Funny, i'd say cigarette is the most mentioned brand. Although that's only because so many people refer to just about any offshore as "one o' dem dere cigarette boats".

Other than that and i'd say Donzi is most mentioned, at least in rollovers I've heard about, and i've heard more complaints about ill handling on Donzi's than any other brand (including on this site). But I really haven't heard of enough rollovers (or ill-handling boats for that matter) to draw any type of conclusion. I'm sure plenty of Fountains get rolled.

I was in Destin for the Emerald Coast PR and saw it in person. As I said before, in this particular incident, yes, a restraint system may have prevented some injuries. The problem is you can't pick and choose what type of incident you are going to be involved in. Suppose that boat rolls to one side or the other and takes on water? Suppose he stuffs it into the next wave and the boat goes under? Suppose it's a cat and he gets the nose in the air like that and it blows over? We are beating this horse to death. Those that are in favor of restraints will remain in favor of them and those opposed will remain opposed. Bottom line on this incident is if the captain is aware of his surroundings, knows his equipment and knows HIS limitations on operating said equipment, the incident never happens and he doesn't need any kind of restraint.

I'd like to bring up another angle.

I wear my seatbelt in my car in part because it holds me in my seat during emergency maneuvers and allows me to maintain contol and avoid a crash.

Perhaps there are cases where a boat operator might be able to make corrections and avoid a roll or a stuff if he is belted into his seat and able to retain control of the steering and throttle, whereas if he were not belted he'd be on the floor or in the water and the boat would be rolling, spinning, or stuffing.

You make some very valid points. My choice to install lap belts was not without much thought. I was a motorcyle road racer and snowcross racer. Both have a common theme, when crashing, get away from the cycle/sled. A broken leg is my testiment to getting away from the mass of metal, or lack of. After that, I still decided to install the belts. Given the fact that I hope to always use what Harry Calahand said: Man's got to know his limitations.

If you are gonna run hard in a high performance boat with open cockpit ( not a race boat ), you need the lap belts. If it is a race boat or a boat that can run over 120, you need the full gear and a enclosed cockpit. I would not consider going on a poker run without em unless I was not gonna go over 40 in calm water! The girl in Destin was tossed at about 70 and has broken pelvis and internal injuries- Think about it. All this Talk about stuffin and rollin and crashin into seawalls ect is not revelant because if you are gonna do that kinda driving, you need to be a professional in a race boat set up to handle these speed induced hazzards- Lapbelts! don't leave home without them!~

I also was a snowcross racer and a motocross racer and also know how to bail off when things are not going well. In a boat I will take may chances. I installed my lap belts and handles today. Here are a couple pictures.

I love this forum becasue it is a place where we can all voice our option. I guess on this subject we will just agree to disagree.

Don

Very nice Don, Are those Tiger poker run belts? Did they supply the material for the nylon grab loops?

Thanks, yes they are Tiger Poker run belts. They are very easy to install, took around an hour to install all three. No they did not suply the material for the nylon handles. The grap handles are made from a tie down strap I bought from home depot. I found a red that was close to the color of the interior and cut the straps to the required length. I secured the nylon with a through bolt and fender washers. They came out really good. Functional and only cost me about 30 bucks.

Next is the rear passenger foot rests. I should have them built and installed theis week.

Don

Thanks Don. Again nice job. I'm off to Home Depot (Tony's Garage) looking for some yellow nylon strap material. Actually might check West Marine too. Richard

You might want to check with Northern Tool and equipment, and/or TSC.


Hope this helps,
Don