Video on overboard self-rescue

[GBR3068]

I know there has already been a lot of discussion in various threads on and around this topic, but today I came across this recent video on self-rescue which I thought was pretty good: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I4WFaikXqs In particular it shows just how hard it is to get back on board. I find it very hard indeed and that is in good conditions.

1. I know a number of us use climbing etriers. I got some of these https://www.amazon.com/Metolius-Pocket-Aider-by/dp/B003YC64HY?th=1 These are good because they fold up into a pocket.

2. I also bought one of these soft ladders: https://www.amazon.com/FUTURUP-Ladder，Boat-Extension-Sailboat-Canoeing/dp/B0B418QJ15?th=1

I think I saw someone else just before the SHTP when we were in Richmond with the same soft ladders mounted on both sides. I use mine on the stern so I can get up onto the Monitor easily. Also helps with messing about with the Monitor and putting the e-rudder on.

3. I also have a Robship safety ladder: https://robship.com/products/webbing-safety-ladder

The one I find worked and works best in most situations is the cheapest, the soft ladder #2.

Mike/EOS

 

[Foolish]

That was good. Interesting that when the boat is not moving, it is not possible to climb up with such a soft ladder because you just go under the boat with your feet. But when the boat is moving it supplies the tension to keep you straight in the water and able to climb.

 

[BobJ]

Indeed. I may even put my etriers back on the boat. I'd added fishing weights on the bottom end to help hold them down but concluded they still wouldn't work. But when I'm moving they might.

Might.

 

[NATBF]

You can tie your own etriers...

In case anyone is actually trying to save money (boats seem to make that hopeless, but anyway):

One can make one's own etriers extremely cheaply and easily -- less time than doing a couple of splices. All you need is 1-inch flat tubular webbing (REI...), an empty 1-gallon milk jug, and scissors. Use the scissors to cut strips of the milk jug to keep the steps open (just slide the strip inside the tubular webbing and position properly for the step you are tying). The only knot you need is the water knot, the usual one for tying webbing (basically an overhand follow-through); double the webbing for the last (top) one, leaving a loop for your carabiner or whatever at the top.) Aside from being cheap as dirt, this allows you to customize the distance between steps, number of steps, etc., easily. If you want the steps to stay open under load, then use something more rigid than the milk jug strips.

I used to make my climbing etriers this way; works fine. That said, I will probably get ladders that roll up more conveniently.