7 Storm Drogue Comparisons - the truth about drogue packing

Watch and judge for yourself as seasoned sailor, Pam Wall, provisioning expert and respected cruising lifestyle speaker opens, deploys and retrieves all 7 of the market’s storm drogues. In real time and with no advance details as to what to expect, except for the potentially harmful spring-action of one, Ms. Wall talks candidly, without a script, about each product while in use. For practical reasons, this testing event was held on a dock rather than at sea – which is ultimately the intended use of drogues. As you watch this video, wonder along with Pam as she questions how the products would perform on an unstable boat in heavy seas; the possibilities of keeping a canvas case from blowing away and what it would take to haul in hundreds of feet of soaking wet cones. And watch for the time it takes for Pam to pack a 250-foot Jordan Series Drogue—which is 100 feet shorter than the manufacturer’s recommendation for her sized boat. Note as well that this test was not a comparison of how each product functioned (or not) after it was deployed. This test was to increase consumer awareness as to how easy the drogues were to open and put away – just one part of the buying decision – but one that is frequently overlooked and under reported. Also noteworthy, a conclusion is not referred to in this video as the goal was for a full, complete and accurate showing of actual use. However, Fiorentino’s Shark drogue was a winner. Ms. Wall shared this recap with the Fiorentino crew: “The Shark is compact, built strongly, well designed and manufactured, deployed easily and was very simple to repack, and a well thought out piece of marine equipment. It is by far the easiest to deploy and repack and is compact for stowage on a boat,” she said. “Nothing in the other six compared to the Shark. It’s the only one I’d purchase for my safety and the safety of my boat and the only one I would recommend.” She said the experience “was really enlightening; really enlightening for me.” If you are considering the purchase of a storm drogue, other observations not discussed in this video that should be considered by consumers before purchase are: Some drogues may require the additional purchase of hardware. Note the lighter duty materials used on the Seabrake & Delta Drogue The Para-Drogue is sold in one size only for boats up to 50’. Not all drogues are suitable for use as emergency steering devises. For technical information and comparison test studies on these drogues visit Technical Report FPA 136 at http://www.para-anchor.com/info.perfo.... The Shark Drogue technical manual: http://para-anchor.com/reports/shark.... Please, keep an eye out for Pam at major boat shows this year and attend her cruising lifestyle seminar if possible. Pam has sailed across the Atlantic five times and circumnavigated the globe with her family aboard a 39-foot sloop. Media Press Release: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2015/01...