I had always thought that the safety gear on my own boat was in tip-top condition...until we actually tested it. Today I share my experience of a gear failure in hopes of inspiring all boaters to check out their onboard safety kit.
I fell off my boat sailing solo two weeks ago. Because I had an inflatable life jacket on I survived. Once a year I inflate the lifejacket manually and leave it overnight to test for leaks. It uses the water-soulble "bobbin" to activate it, and I discovered that these need to be replaced every five years. The auto light did not actuate, but would actuate manually. AFter the fact, I relaized that you need to also carry, attached to your person, some sort of communication device either a small waterproof VHF radio or a personal EPIRB.
Eric, I applaud your video. FYI before sailing to Europe we attended a liferaft testing event sponsored by Practical Sailor. One of the BIG surprises: How the initial inflation of these vests can be so full that a surprised user can panic due to lack of easy breathing. Venting the vest is a necessary thing to learn. Testing in a pool - for everyone - is a great idea.
P.S. Solar system continues to be flawless. Wish I had asked you to install that valve between the A/C pump (mounted upside down) and the raw water strainer. Maybe the next time we're up your way. 😎
