On Thu, 24 Feb 2005 13:26:15 -1000, renewontime dot com
wrote:

The new version replaces the (USCG-approved) original's 150' of
polypropylene line with 125' of unspecified "monofiliment."

Hi Al,

Are you sure you've got that right? The Lifesling2 that I've seen uses
a single braided -multifilament- (not -mono- filament) polypropelene
line, much like the original Lifesling. In fact, I've seen both and
don't recall there being much of a difference between the two, except as
you've already noted, the Lifesling2 is USCG approved as a "throwable
device".

In any event, the way I understand it, the tether is not designed for
towing or hoisting the swimmer. Rather, a block and tackle are used and
hooked to the sling's D-rings to hoist the swimmer aboard. At least
this is what was relayed to me when I spoke with the manufacturer's rep
many years ago and is how I've taught students to use it since.

Thanks for the clarification.

I was going by a web-site description of the differences between the
v2 and the original, which spoke of "monofilament" in v2 vs "braided
polypropelene" in the original.

Not being experienced in the use of the device, I had envisioned the
COB being hauled in toward the boat with a winch, and pictured myself
(or my wife) trying to do so with something that looked like the
leader on my fly-fishing line.

After much searching I found a source for the original where the
description of the two versions appeared to quote the mfr as saying
that v2 was a cost-reduced version for boats up to 30ft in length.

Since I have a 36 footer I ordered one of the originals.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Fair winds.

Al
s/v Persephone