PFD/Harness Spinlock recommendations 2021

[Steve_C]

I ended up buying 4 Spinlock 6D Vests with HRS at the show. They were on special at the Spinlock booth for less than the Landfall Navigation price. I also went ahead and bought 4 of the RescueME AIS MOB1 Devices from them as well as they were also on sale.

[Sailbaum]

Originally Posted by Steve_C

Have you (Or anyone on this thread) used or considered equipping with the "rescueME AIS MOB1"?

I have the Mob1 installed on both the Vito and the 6. It is a bit of a challenge to get them into the jacket at first but they do fit and after you wear the jacket it settles in better. Fortunately, I have never had to use it, but did test the DSC and AIS functions and both worked. Programming sounds challenging (it uses flashes on screen of a phone or laptop) but is actually easy and works well. Note that you can download a program to a laptop that will allow you to program without internet. Or you can program through a web app.

There is a clear plastic guard that you need to clip on the unit when armed - I tied a small tether on it so as not to lose it when it's not in place (e.g while traveling).

The best price I found at the time was at binnacle.us - quick Shipping.

[acunningham]

Originally Posted by Sailbaum

Fortunately, I have never had to use it, but did test the DSC and AIS functions and both worked.

I was curious as to what the procedure is for testing the DSC and AIS alerts is. Would you have any information?

[Sailbaum]

I don't recall the exact steps, but once programmed, you can press a sequence of buttons and it will send a test call to your VHF and put a test sqawk on the Plotter (it is labeled test). It does use some battery so should be done sparingly.

[Steve_C]

My sister sent this YouTube link because she knew I was looking at the MOB1.

https://youtu.be/iOxqBBZUBZo

The only relevant part starts at about the 9:45 mark where he is testing the MOB1.

[acunningham]

Originally Posted by Sailbaum

I don't recall the exact steps, but once programmed, you can press a sequence of buttons and it will send a test call to your VHF and put a test sqawk on the Plotter (it is labeled test). It does use some battery so should be done sparingly.

Originally Posted by Steve_C

My sister sent this YouTube link because she knew I was looking at the MOB1.

https://youtu.be/iOxqBBZUBZo

The only relevant part starts at about the 9:45 mark where he is testing the MOB1.

Thank you!

[lestersails]

Would love some input from some of you real cruisers on this. I have just turned 65 and do a decent amount of single handed sailing in the small boats and (mostly in the Chesapeake), and spend as much time as I can bareboat chartering. When I bareboat, I mostly sail with crew who are minimally competent - my goal for them is if I go in the drink, that they are able to furl the sails, fire up the auxiliary, and use the radio.
So, I think I need an auto inflate PFD - if I fall and bonk my head and go in the drink or pass out for some reason, there won't be any cord pulling.
But I don't think I need a harness type vest.
Would be eager for any product recommendations or thoughts on this.

[Flcapt]

I would always get the harness option, no reason not to have the option.

[Flagman101]

Originally Posted by lestersails

Would love some input from some of you real cruisers on this. I have just turned 65 and do a decent amount of single handed sailing in the small boats and (mostly in the Chesapeake), and spend as much time as I can bareboat chartering. When I bareboat, I mostly sail with crew who are minimally competent - my goal for them is if I go in the drink, that they are able to furl the sails, fire up the auxiliary, and use the radio.
So, I think I need an auto inflate PFD - if I fall and bonk my head and go in the drink or pass out for some reason, there won't be any cord pulling.
But I don't think I need a harness type vest.
Would be eager for any product recommendations or thoughts on this.

Buy the harness. And Y lanyards. Best practice is to stay on the boat.
I always my students that if they fall overboard they die!.
Working with this premise ensures pretty good safety culture on the boat.