Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by mjkpainting on 04/06/14 - 4:35 PM

I have a 1989 montauk and recently purchased a new cooler cushion from specialty marine. Storage space is limited on my boat. I was wondering if that cooler cushion would be an acceptable throwable with coast guard standards?

Posted by kamie on 04/06/14 - 4:44 PM

no they are not considered a PFD. you can always use vlecro straps and velcro a couple to the console rail. They make nice backrest cushions for the cooler seat.

Posted by butchdavis on 04/06/14 - 4:44 PM

I think it's very doubtful. If you are talking about the old cushion I can understand wanting to put it to some use. If you are talking about your new cushion I recommend against throwing it into the water. You can by a CG Certified throwable cushion from West Marine for a lot less cost than the replacement on your cooler.

Posted by mjkpainting on 04/06/14 - 4:54 PM

Thanks guys. I thought it was worth a shot. Sometimes we go out as a family (2 toddlers and wife) and my wife packs everything but the kitchen sink. Space is tight.

Posted by gchuba on 04/06/14 - 5:16 PM

My boat's rule is once on board, you wear a life preserver. Most of my boating is ocean. I have self inflating life preservers which I and my guests always wear. It is also a Coast Guard requirement that this style has to be worn. Saves space from those clumsy 4 packs and I rest easier. They are quite comfortable and you do not notice them after a minute or two.
gchuba

Posted by Joe Kriz on 04/06/14 - 5:30 PM

I believe all boats, 16' and over, must have a throwable cushion no matter whether you are wearing a life vest or not.

All Throwable cushions must have the Coast Guard Approved sticker as a throwable cushion. Even if the tag is missing from a genuine throwable cushion, you could get sited.
Make sure your throwable cushions still have the Coast Guard approved tag on them.

Note: Children under 13' I believe (don't quote me on the age or the state), must always have a vest on no matter what.

Edited by Joe Kriz on 04/06/14 - 5:32 PM

Posted by Phil T on 04/07/14 - 5:45 AM

I used a red square throwable seen here:
http://store.hamiltonmarine.com/brows...55958.html

It sits on top of the anchor to protect the anchor. It was stored on top of the anchor on the top of bow locker. Lift the cover, grab and throw.

Remember, when stowing the anchor, rode and chain the gear goes in:
Rode on the bottom, then chain, then anchor (and cushion on top)

Posted by gchuba on 04/07/14 - 6:59 AM

Again, I feel like my mind is mush. I read into his "...cushion throwable..." as "... saves space life preserver...". I have the Cal June Life Ring Buoy. I like it because with the rope around the perimeter, it hangs anywhere. I keep it on a rocket launcher. Easy access and out of the way.
gchuba

Posted by butchdavis on 04/07/14 - 7:24 AM

I believe rings are the best. They have enough heft to be thrown a good way. Throwing the little lightweight cushions into the wind can be a problem. Try throwing the small cushions while at home some day. The lack of range may surprise you.

Attaching a throwing line to a ring buoy is very easy. I have a spring loaded carabiner(sp?) attached to my trailer launching line which is about fifty feet long and stores in my anchor locker. If needed it could be attached to a ring in a couple of seconds.