Lifeline launcher, better batteries, flexible jerrycans and more
What is it? A powerful line thrower for man overboard and other emergency situations Who is it for? Anyone who goes to sea
We all carry throwing lines to use in the event of a man overboard situation – providing the casualty is conscious it’s much easier to stop the boat nearby than it is directly alongside them and is much less risky.
However, while they generally come with a reassuring 20m of floating line, the scary truth about conventional throwing lines is that it’s very difficult to throw them accurately for a distance of much more than 5-6m. Even worse, few people practice doing so. The result is that the apparently reassuring item of safety gear on the stern rail is unlikely to solve a crisis when needed.
Lifeslings that can be towed in a circle around the casualty can be a better bet. In the past few years these have become mandatory equipment for offshore races and events such as the ARC. They can be very useful on a raceboat that can be manoeuvred easily, but the chance of it working to perfection on a heavier and lightly crewed 45-60ft cruising yacht in a rising gale is a different matter.
The Kiwirescue Line Launcher is a radical yet effective alternative. It will propel a buoyant pod and floating line over a distance of 80m.
The propulsive force comes from a 16g CO2 cylinder, which is around half the size of a standard lifejacket cylinder and is widely available as it is popular solution for the rapid inflation of bicycle tyres.
The Line Launcher can also be used to pass a towline to another vessel, or to make contact to transfer fuel, water, or other stores.
“It’s a multipurpose device that’s very versatile,” says professional navigator Campbell Field, who is establishing a distribution network for the product.
“Superyachts and large offshore raceboats have a nominated swimmer on each watch, but’s that’s a risky process and this is a much safer option.”
The unit is supplied with a waterproof bag, so it can be mounted on deck. An optional spare tube and pod enable the Line Launcher to be re-armed within one minute.
Price: £960. www.linelauncher.co.uk