Man Overboard with Auto Pilot Engaged!

[d design]

A better idea, Drag a big net behind you so if anyone falls overboard they get caught in it.

[d design]

You will still drown though

[fozrunner]

Originally Posted by d design

A better idea, Drag a big net behind you so if anyone falls overboard they get caught in it.

Dragging a surfboard rather than a float might be a better idea. You could watch the boat for a few hours that way!

[d design]

Have an emegency jet pack on your life jacket to rocket you back to the boat

[sailorboy1]

Scotty, energize!

[Andrew Troup]

The best idea, in the real world
(rather than the perfect world where nobody ever screws up)
is for the towed line to act as a tripline, to put the helm hard over, effectively heaving the boat to.

Preferably using a simple mechanism, rather than electronics.

It's good to fit a handle to the end of the (floating) line, which might as well be a ski rope.

[mpatter894]

There is such an animal but If you are solo why would you risk going anywhere on deck in the day or night where there was a chance to go over without wearing a good harness and having jack lines. I would put my faith in a harness before I would put my faith in a piece of electronics floating in saltwater after a tumble overboard.

[d design]

Originally Posted by Andrew Troup

The best idea, in the real world
(rather than the perfect world where nobody ever screws up)
is for the towed line to act as a tripline, to put the helm hard over, effectively heaving the boat to.

Preferably using a simple mechanism, rather than electronics.

It's good to fit a handle to the end of the (floating) line, which might as well be a ski rope.

Hay thats a cool idea

[Oregon Waterman]

Sorry kids, I forgot how old and infirm it seems of CF is when it comes to doing anything physical.
I have no problems holding on to a line dragging behind a boat doing 7 knots.
I have no problem hanging on to a tow rope behind a jet ski doing 20 knots when we tow into big waves, board afoot or not.

I am sorry, but CF really is not the place to discuss 'outside of the box' idea's. As people age, they seem to become so set in what they 'know', seems they find it hard to believe there may be another way of doing things. I find it difficult to discuss anything here that may go against what older people think they 'know'.

BTW, Arnold was never strong. There are a few ways to be fit. One is for show, the other is a body that is conditioned and formed by the movements you put it through.

I am in green... (warning:language)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdUJ5HRQ6q8

[Oregon Waterman]

Originally Posted by Wolfy

Not too sure about this theory....time you re-surfaced....

I agree with an earlier post....if you go over the side while Single Handling....your DEAD

No, you will be dead. I will easily accomplish this. Never doubt what others can do because you can not.

[Oregon Waterman]

Originally Posted by belizesailor

I suggest trying to hang on to this line one day with to boat moving. Over a few knots its very difficult just to hang on, much less get back to the boat.

Yeah, see my post...
Not all of us are old and crusty.

[d design]

Agreed! but you will still die if you fall off

[zboss]

Originally Posted by Oregon Waterman

I doubt this will find any agreement but...when out singlehanded, I trail a line 250 feet out with a float at the end. I first started doing this on a little boat way back when (much shorter line). If I went over or fell off, I only had to swim sideways to get to the line and back to the boat. I don't have to keep up to the boat, just swim fast enough to catch the line. Never have used it mind you but I think its better than watching the boat sail away.

I once jumped off a dive boat into a ripping current or 3-4 knots (water was crystal clear to the bottom and you could barely tell).

I was able to make it to the oh-sht line but I could barely hold on. Forget holding onto a line or doing anything but drown if the boat is moving more than 1-2 knots.

You could pack a parasail on your back and latch on, lift yourself out of the water and winch yourself back in using a simple piece of wood hand over hand

[Oregon Waterman]

Originally Posted by zboss

I once jumped off a dive boat into a ripping current or 3-4 knots (water was crystal clear to the bottom and you could barely tell).

I was able to make it to the oh-sht line but I could barely hold on. Forget holding onto a line or doing anything but drown if the boat is moving more than 1-2 knots.

You just don't get it.
I posted a video of us tow surfing. We ROUTINELY grab the line and get pulled through the water doing WELL above 15 knots. In rescue or 'get me the f*&k out of here' situations, I know I have seen the ski wide open trying to out run an incoming set. That would mean I was hanging on well past "1 or 2 knots"...
Like 25 or so.

"1 or 2 knots..." LMFAO!

Get out more bro, really.

[Therapy]

Originally Posted by Oregon Waterman

I doubt this will find any agreement but...when out singlehanded, I trail a line 250 feet out with a float at the end. I first started doing this on a little boat way back when (much shorter line). If I went over or fell off, I only had to swim sideways to get to the line and back to the boat. I don't have to keep up to the boat, just swim fast enough to catch the line. Never have used it mind you but I think its better than watching the boat sail away.

You are correct.

No problem at 7 knots? You are an outstanding specimen, to be sure.

I don't believe you can get to the boat at 5 knots. How about your camera men take the video so we can see you back into the cockpit and hove to.

You would get accolades and apologies from the crusty old fogeys here. Some know the taste of crow.