Virtual Lifeline (aka C.A.S.T.) - Anybody use one?

[Brad1]

Anybody using one of these? http://www.maritechsafety.com/main.php?p=vl

I'm thinking about getting one and I'm just wondering what anyone that might already be using one has to say about it.

Thanks

[Reel Boobs]

What about the old school safety lanyard? Nobody uses them, for the most part, so why a wirelss unit? I don't mean to be cynical, but they are frequently uverlooked, so if you want to use one, why spend more money for a wireless unit. Start a good habit, and always use the safety lanyard underway.



I guess while trolling, it could be useful, when ALONE!




I hate their website though, spelling errors always turn me off to a product!

[Brad1]

Reel Boobs - 3/31/2006 10:43 PM .... I guess while trolling, it could be useful, when ALONE! ....

You got it.

But what I'm really looking for is feedback on the product itself, not opinions on the merits of this product vs. a conventional lanyard.

[Brad1]

Anybody

[auguste]

Hi Brad

I am also researching the unit as I sometimes fish alone

Have not found much "I've used it" info anywhere

[jethro1]

This device will give you a false sense (and dangerous) of security.

You probably would be better off just tieing yourself to a fifty foot line that is also tied to the boat. If you are by yourself and fall overboard with any sort of wind blowing, you can almost forget about swiming back to the boat, engine running or not. Go out with a friend that can operate the boat on a day when the wind is blowing normally. Let the boat start drifting and jump in the water. See for yourself how quickly the boat will be blown away from you.

[Elusive]

I think it's a GREAT idea & should be standard equipment on all boats. There was a thread a few months ago about it (couldn't locate it) and someone had installed the system & was pleased with the performance.

Very few people use the standard lanyard b/c it's too confining.

[Brad1]

Well I went ahead and order one.

Yeah, last year (for the first time in my life) I went fishing by myself. I was fishing for Walleye and Steelhead so I was trolling. Even though I had SOSpenders on, I thought, man if I fall in the drink, I'll have to watch as my boat slowly heads for destination unknown. And with my luck, the lines would probably start popping off the downriggers and planer boards before the boat disappeared from view.

So now that I forked out the $480 for this thing, I pretty much assured (note the first 3 letters in the previous word) myself that I'll never fish alone again.

[Elusive]

Good move Brad. Give us a report on the install & the performance. I think a positive review will cause others to follow