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**YachtBroker** · 18-03-2016, 07:49

Dear Fellow Cruisers,

I saw this at the Miami show and immediately bought one.
I think it's the first TYPE IV ever approved by the USCG .

ThrowRaft

They are also coming out with a hard cover PVC type rail holder for it. It's compact and small enough to easily throw.

I think it's well worth the $200 (my wife thinks so) and I think he'll offer a special if you contact him and mention my name and or boat show">Miami Boat Show. I told him I'd get the word out.

**a64pilot** · 18-03-2016, 07:55

OK, there are two, one $130 and one $230?
One appears to be a little like a swim raft toy size and the other like seat cushion sized?

These self inflate? Replacement interval of the water activated mechanism?

Ribbit · 18-03-2016, 08:03

I think it's the $130 one that's USCG approved?

Looks neat.

**YachtBroker** · 18-03-2016, 08:05

Self inflate, correct. Like wearable inflatable PFD does.
Two sizes correct. I think one is exact size of a normal throw cushion. Second is size of about two of those to give more surface area. I should correct what I said on price. About $200 was with the $75 hard mount case I bought with the smaller size. It's in a throw able bag as well so you could just put it out in the cockpit when you need it. I thought it'd be good for my dingy as well in the bag. That is leave mounted in the hard case at transom and grab the case out to put in dingy if and when desired.

SaltyMonkey · 18-03-2016, 08:06

You seriously believe this is a positive design and a replacement for current devices??

rockDAWG · 18-03-2016, 08:11

It has a good potential. I think they should include an inflatable post with a small flag and a strobe light.

**YachtBroker** · 18-03-2016, 08:17

Salty Monkey,
Don't shoot the messenger.
I didn't say replace your $20 throw cushion with this and I have 4-5 of them on my boat as we use them for backrest as well, but you ever try to throw one to someone in the water? No weight and they go like 20'. This thing has some weight and I think you could throw it a long range.

Good idea about inflatable flag with strobe but I think it'd make the small size too big.

Everyone, not looking to monitor and counter all the comments on this thread, just making everyone aware of a product I thought was pretty neat.

rockDAWG · 18-03-2016, 08:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by YachtBroker

Self inflate, correct. Like wearable inflatable PFD does.
Two sizes correct. I think one is exact size of a normal throw cushion. Second is size of about two of those to give more surface area. I should correct what I said on price. About $200 was with the $75 hard mount case I bought with the smaller size. It's in a throw able bag as well so you could just put it out in the cockpit when you need it. I thought it'd be good for my dingy as well in the bag. That is leave mounted in the hard case at transom and grab the case out to put in dingy if and when desired.

If the company's focus was to replace a normal throw cushion, it does not have enough incentive for me to buy one. The normal throw cushion is cheap and easily hanged on the stern rail without much of real estate problem and maintenance free. This product is a good start but it needs some improvement.

rockDAWG · 18-03-2016, 08:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by YachtBroker

Salty Monkey,

Good idea about inflatable flag with strobe but I think it'd make the small size too big.

The bulk and cost are already there in the present product. Adding the flag and strobe will not be a deal breaker. In this way, the product can compete with the big boy with a smaller package and cost.

I am just sayin..... It is their product and their call.

Robin3 · 19-03-2016, 07:49

WE have a Lifesling stored in a hard fiberglass case, gives a means of recovery on board too. we also have a bunch of those floating cushion things and USCG approvedauto inflate hydrostatic lifejackets with integral harness.

http://http://www.westmarine.com/lifesling

Wallaby · 19-03-2016, 08:23

Does it come with a drink holder?

ontherocks83 · 19-03-2016, 08:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wallaby

Does it come with a drink holder?

That and the inflatable palm tree for shade.

cool idea though. I think most useful place is for a dinghy where you might not typically carry a cushion

**a64pilot** · 19-03-2016, 08:43

Why would you want a throwable in a dinghy?
Never thought about it, but as a dinghy is a boat, I guess a throwable is required? Fire extinguisher too?

Sent from my iPad Pro using Cruisers Sailing Forum

jheldatksuedu · 19-03-2016, 08:46

I don't think it makes any difference if the USCG likes it, if you think it is good because you can throw it farther then have something like it on the boat, have the cushion to keep the USCG happy and have other stuff that you think may save somebodies life. When you need it throw everything you've got. Maybe what we need is a flare gun or air cannon launched inflatable.