SISC wrote:
Many interesting comments and hints; thank you.

Would like to post these questions based on all the prior responses:

1) Has anyone out there used , seen or had experiences with
"yachtsaver"bags?
Manufacturer is out of business but the idea doesn't sound to bad? Any
Comments?

Yes, we had them on our last boat. They went out of
business for a few reasons:
- lack of sales
- cost of equipment
- EC tests showed that the calculated buoyancy was greater
than actual tests... so a lot of potential liabilty with
installed installations.
- worry about decks ripping off if the bags are not
installed into structure.

I think the idea is sound for smaller vessels. For larger
ones, the cost of the equipment is a lot higher than a
liferaft. For our heavy 30' boat, the cost was about the
same as a liferaft. A bag with 1 ton lift was about
4"x12"x30" deflated. Our boat needed 4 bags.

2) How much is the potential sinking of vessel on the
mind of you the
owners?

Not much anymore. I've got a catamaran with 4 watertight
compartments in each hull now

Do you think a reasonable solution would be welcome? I tshould affect
insurance premiums, right?