How to mount a life buoy

[DoubleEnder]

To meet the requirements of the Panerai regatta for classic boats I have to have a life buoy mounted ready for fast deployment. Probably a good idea in any case. I have no stanchions or guard rails on which to mount the usual standard bracket for a horseshoe. Anyone got any good ideas? I am reluctant to mount it on the aft deck, there is very little room. I have a single standing back stay and may be able to rig something using bulldog clips on the wire to hold the bracket. I would prefer not to mount it horizontally if possible, as that will cause problems with the automatic light I think, though it could possibly go on the coach roof.

All suggestions gratefully received.
Thank you
Graham

 

[prv]

Very hard to say without seeing your boat. The actual mounting isn't the problem, it's deciding where to put it.

Got a picture?

Pete

 

[johnalison]

A lot of classic boats seem to have a lifebuoy mounted on the hatch, horizontally. This looks neat and handy.

 

[Aurai]

Would

An inflatable one work? We keep both inflatable Jon and Dan fixed to helm.

CH

 

[William_H]

I imagine your lifebuoy cam witha mount of some sort. If not somthing like this might be available near you. www.whitworths.com.au/main_itemdetail.asp?item=74708&search123=74708&intAbsolutePage=1
This is basically a wide hook that clamps on to a fixture. and holds he top of the lifebuoy or ring. It seems to have bungee to hold it in place.
I wouldd suggest you clamp this to the back of the back stay with the bottom of the buoy or ring resting on the aft deck. Some sort of SS metal bracket each side might be mounted on the aft deck to steady or support the bottom. Sorry a bit hard to suggest without seeing the boat. good luck olewill

 

[yoda]

To meet the requirements of the Panerai regatta for classic boats I have to have a life buoy mounted ready for fast deployment. Probably a good idea in any case. I have no stanchions or guard rails on which to mount the usual standard bracket for a horseshoe. Anyone got any good ideas? I am reluctant to mount it on the aft deck, there is very little room. I have a single standing back stay and may be able to rig something using bulldog clips on the wire to hold the bracket. I would prefer not to mount it horizontally if possible, as that will cause problems with the automatic light I think, though it could possibly go on the coach roof.

All suggestions gratefully received.
Thank you
Graham

You can get lights that are not activated until removed from the holder which facilitates horizontal mounting. That makes the coachroof sound like the place to fit it.

Yoda

 

[westhinder]

You can get lights that are not activated until removed from the holder which facilitates horizontal mounting. That makes the coachroof sound like the place to fit it.

Yoda

There are also lights that are activated by water. They can be stowed in any position, as long as they remain dry.

 

[prv]

There are also lights that are activated by water. They can be stowed in any position, as long as they remain dry.

Not on a boat, then

Pete

 

[westhinder]

Not on a boat, then

Pete

Mine has been on the pushpit for three years now, under a cover and no problems so far.

 

[DoubleEnder]

I am going to go for a horizontal mount on the aft deck, and I'm thinking about using a life jacket light rather than those horrid orange jobs. Anyone got a view on life jacket lights?

 

[yoda]

I am going to go for a horizontal mount on the aft deck, and I'm thinking about using a life jacket light rather than those horrid orange jobs. Anyone got a view on life jacket lights?

if it floats the right way up then it may be ok but unlikely i suspect. If you attach it to the bouy then it may end up the wrong way up in the water.

Yoda

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon]

I am going to go for a horizontal mount on the aft deck

I don't know under which regulations you would be racing but, if it were ISAF Offshore, I (as scrutineer) would have doubts about that location unless I could be convinced that it would be "within reach of the helmsman and ready for instant use" (4.22.1.). I would suggest that the hatch just aft of the cockpit might be a better location.

 

[prv]

Lovely boat

My first thought was a horseshoe flat on the deck so that it sort of encircles the rudder post (aft end of the tiller). The older style larger (frankly more useful) horseshoe would fit better here. Although I take PtMD's point about being within reach. A traditional round buoy (say in red and white quarters, rather than day-glo orange) on the locker lid could look all right, though I'm doubtful whether the lid is big enough and whether there'd be room under the tiller. Any scope for a modern-sized horseshoe standing upright against the aft bulkhead of the cockpit?

As for lights, I'd be looking at either the Apollo Compact:

which is activated by removal from its cradle and doesn't care about water or gravity...

...or, since you mention lifejacket lights, the UML Seaflash:

This is very small, about two inches long, and would mount on the buoy itself. Only problem is if it ends up on the side that's in the water - but maybe you just buy two and put one each side? Water activated, so again no problems with orientation, but it's quite sensitive so you might have to tuck the sensor (on the end of the wire) out of the way of rain and spray. Perhaps a little bag that's rainproof but not immersion-proof, each one on the opposite side of the buoy from its corresponding light.

If it'd fit, and there isn't something else in the way, I think my first preference would be for a compact modern horseshoe mounted on the bulkhead at the aft end of the cockpit, with its ends on the deck, between the benches. And an Apollo Compact light on its bracket screwed to the bulkhead inside the loop of the horseshoe. Or, if it's acceptable to your race rules and personal assessment of risk (there's always the remote possibility of it not inflating), a throwable inflatable buoy in its canister in the same location.

Pete

 

[DoubleEnder]

After much pondering I'm going for a horseshoe against the aft cockpit bulkhead. It just fits and I can mount one of the horrid orange lights at about 45 degrees so all should be ok. Thank you everyone

 

[prv]

After much pondering I'm going for a horseshoe against the aft cockpit bulkhead. It just fits

Sounds good. It'll be mostly out of sight to maintain the aesthetics of your beautiful boat, and also close at hand if ever needed.

I can mount one of the horrid orange lights

Wouldn't it be better to use one of the newer sealed LED designs that actually work, rather than the traditional rainwater-filled "container for storing dead batteries"?

Pete