Stopping little things going splosh

[FairweatherDave]

Managed to have a little accident today and dropped the Selden mast gate sail feeder tongue thing onto the deck from where it bounced happily over the side. Now I knew I might drop it but, thought I'd be very careful....... still messed up. So why didn't I lay a nice duvet or something around the base of the mast before hand. Obvious after the event Next time I hope I will remember. It has been a while since I dropped something and I did put my adjustable on a lanyard a couple of days back when turning turnbuckles. Other than the inverted umbrella anyone else got some good tips for catching things you aren't supposed to drop?
I have managed to order one but hoping to dive at low tide in the low expectation of finding the part (I'm on a swinger). I can't imagine the part is magnetic.

 

[Concerto]

Bath sheets folded several time will stop most things from bouncing on the deck. Saved me many splashes. Condition of the towels is unimportant.

 

[William_H]

Davy Jones is a greedy bugg** with now a huge tool kit which he treasures but never uses. ol'will

 

[Stemar]

I always buy cheap tools for the boat. Neptune prefers Snapon to Parkside

 

[Chiara’s slave]

You’re just all sailing the wrong boats. Things can bounce on our coachroof all they like, but they’re not going to bounce 3m. I have recovered many a nut, split ring and shackle pin from the trampolines.

 

[D1bram]

It's a heart sinking moment... working on the moorings this winter I managed to drop my Ryobi angle grinder complete with 5Ah battery

 

[Minerva]

You’re just all sailing the wrong boats. Things can bounce on our coachroof all they like, but they’re not going to bounce 3m. I have recovered many a nut, split ring and shackle pin from the trampolines.

Ahh - happy memories of friendly racing with friends as teenagers - throwing a split ring on to a competitors mainsail then them wondering where on earth it came from as it tumbles into their cockpit

 

[Dockhead]

A fishing magnet will give many of those tools a second chance.

And if you don't recover your own tool, you may very well recover someone else's.

 

[FairweatherDave]

Found a fishing magnet on e bay for less than a fiver. Looks like a good tool to have (even if inappropriate this time - aluminium). But anyone know how far away you need to keep it from "electrical devices" - where would you keep it on a typical 30ft boat?

 

[Minerva]

Found a fishing magnet on e bay for less than a fiver. Looks like a good tool to have (even if inappropriate this time - aluminium). But anyone know how far away you need to keep it from "electrical devices" - where would you keep it on a typical 30ft boat?

try it in the bow anchor locker but do note, if your compass is constantly telling you you’re heading North - the magnet is too close!

 

[FairweatherDave]

I like that (almost), I have visions of fouling my heap of chain. But near my feet in the forecabin does sound a good spot, thanks.