New retriever option?

[Roseand]

Sounds to me like even with foam and a short hull it might not float without you holding onto it. So incase you lose your hand on it...also might be a great idea for people with dvx style open bulkheads with no way to stuff foam inside.
3x1 inches, says it deploys in 10 feet of water or 4 PSI. 100 ft of line. My concern is nosing in a flip would set it off but there's probably a way to shield it from impact. Saw that @Jr. runs one so maybe he has some input?

 

[Roseand]

Also, this throw bag is a bit large, 10x6 inches but the rope is strong enough to pull a ski up by. Just a thought...

 

[Quinc]

Other - GetterBack - Depth Activated Recovery System

Check out this depth activated recovery system. Originally designed for drones, this looks like something easily adapted to mount to a ski and serve the same purpose. At under $40, it's worth a test run to see if it activates prematurely...

www.x-h2o.com

 

[Quinc]

This one is interesting:

Drone-retriever.com

Automatic float device that is attached to your drone when flying over a water hazard to facilitate a water rescue

drone-retriever.com

 

[brapperdoodle]

Been curious about this same thing recently… I’m interested in finding a reliable safety. I think my ski would float but I’m not trying to fill it with water and find out.

 

[Harbor]

I have both the retriever and the GetterBack on each ski. The GetterBack is backup in case I can’t deploy the retriever. The issue I have with the GetterBack is it’s so small, I’am doubtful I’d find it in rough water. I’am planning to attach a small strip of liquor store plastic back to it so it’s more visible in rough water. 1” x 6” strip, Using a drone to spot it might help too..

I broke one of the GetterBacks with my knee, it separated in two and I had troubling finding the float portion while I was floating, trying to retrieve it..

I’am not really satisfied with either to be honest.. would prefer an auto deploying retriever back…

 

[Quinc]

I emailed them about something for a jetski and this is the response:
Sir,

Thanks for reaching out...

The answer is NO.

That said we have had several folks from the competitive Jet Ski arena make inquiries.

We are in the process of prototyping a concept/product.

• At this time the concept will be a device that will contain a DR unit inside a water tight enclosure
• A pressure transducer penetrating that enclosure such that it is controlled by water pressure which will be set to a depth of 8-10'.
• Inside the enclosure will be 2 electromechanical latches that keep the cover closed and release when triggered by the pressure transducer.
• The system is powered by a battery pack that is in itself water tight an contains lithium batteries for 5–7-year service life.
• The DR unit will be attached to a para cord of approximately 100' to facilitate recovery.
• The para cord will be attached to the inside of the enclosure.
• There will be a separate EYE hook on the outside of the enclosure to facilitate the primary lifeline connection of the unit to the vehicle.
  • This connection system from the enclosure may or may not be provided.
  • This connection system may be a configuration option.
  • This connection system may be an accessory.
• The system may also include a water activated strobe that activates at the same time as the DR unit deploys and is attached to it.
• Operation:
  • Once the unit is exposed to water pressure equivalent to a depth of > 8-10' the pressure transducer will activate the latch system releasing the lid of the enclosure exposing the DR unit to water.
  • The DR unit will deploy within 1-2 seconds. It will rise to the surface while unwinding a 100' para cord.
  • At the surface the orange airbag will identify the location and the para cord will facilitate recovery.
    • The strobe would also identify the location for after dark recovery especially for snow sled lake recovery.
• Service Life
  • 5-7 years
  • The unit will be owner serviceable.
  • The internal battery pack will be accessible so that the owner can replace the batteries.
  • If deployed in fresh water, the system can be cleaned and put back in service by replacing the CO2 Cylinder and trigger bobbin.
  • If deployed in salt water the system can be cleaned but the cover release latches may also need to be replaced. Unknown at this time.
• Timing:
  • Spring 2024

Due to the niche business opportunity nothing here leads us to volume production.

Our target sell price at this time is $225.00 but may approach $250.00



Questions:

• What is your opinion of our product concept?
• Do you have any suggestions?
• Could you provide some links to places where this item could be advertised or marketed as, to be completely honest, we know NOTHING about competitive jet ski industry.

Regards,

Bob Cassidy

Sales@drone-retriever.com

 

[Jr.]

Sounds to me like even with foam and a short hull it might not float without you holding onto it. So incase you lose your hand on it...also might be a great idea for people with dvx style open bulkheads with no way to stuff foam inside.
3x1 inches, says it deploys in 10 feet of water or 4 PSI. 100 ft of line. My concern is nosing in a flip would set it off but there's probably a way to shield it from impact. Saw that @Jr. runs one so maybe he has some input? View attachment 440221

Yes, I run one on my T1 Basically strapped to the bars. Its been there 3 + years and many surf trips, so it stays put.
but as others have said, its small and would be difficult to find in heavy water. It s something and offers a sense of security.
back to the same old, same old, Never Let Go!