"Steve" wrote in message
...
The primaries on a medium size boat will most likely be sufficient to
hoist
250# by the average size crew member. Say size 40 or even better size 44
selftailing.

However, it would be a mistake to abandon the use of a block and tackle if
the winch is smaller that this.

If anyone is in doubt, just rig up a halyard directly to a 200+ person on
deck and ask the wife to take it to the winch and grind away. I think you
will then agree that some additional purchase, if not required, would make
the job a lot easier..

It seems like some are afraid of the tangle mess often found in a stowed
block and tackle. There are proper ways to store this gear.

I have a 5:1 block and tackle with cam cleat. Even a 70 pound weakling
can hoist me (240) out of the water by grabbing a hold of the line
and sitting down. Rigging the B&T is faster than monkeying with
fairleads and winches. It costs a little more but I get to use it
for other wonderful things like hoisting the dinghy aboard.

The hardest part of MOB recovery, by far, is hoisting them out
of the water. There are far too many people who think about
how they are going to handle the boat to get close to the victim,
and then think they'll just haul them out of the water. Nuh uhh.
Way too hard, especially if the MOB is out of gas. I just heard
a story about a situation in Santa Cruz where the MOB was
recovered, just barely, by an outboard powered inflatabe with
12 inches of freeboard. Despite the MOB having one leg up
and in the boat and help from the boat driver, he was barely
able to get in.

Matt