ideas for throwable storage.

[beason]

the last time i got a visit by the CG, they said my throwable had to be out and accessible. I had it just inside the helm storage door. Im afraid it will blow out, and i dont want the missus to have to hold it all the time.

My last boat, i could slide it up in the gunwall storage, but this boat doesnt have that option.

Is there anything on the market to hold it? a bag with suction cups? bracket? basket?

maybe i have stumbled upon a product idea.

no one steal it!

 

[H20Rat]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

Really wish someone would develop an inflatable throwable! Something about the size of a baseball that auto-inflates when it is completely submerged. Easy to store, easy to throw...

Yeah as far as ideas where to store it, don't have any... I have the same problem, just haven't been stopped yet Anything not 100% secured down will be sucked out of my boat, and there is no easy way to secure a cushion. (made the mistake of not stowing a stern light pole last year, yeah, that got tossed out on a good wave!)

*edit*
Found this thing, but doesn't look like it is USCG type IV certified. One of those cases where common sense doesn't apply. The typical foam cushion type IV is nearly worthless to throw. I might as well just grab the person. This device, which would be far more valuable, isn't certified...

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/recreational/mustang-survival-rescue-stick-0?country=25

 

[Gyrene]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

How about a velcro strap?

 

[robert graham]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

How about some well-placed bungee cords to hold the throwable device?.....

 

[beason]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

i bought some of those big suction cups with the bungees on them in an attempt to try to secure it, but i dont really have a wide enough area to tied it down.

i was thinking maybe a mesh bag with a couple of big suction cups on the back. then i could just stick it to the side of the helm. or a light plastic basket with the same suction cups that it would slide down into.

 

[beason]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

something like this but fitted for the throw pad.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

throwables are most effective if they have a 20' line tied to them. So tie a line to it, tie off the line, and in the off chance it blows out, no problem.

Or sit on it like 95% of boaters do--at least those who don't have built-in cushions (sofas).

I can wedge one in the foot rail below the helm; I sit on another if driving seated or if standing, put it between the seat and my legs and lean against it (extended leaning post).

 

[oldjeep]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

95% of boats don't have built in cushions? Maybe 95% of canoes

Interesting question though, in my Bayliner I just had it in one of the side pockets - the Malibu doesn't really have anywhere to put one that would be out in the open.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

come to the coast and see the maintenance free boats we use...

back to the question, there are so many straps and hooks available at any marine store that it should be easy to find something that works in your boat. Or maybe you need to get your LEO's to relax some--offer them a beer and see what happens....

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

I did this on mine.

 

[dingbat]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

I have the boat GC inspected before the first outing of the year.

Storing inside the cabin is no longer an issue

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

I store mine in the cabin along with my bags of pfd's... if the popo shows an interest in me (been harassed about twice in 25 years) I or one of my passengers will duck into the cabin n toss em on the deck then come back up with a fresh soda or water in hand.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

I believe your LEO is being too literal with the regs. I may be wrong, but I believe the term is "readily accessible." That is a vague term open to interpretation, misinterpretation, and a power trip by the man with the badge. However, it does NOT necessarily mean out in the boat cabin. It should be able to be stored anywhere where you can easily get to it--not a locked compartment. I have never been hassled over my throwable cushion being inside the cuddy.

Personally, I like the Velcro idea and may just decide to do that anyway.

BTW: I just was on a cruise. Guess where the life jackets were stored? In the cabin, in the closet. Extra flotation devices were stored in sealed compartments on deck but the throwable rings were all secured to the rail. Can't get more accessible than that, but, of course, that is a very big ship with plenty of room.

 

[ziggy]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

Or sit on it like 95% of boaters do--at least those who don't have built-in cushions (sofas).

guess i'm in the 95%. i have two on board, my normal load. we both sit on them. in our case, it makes our height just right with the windshield + i fig. i got real old upholstery, so if i don't sit directly on upholstery, maybe it'll last longer. oh, and when i pull my back to back seats out into a sofa, i use the type IV as a pillow.

Maybe 95% of canoes

oh, i do that too. them canoe seats get hard after a long paddle. only thing i don't like about that is it raises my center of gravity a bit. it's ok though. i just deal with that. better to sit on something soft.

 

[jayhanig]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

I store mine under my butt. It gives me just enough lift to see over the windshield frame.

 

[Brian 26]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

I believe your LEO is being too literal with the regs. I may be wrong, but I believe the term is "readily accessible."

I MN the PFDs have to be "readily accessible" which they define as can be in a compartment but not latched or covered by anything (zipper being zipped on a back of key holes is a no go).

The throwables have to "immediately accessible" which means out and not covered by anything. (going off memory so don't quote me)

In my experience 75% of boaters are not in compliance with the throwable. I use to gently let people know about this when I was in there boat until my wife told me I was being rude. Telling a 20 year boat veteran their doing something wrong while a guest in their boat is a little awkward.

I have never heard of or seen someone get a ticket for having a throwable but not having it out. I think LEOs in this area are more concerned with the hunyuks that don't have enough jackets or are drunk.

 

[beason]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

they werent rude about it and i didnt get a ticket, they asked to see it and i pulled it out of the helm and they said "you know, that is supposed to be out and accessible".

I keep the jackets in there, except for the youngins. they wear them unless they are legal age (14) then they sit on them or have them at their feet.

I have flip up bolsters so i dont need any more cushion.

I like that bracket up there that Hawker posted. but id like something a little more forgiving if someone bumped into it.

this is the basic layout of my interior. no gunwall pockets like the old boat.

 

[beason]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

i had it stored inside the door on the side of the passenger side dash.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

they werent rude about it and i didnt get a ticket, they asked to see it and i pulled it out of the helm and they said "you know, that is supposed to be out and accessible".

I keep the jackets in there, except for the youngins. they wear them unless they are legal age (14) then they sit on them or have them at their feet.

I have flip up bolsters so i dont need any more cushion.

I like that bracket up there that Hawker posted. but id like something a little more forgiving if someone bumped into it.

this is the basic layout of my interior. no gunwall pockets like the old boat.
View attachment 228119

on yours, stick it between the captain's seat and the bulkhead (side), maybe a velcro stuck to the bulkhead with corresponding on the cushion if it slides there. Or hang the strap off the arm of the chair.

"Readily accessible" is a very subjective standard. I have heard of LEO's doing drills where everyone has to have a PFD on and secure in a matter of seconds. Hopefully, as in your case, you get advice rather than a ticket.

Note: You have to have the throwable readily accessible even if you are the only person in the boat. Like that makes sense.

 

[shrew]

Re: ideas for throwable storage.

they werent rude about it and i didnt get a ticket

The Coast Guard does not have the ability to ticket you. However, they do have the authority to asses the vessel as unsafe for operation due to safety violations and force you back to you to either your home port, or the nearest port until the vessel is made safe for travel.