posted 03-04-2009 01:58 AM ET (US)        

USCG has a publication for backyard boat builders and recommends the installation of survival handles. Not the prettiest things to have protruding from your boat's bow but in the case of a capsizing could be a real life saver.

SAFETY
STANDARDS
FOR
BACKYARD
BOAT BUILDERS
COMDTPUB P16761.3B

APPENDIX D
DESIGN GUIDELINE FOR SURVIVAL HANDLES

APPLICABILITY
This design guideline applies to monohull boats less than 20 feet in length except
sailboats, canoes, kayaks, inflatables, raceboats, submersibles and amphibious
vehicles.
Survival handles are not required for boats equipped with Level Flotation; however,
they are strongly recommended as a safety feature aboard boats equipped with Basic
Flotation.

INTRODUCTION
The Coast Guard and other groups who advocate boating safety always say:
“If you have an accident, STAY WITH THE BOAT, and don’t panic.”
But because a boating accident can terrify an experienced boater as easily as a
novice, survivors of boating accidents frequently think they will be safer if they can get
to shore. Many drown trying to swim there.
Some boats that are not equipped with Level Flotation, particularly outboards, have a
tendency to capsize when they become filled with water and float upside down leaving
only a small part of the bow above the surface of the water. In this position there are
few parts of the boat survivors can cling to until assistance arrives. The shore,
however, which looks so close, is really much farther away.
In order to give the survivors of boating accidents a better sense of security, this
guideline explains how to install survival handles as an additional ____________on
boats equipped with only Basic Flotation. These handles _____________survivors of
boating accidents to stay with the boat until help arrives by giving them something they
can hang onto comfortably.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Wood, plastic or metal handles can be used, and although no particular style or
dimensions are specified, the handles should be smooth and large enough so that
they are comfortable for a person in the water to hang onto.
Because their strength depends upon the manner in which they are installed, the
handles should be through-bolted to the boat with backing plates (3/8 inch plywood or
1/8 inch aluminum).
NOTE
No copper alloy (brass or bronze) handles or both should be used on aluminum
boats because of the corrosive effects of the electrolyte.
BOLT ENDS
When the handles are installed on the boat, the ends of the through-bolts should not
protrude more than ¼” beyond the backing plates, particularly if the boat lacks a
forward deck. Bolt ends which are too long might injure an occupant of the boat.

GUNWALE
BACKING PLATE THROUGH BOLTS
LOCATION

At least two handles should be installed on the boat (one on the port side and one on
the starboard side) as far forward and as close to the gunwales as possible.

NOTE
IF BOAT REGISTRATION NUMBERS ARE IN THE DESIRED LOCATION FOR
INSTALLATION OF THE HANDLES, THE NUMBERS CAN BE MOVED
FARTHER AFT. FEDERAL REGISTRATION LAWS

posted 03-04-2009 03:36 AM ET (US)            

I think that your point has been well taken;
And that it is a positive idea to improve our existing designs as we have seen them today.
As far as safety;
There is always room to improve.

posted 03-04-2009 01:00 PM ET (US)            

Having capsized a Montauk (two divers in the boat leaning over the hail to boat a big fish while a third diver was hanging on the rail from the water), and having seen personally that there's bugger-all to hold onto, I think these handles might be a good plan.

Any Montauk specific ideas from the guys?

Dave

posted 03-04-2009 02:11 PM ET (US)            

Caribiners are important because they are easy to use when you have cold and numb hands. You don't have to fumble with knots - you can just clip in.

If it is rough and the boat is pitching too much, you can clip in to a dockline and drift 25 feet behind the boat, but you're still tethered.

It reminds me of the scene in the movie "Castaway" with Tom Hanks, where he swims away from his raft to get Wilson. He hits the end of his rope and rightly sticks with the raft rather than chase after his companion.

Just some thoughts.

posted 03-04-2009 04:45 PM ET (US)            

Excellent idea. Similar in placement to the righting-assist straps on many sailing skiffs.

Well done.

"The Other Dave"

posted 03-04-2009 08:28 PM ET (US)            

I always carry a few old CDs becuase they can act as a signal device thats reflective, whisles on every life jacket (i have one from a funeral home that wakes some people up right away when they see that!!!):)strobe on each vest, and going over the rulz of the road on my vessel before you head out with anyone and they know what to expect weather wise and trip wise.and a float plan lodged with someone. Foul weather gear is always stowed on board regarless of time of the year.

Being a "coastie", I always found it strange that some of the most important stuff on a boat for VE inspections were not mandatory items but electives you could or could not add to the boat at your pleasure. I always instruct people to do more rather than less.That VE inspection needs to change down the line and be more stringent making electives mandatory. And of course mandatory boating courses and certification before someone can skipper a boat, like they have in some states already.