GL: Life Sling (was: Jack Lines and Tethers)

[Rob Dorsey]

All,

We carry, on the aft deck rail, two classic flotation throwing rings on
dedicated 50' lines. Our MOB plan is to throttle to idle, turn about
(reversing one if needed) and get near the MOB to heave the ring. If the MOB
is incapacitated our plan starts falling apart and getting another swimmer
into the water is not a consideration unless summer temps prevail. Tough
enough to rescue one. And, if successful, getting him/her onto the swim
platform and the additional 4' up to the aft deck, that's another matter
entirely.

For the moment, part of our MOB plan is based on the fact that we are on a
river, little wave action - barring the passing of a 1,000' tow - and most
of our friends who travel with us, and we, are strong swimmers. If water
temps permit, one just swims to shore to clamber out and stand there on the
bank in the middle of nowhere looking wet and silly.

I didn't say it was a good plan, just a plan.

Has anyone with a well equipped trawler considered using the boat's boom and
tackle. If it'll lift a 200 dinghy, it should retrieve your aunt Gladys. If
it is a true emergency - medical, drowning, yadda yadda - then a quick
bowline around the upper thoracic might work. 

Always, one must choose the lesser of several weevils.

Best,
Rob Dorsey
Aboard: Best Revenge
Aurora, IN on the Oh-Hi-Oh
http://bestrevenge.us