I don't know how easy it will be to cut a tether while being dragged along at 5 knots. You tend to get dragged under into a drowning scenario. In any case, can you open your knife with one hand and is it tethered to you so you won't lose it?marv brinn wrote:I think that I will wear the pfd at all times because i am a bad swimmer and will carry a knife and two signaling devices if I go in the knife to be used to cut the tether if needed. I read that 47% of these tethers fail if you go in...the one I have has a quick release shackle....But you know who will be in their right mind and able to think clearly if you fall in? I think the best approach is to practice the actual falling into the h20 when you are in a controlled situation.
I'd like to know the source of the 47%. It's an odd enough number to suggest a study but it might be myth (or brand or connector specific), also. I've never seen reference to any widespread failure.
Your training comment is interesting. Yes, training works. We should all do crew overboard, fire, sinking, damage control, etc., etc., but we never do or don't do enough.
Some days I think I will never find my Cape Dory. I still remember your CD 27. She was very nice.
