COB/MOB setup

[Lanikai]

Per the MERs 3.7.2:

"A boat shall have a man overboard pole and flag, with a lifebuoy, a self-igniting light, a whistle,
and a drogue attached. A self-inflating Man Overboard Module, Dan Buoy or similar device will
satisfy this requirement. Self-inflating apparatus shall be tested and serviced in accordance
with the manufacturer’s specifications. These items shall be stored on deck, ready for
immediate use, and affixed in a manner that allows for a "quick release". "

Thanks to Henry of "Grace", I now have a Forespar MOB pole with whistle and a small (possibly) self-igniting light.

For the lifebuoy and drogue, I assume the Mastercard-friendly approach is to pick up one of these horseshoe buoys with "deluxe" vinyl flaps. http://www.jimbuoy.com/.../horseshoe.htm. In lieu of that, is there anything wrong with using an old fashioned life ring and applying my shade tree sewing skills to fabricate a drogue? And tie the whole mess together with some polypropylene?

Also, I know the usual light is one of these: https://www.westmarine.com/....water-light...
but the rules aren't so specific...any reason it can't be a small personal distress light, as long as it's water-activated and shiny?

 

[Daydreamer]

I think the DIY approach would be fine as far as the drouge. The purpose is to keep the ring from being blown away from the COB.
I added one of these to my lifesling,
https://www.westmarine.com/buy/acr-...be-automatic-activation--15083587?recordNum=1

I have the Just-Marine MOM and the light on it is not very big, but bright.
http://marine.the-justgroup.com/shop/man-overboard/dan-buoy/

As far as the polypropylene, I wouldn't use it to "tie" anything as it doesn't hold knots well. Splice it.

 

[Lanikai]

Thanks, Daydreamer. I forgot the most Mastercard-friendly approach of all would have been to just splurge for a MOM or Danbuoy.
And I forgot about the Lifesling light. Need to add one of those.