or a 5 foot 100 lb woman do to help me, presumably conscious, into the boat. Or worse, unconscious in the event of a bad jibe and stumble. Keeping in mind, the system has to have equipment small enough to still use the boat for pleasure.

Im currently reading chapman's guide (AWESOME) but id like some mac specific ideas. Im probably too heavy for an aluminum ladder. Was thinking rope ladder for emergencies, but i know they might be impossible in cold or injured conditions.

[March]

]Mob procedures when sailing with weaklings.I'

Attaching cement blocks to their ankles was a common mob practice

[March]

Sorry. Bad joke.
The worst case scenario is indeed the worst case, and less likely to occur. We typically traler the dinghy behind, and one can hoist oneself into the dinghy if falling overboard. having a flotation device (which is a must) will help. Hoisting an unconscious male aboard can be done with a rope.
If it comes to rough seas or extremely unfavorable conditions, all bets are off, but you still have a fighing chance with a flotation device. That's the idea, after all. I think training your crew to drop sail, set motor, and return to pic you up is the most you can do

[island808]

Bummmer.

Im wearing a rafting helmet then.... For the jibe...
Im tall and hit my head regularly without losing track of a swinging boom.


Also installing dive locker and hiring a S.e.a.l.

[Max Entropy]

I've been reflecting on my man overboard procedures. The mac seems hard to fall out of... But... Im probably too heavy for an aluminum ladder. Was thinking rope ladder for emergencies, but i know they might be impossible in cold or injured conditions.

A West Marine portable gunwale ladder like these should be OK, unless you're > 225 lb. The 4-step version works for the

http://tinyurl.com/kb8fmo4

If you're incapacitated the crew will have recover you with the dinghy. Inflatables best for that.

- Nick

[Catigale]

The Lifesling on our boat has a harness in it which goes under your shoulders like a sling.

We keep a shackle attached, which opens to allow the line to be loaded, and the shackle attached to the boom.

The boom is then lashed to the mast trailering pole, (sails down of course) and then the POB winched on board using the line.

[NiceAft]

Ive taught my family how to pilot the boat under power, how to drop sail, tie a few knots and how all the equipment works, how to cleat etc. so i can yell orders and whatnot, but i need a plan to practice. I see no MOB setups on any other boat, but the powerboats have platforms and sailboats, generally a lot less freeboard.

Quickly throwing the rescue flotation horseshoe or flotation ring. Throw that quickly, yank the mainsheet, etc., then worry about pulling aboard. It helps to have a line attached to the flotation device so you don't place a lot of distance between you and the MOB, also you can pull the person back to the boat

If i had fallen over or had to enter the water to unfoul, it would have been hard going even with that tiny ladder to enter that bobbin tiny transom. ( i tied off and leaned over the tilted engine to get it free) but with something like 4 feet of freeboard, im not too optimistic of my chances otherwise.

Hopefully you were wearing a PFD. I insist on everyone wearing one. I have self-inflating PFD's for comfort. I have to replace cartridges and bobbins every few years, but it's worth it.


Ray

[island808]

I've been reflecting on my man overboard procedures. The mac seems hard to fall out of... But... Im probably too heavy for an aluminum ladder. Was thinking rope ladder for emergencies, but i know they might be impossible in cold or injured conditions.

A West Marine portable gunwale ladder like these should be OK, unless you're > 225 lb. The 4-step version works for the

http://tinyurl.com/kb8fmo4

If you're incapacitated the crew will have recover you with the dinghy. Inflatables best for that.

- Nick

Coast guard MOB ladder review claimed they are mostly unrated and manufacturs answered 185lbs when asked. But yea, other than the depth into water and storage, they seem the best.

[island808]

]

Hopefully you were wearing a PFD. I insist on everyone wearing one. I have self-inflating PFD's for comfort. I have to replace cartridges and bobbins every few years, but it's worth it.


Ray

Always wear a pfd when in the bay, usually, when in the rivers, i don't in fair weather. That day i was wearing it even before i lifted the seat. But still would have a hull of a time getting back onboard if at all. It was a warm day, but on a cold day, strength would quickly wane.

Also, i always keep my emergency stop lanyard on when out motoring with the kids only or alone on deck. I keep a second key and lanyard handy to get going quickly again, just for ME overboard situations. If the kids are sleeping and i went over, they'd wake when they grounded.

Im shopping the aluminum ladders.

[Max Entropy]

I have the 4 step aluminum for ordinary use, and it's fine for boarding from the dinghy, but also am going to get this one (SEA DOG
Five-Step Boarding Ladder 66" L x 11.75" W) for backup. It's longer and stores easily. Just hang it from a cleat or winch.

- Nick

[island808]

Internet claims rope ladders are impossible.

Ive been prodded up a rope ladder, exhausted in much heavier clothing than typical summer boating gear. But was never against a boat hull.
Beats climbing a rope without steps, Or a cargo net. I suppose it would be impossible for the obese and elderly. Anyone with a disability. Its a whole body experience.


Theyre cheap enough to have aboard just in case though. I think i could do it.

[Max Entropy]

Internet claims rope ladders are impossible.

Ive been prodded up a rope ladder, exhausted in much heavier clothing than typical summer boating gear. But was never against a boat hull.
Beats climbing a rope without steps, Or a cargo net. I suppose it would be impossible for the obese and elderly. Anyone with a disability. Its a whole body experience.


Theyre cheap enough to have aboard just in case though. I think i could do it.

Better than nothing for sure,and the infirm would need help in any case. Until it's supported by the hull (i.e. resting against), it's best to climb it sideways, and suspend more of your weight by the arms. Kind of like shinnying. Speaking of which, to be real sailorly, one cd make up one of these:

http://mazgas.files.wordpress.com/2012/05/ladder-1.pdf

- Nick

[bscott]

Hove to on the windward side of the POB. We have stout pfds that can be hoisted using the main halyard. Put as much weight on the lee rail to induce healing and reduce freeboard. Add a second line with a bowline on the bitter end and attached to the jib winch for the extra lift. Avoid any hint of panic

Bob

[BOAT]

'boat' hook.

It's the only thing I have found it useful for besides taking underwater pictures.

boat-hook

use it to hook a dead body of a person or a fish

You stick the boat hook out real far until it catches on the person floating in the water and then you haul them up to the boat. If you know them, haul it in, if not toss it back in the water. Real easy peasy.

(P.S. if the body is still alive you should haul it into the boat).

[JohnCFI]

I have no idea if this is available in the US, but I would have thought so. I was planning of getting one for each side, but I am in no hurry, as I could use the stern boarding ladder on my X in a MOB situation, I can reach it and fold it down from in the water with ease.

http://www.force4.co.uk/3795/Force-4-Fe ... -Blue.html