How long? Safety Q

[david_e]

I've just bought a drogue thingy for my Bent Toe 31.7.

What type of rope do I need to attach it and how long does it need to be?

When I chuck it out, is it better at the front or the back?

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[copterdoctor]

I can not remember the deail off hand, the mag' is on the boat J.I.C but PBO did a very good article on this within the last couple of months. Try their web site.

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[Twister_Ken]

Drogues from the blunt end to slow you down. Sea anchors from the pointy bit to hold you stationary (give or take) and keep head to wind.

BTW, which bit of the boat would you rather be working from in survival condits - the foredeck or the cockpit?

As to length of string - I seem to remember at least 1.5 wavelengths is recommended, where wavelength is distance twixt crests.

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[Swampyhotdog]

August PBO has a good article on drogues/sea anchors.

Also I keep a book onboard with that sort of info. It's amazing what people will pick up and read when bored on a long passage.

Stu

<hr width=100% size=1>As with most posts here - my personal opinion - take it or leave it.
Stu

 

[Talbot]

You must use nylon, either braid on braid, or multiplait Not 3 strand. recommend abt 16mm, and some serious fittings on the stern to take the strain.

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[david_e]

Suppose the blunt bit if I have to, normally try and avoid this sort of situation.

Thanks all.

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[Dominic]

Quick way to sink your boat ?

If it is a sea anchor, and you hang it off the stern in a storm, then I would expect the boat to break up and sink quite quickly.

Surely you didn´t you mean ;

.....and some serious fittings on the stern to take the strain.

It goes on the bow.

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[Talbot]

Re: Quick way to sink your boat ?

No, a drogue by its very nature allows the boat to make some headway. If you hang one from the bow, you stand a VERY good chance of loosing your rudders. I know the series drogue guy got a hammering for attempting to advertise through the forum (which was a real error of jadgement on his behalf, however, the USCG report does make interesting reading. If I can find the stowage and the money, then a series drogue and a parachute anchor are on the shopping list. If I cant then I will at least go for the drogue (cause it is cheaper, easier and safer to launch, and much easier to recover) But it does mean that your boat will need to be able to take a smack in the tail. sugar scoops may be more vulnerable, canoe stern is the best, good drains in the cockpit essential.

And i n answer to why a series drogue rather than a single larger one. I could emphasise that it is less strain on the individual drogue, but IMHO, the most important point is that with a single drogue, you need to be able to vary the bridle length to get the best spot for the drogue, otherwise it could break out, whereas the series drogue will always have some of the drogues in exactly the best spot, so you dont need to play with the bridle, you can go below and watch a dvd./forums/images/icons/smile.gif (possibly "The Perfect Storm")

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