SOSpender PFDs a question

Archives
1

Posted by samanthagpollard (samanthagpollard@…>)

On another forum I found the following question:

The sailboat we are buying has two SOSpender life jackets (PFD) with
pull cords to inflate. There is also one that will automatically
deploy if the wearer falls in the water. Are these a good idea? It
would seem to me that they are comfortable but, if you are hit in the
head with a boom, pretty usesless unless you are wearing the auto
version. How can you pull a rip cord if you are unconscious? They are
certainly expensive and comfy but…what are your thoughts. What
you you wear instead if you do not thing these are good?

So. . . that got me to thinking. We have SOSpenders mostly because it
was the only thing I could get my husband to agree to wear. But now I
am wondering if they really, truly safe. The sad story of the Dad who
washed overboard when he and his son were bringing their sailboat down
to Rye, NH from Rockalnd ME this fall has got me thinking. Thanks,
Samantha

2

Posted by lance_ryley (lance_ryley@…>)

Samantha,
my wife and I both wear SOSpenders with the auto-inflate option.
It’s true that if you have the manual-only model, an unconscious
victim is in serious trouble. Of course, an unconscious person
overboard in any kind of situation - even with a full dry suit - is
in critical condition. The key, then, appears to be to not fall
overboard. The father who got washed overboard was a tragic loss,
but it could have been prevented if he was wearing a safety harness.
I admit that I don’t always wear my harness, but if I’m taking a
long pull at the helm in any kind of reduced visibility or where my
wife or crew are not in the cockpit, then the rule is to clip in.
Going forward to reef the main - clip in. moving about on deck -
clip in. It’s inexpensive insurance.

The other tragic thing about the boy who lost his father is that the
son didn’t seem to have much experience of any kind running the
boat. He couldn’t douse the sails, run the engine, had no
navigational skills, and may not even have known how to use a vhf
radio. Lastly, situational awareness was a factor in that tragedy.

Lance
Bright Star
— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “samanthagpollard”
<samanthagpollard@…> wrote:

On another forum I found the following question:

The sailboat we are buying has two SOSpender life jackets (PFD)
with
pull cords to inflate. There is also one that will automatically
deploy if the wearer falls in the water. Are these a good idea? It
would seem to me that they are comfortable but, if you are hit in
the
head with a boom, pretty usesless unless you are wearing the auto
version. How can you pull a rip cord if you are unconscious? They
are
certainly expensive and comfy but…what are your thoughts.
What
you you wear instead if you do not thing these are good?

So. . . that got me to thinking. We have SOSpenders mostly because
it
was the only thing I could get my husband to agree to wear. But
now I
am wondering if they really, truly safe. The sad story of the Dad
who
washed overboard when he and his son were bringing their sailboat
down
to Rye, NH from Rockalnd ME this fall has got me thinking.
Thanks,
Samantha

3

Posted by Lorman, Alvin J. (ajlorman@…>)

I have two of the automatic inflating PFDs, which I bought precisely because I couldn’t figure out how I would pull the cord if I were knocked overboard and unconscious. (Actually, a few years ago I fell into a creek from a dock ladder and scraped my leg on the way down. I was, when I had time to reflect, stunned at how “shocked” I was by a minor fall. Luckily, I was wearing a $10 PFD and bobbed right up without getting me hair wet. I am glad I did not have to pull a cord.)

Two points, though. You need to check the units regularly because I’ve found that the gas cylinder can loosen and might not inflate the unit properly if in the loose position. I’ve also been told by a few sailors that they did go overboard and their units did not inflate automatically. I have no information, though, as to whether point was was the reason.

I suspect that I’m a lot more conservative than most sailors (I sometimes think I’m the only person on the Chesapeake wearing a PFD.) But I do not sail without wearing my autoinflating PFD.

Al Lorman
F30 Ab Initio

-----Original Message-----From: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of samanthagpollardSent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:09 AMTo: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.comSubject: [freedomyachts2003] SOSpender PFDs a questionOn another forum I found the following question:The sailboat we are buying has two SOSpender life jackets (PFD) with pull cords to inflate. There is also one that will automatically deploy if the wearer falls in the water. Are these a good idea? It would seem to me that they are comfortable but, if you are hit in the head with a boom, pretty usesless unless you are wearing the auto version. How can you pull a rip cord if you are unconscious? They are certainly expensive and comfy but…what are your thoughts. What you you wear instead if you do not thing these are good? So. . . that got me to thinking. We have SOSpenders mostly because it was the only thing I could get my husband to agree to wear. But now I am wondering if they really, truly safe. The sad story of the Dad who washed overboard when he and his son were bringing their sailboat down to Rye, NH from Rockalnd ME this fall has got me thinking. Thanks, Samantha
=00IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisorThis email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.

4

Posted by Michel Capel (mike_c_f35ck@…>)

You also have to replace the salt pill in the inflation device on a
yearly basis.

— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “Lorman, Alvin J.”
<ajlorman@…> wrote:

I have two of the automatic inflating PFDs, which I bought
precisely
because I couldn’t figure out how I would pull the cord if I were
knocked overboard and unconscious. (Actually, a few years ago I
fell
into a creek from a dock ladder and scraped my leg on the way
down. I
was, when I had time to reflect, stunned at how “shocked” I was by
a
minor fall. Luckily, I was wearing a $10 PFD and bobbed right up
without getting me hair wet. I am glad I did not have to pull a
cord.)

Two points, though. You need to check the units regularly because
I’ve
found that the gas cylinder can loosen and might not inflate the
unit
properly if in the loose position. I’ve also been told by a few
sailors
that they did go overboard and their units did not inflate
automatically. I have no information, though, as to whether point
was
was the reason.

I suspect that I’m a lot more conservative than most sailors (I
sometimes think I’m the only person on the Chesapeake wearing a
PFD.)
But I do not sail without wearing my autoinflating PFD.

Al Lorman
F30 Ab Initio

-----Original Message-----
From: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com
[mailto:freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
samanthagpollard
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:09 AM
To: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [freedomyachts2003] SOSpender PFDs a question

On another forum I found the following question:

The sailboat we are buying has two SOSpender life jackets (PFD)
with
pull cords to inflate. There is also one that will automatically
deploy if the wearer falls in the water. Are these a good idea? It
would seem to me that they are comfortable but, if you are hit in
the
head with a boom, pretty usesless unless you are wearing the auto
version. How can you pull a rip cord if you are unconscious? They
are
certainly expensive and comfy but…what are your thoughts.
What
you you wear instead if you do not thing these are good?

So. . . that got me to thinking. We have SOSpenders mostly because
it
was the only thing I could get my husband to agree to wear. But
now I
am wondering if they really, truly safe. The sad story of the Dad
who
washed overboard when he and his son were bringing their sailboat
down
to Rye, NH from Rockalnd ME this fall has got me thinking.
Thanks,
Samantha

SPONSORED LINKS
Sailing schools
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Sailing+schools&w1=Sailing+schools&

w2=Sailing+instruction&w3=Sailing+lesson&w4=Sailing+course&w5=Sailing
+ad

venture&w6=Sailing&c=6&s=122&.sig=nM_33Bwh2_UhuqSYWZR8Xw>
Sailing
instruction
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Sailing+instruction&w1=Sailing+scho

ols&w2=Sailing+instruction&w3=Sailing+lesson&w4=Sailing+course&w5=Sai
lin

g+adventure&w6=Sailing&c=6&s=122&.sig=PLKTippWs7H3hJMQiiV1Dg>
Sailing
lesson
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Sailing+lesson&w1=Sailing+schools&w

2=Sailing+instruction&w3=Sailing+lesson&w4=Sailing+course&w5=Sailing+
adv

enture&w6=Sailing&c=6&s=122&.sig=BW-ssa-AtK1bKwgxZtYhsg>
Sailing course
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Sailing+course&w1=Sailing+schools&w

2=Sailing+instruction&w3=Sailing+lesson&w4=Sailing+course&w5=Sailing+
adv

enture&w6=Sailing&c=6&s=122&.sig=iJziK8qHrpaIJG_Q19twrg>
Sailing
adventure
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Sailing+adventure&w1=Sailing+school

s&w2=Sailing+instruction&w3=Sailing+lesson&w4=Sailing+course&w5=Saili
ng+

adventure&w6=Sailing&c=6&s=122&.sig=luRjwGYgtoRAVO_RIh446A>
Sailing
<http://groups.yahoo.com/gads?
t=ms&k=Sailing&w1=Sailing+schools&w2=Saili

ng+instruction&w3=Sailing+lesson&w4=Sailing+course&w5=Sailing+adventu
re&

w6=Sailing&c=6&s=122&.sig=H5HiiLFUXHyIpCEv0TmINg>

YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax
matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer,
Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer
for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under
U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in
promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity,
investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice
was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other
than Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter,
and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers
particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor

This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely
for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed.
If you have received this email in error please notify the system
manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not
disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.

5

Posted by Skip Turpin (skipperf33@…>)

I have been ocean sailing for about 35 years. My boat spends little
time at the dock, so I do a lot of single handing in all kinds of
weather. Out here on the west coast, the water is cool at best and
down right cold most of the time. Going overboard is not an option
even when in close to shore. You would think that with all the
thousands of boats out here that you would never have the ocean to
yourself, but that is often the case. About a year ago I was coming
back from Mexico on a six day single handed run. I passed one boat.
If I had gone into the water for any reason, I would not be here
today.

There are those that will real in horror, but I never ware a PFD. I
do however always ware a safety harness and tether with two separate
lines. One line is always hooked in. I have pad eyes all over the
place as well as Jack lines on both decks running from the cockpit to
the bow. One tether line is 3’ long while the other is 6’ long.
They both automatically retract with elastic to stay out of my way.
I never unhook one with out first clipping on the second. I also
have safety netting on the life lines.

I feel that your thought and money would be better spent insuring
that noone will EVER go overboard.

As far as auto or manual methods to inflate a PFD, I personally would
stick to the “KISS” principal. Remember that Murphy is alive and
well. What ever CAN go wrong WILL go wrong. I’ll take a pull cord
thank you.

— In freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com, “samanthagpollard”
<samanthagpollard@…> wrote:

6

Posted by Brad Kuether (bkuether@…>)

Alvin is not the only one wearing a PFD on the Chesapeake. Even since my first child was born, its the first thing I put on when I get on the boat.

I wish there were more options for Jr lifejackets that really worked. My son HATES the infant jacket. And it appears he will have to wear it again this year too… Probably not even worth putting the boat in the water…

-Brad, Mary, Monica, and Jarod Kuether84’ C&C 29 Mark II but
Searching for a Freedom 36/38Middle River, MD

----- Original Message -----
From: Lorman, Alvin J.
To: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 9:55 AM
Subject: RE: [freedomyachts2003] SOSpender PFDs a question

I have two of the automatic inflating PFDs, which I bought precisely because I couldn’t figure out how I would pull the cord if I were knocked overboard and unconscious. (Actually, a few years ago I fell into a creek from a dock ladder and scraped my leg on the way down. I was, when I had time to reflect, stunned at how “shocked” I was by a minor fall. Luckily, I was wearing a $10 PFD and bobbed right up without getting me hair wet. I am glad I did not have to pull a cord.)

Two points, though. You need to check the units regularly because I’ve found that the gas cylinder can loosen and might not inflate the unit properly if in the loose position. I’ve also been told by a few sailors that they did go overboard and their units did not inflate automatically. I have no information, though, as to whether point was was the reason.

I suspect that I’m a lot more conservative than most sailors (I sometimes think I’m the only person on the Chesapeake wearing a PFD.) But I do not sail without wearing my autoinflating PFD.

Al Lorman
F30 Ab Initio

-----Original Message-----From: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com [mailto:freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of samanthagpollardSent: Tuesday, February 14, 2006 12:09 AMTo: freedomyachts2003@yahoogroups.comSubject: [freedomyachts2003] SOSpender PFDs a questionOn another forum I found the following question:The sailboat we are buying has two SOSpender life jackets (PFD) with pull cords to inflate. There is also one that will automatically deploy if the wearer falls in the water. Are these a good idea? It would seem to me that they are comfortable but, if you are hit in the head with a boom, pretty usesless unless you are wearing the auto version. How can you pull a rip cord if you are unconscious? They are certainly expensive and comfy but…what are your thoughts. What you you wear instead if you do not thing these are good? So. . . that got me to thinking. We have SOSpenders mostly because it was the only thing I could get my husband to agree to wear. But now I am wondering if they really, truly safe. The sad story of the Dad who washed overboard when he and his son were bringing their sailboat down to Rye, NH from Rockalnd ME this fall has got me thinking. Thanks, Samantha=00

IRS CIRCULAR 230 NOTICE. Any advice expressed above as to tax matters was neither written nor intended by the sender or Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP to be used and cannot be used by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed under U.S. tax law. If any person uses or refers to any such tax advice in promoting, marketing or recommending a partnership or other entity, investment plan or arrangement to any taxpayer, then (i) the advice was written to support the promotion or marketing (by a person other than Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP) of that transaction or matter, and (ii) such taxpayer should seek advice based on the taxpayers particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor

This email and any files transmitted with it are intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail.