The MOM™ 8-S Gen II Man Overboard Module is designed to rescue a man overboard victim. The device consists of an underarm flotation unit, a sea anchor, and a lighted pylon.
The flotation unit provides buoyancy to the victim and also acts as a lifting sling to pull the victim back onto the boat.
The pylon is tethered to the underarm flotation device and supports a water-activated light approximately six feet above the water. A ballast bag at the base of the pylon helps keep it vertical.
The sea anchor is also attached to the underarm flotation device. The sea anchor is designed to minimize drifting – both before and after the victim reaches it. There is a wire cable in the mouth of the sea anchor to hold it open.
In use, the MOM 8-S is meant to be deployed as quickly as possible after the victim goes overboard, allowing them to swim to the device and slip into the flotation device.
Compared to Switlik's original MOM 8-A, the MOM 8-S, is designed to be lighter and smaller. Unlike the 8-A with its hard, rail-mounted case, the 8-S is packaged in a lifeline or rail-mounted soft fabric valise. And while the 8-A must be factory serviced, the 8-S can be re-armed by the owner.
Both the 8-A and 8-S MOMs provide the same flotation and 6 ft inflated pylon.
The MOM 8-S meets World Sailing Offshore Racing Special Regulation 4.22.1 for Man Overboard Lifebuoys and the Pacific International Yachting Organization Special Regulations as Life Saving Equipment in Section 5.6.
The MOM 8-S soft pack valise is made of Herculite® 80 Laminated Nylon. This case is tear and abrasion resistant, impermeable, mildew/rot resistant, UV resistant and easy to clean.
Quick Deployment - pull to inflate, again & again.
The MOM 8-S is rigged for manual inflation. Upon pulling an easy to grab red handle on the valise, the unit will inflate and fall to the water, detaching from the boat and staying with the victim. There is a failsafe to ensure both the UFD and Pylon inflate once fired off.
NOTE: This unit is NOT rigged for automatic inflation. This means you don't have to worry about it inflating if it is hit by spray from waves or a hose.
The MOM 8-S is self-serviceable with a 1-Year service interval.
Superior Flotation - 35 lb Buoyancy
Switlik’s Underarm Flotation Device provides 35+ lb of inflated buoyancy, keeping the victim's head and shoulders out of the water more effectively than traditional means of rescue flotation. This allows for the victim to assist in their own rescue.
Be visible - Remain in place
When inflated, the ballasted Locator Pylon has a 6-foot waterline height. Located on top of the pylon is a water-activated, lithium-powered, flashing light with 5 years of life. The light can be seen nearly a nautical mile under normal night conditions. The pylon has 2 SOLAS reflective panels to aid the boat's search.
Tethered to the horseshoe and the pylon is a 16" diameter, ballasted, self-opening Sea Anchor to reduce downwind drift keeping the victim in the same position as when they went overboard.
Made in the USA.
NOTE - The MOM 8-S packaging has undergone an update. Both newer and older versions are the exact same product, but the "Generation II" models have a small modification in the valise closure (a red Velcro® tab reinforcing the side zipper closure), resulting in slightly different re-packing instructions.