Child seat lifehack 1: Two life jackets become life rafts for the smallest sailor on board
This summer was our first time travelling with our baby. We didn't want to take any risks when going ashore with the dinghy from the anchorage and thought about equipping the top of the pushchair with buoyancy aids. We realised that two automatic lifejackets fit perfectly around the portable cot. If they both have the same fastening, they can even be connected. One strap each at the front, back, right and left at the top of the edge of the cot fixes the waistcoats in the centre. We have tightened the crotch straps under the infant carrier. We inflated the life jackets on a trial basis, the buoyancy bodies extend in a ring around the pram. It is important that they sit high enough so that the cot does not become top-heavy. The life jackets were on board in addition to ours anyway. They can remain installed even when the pushchair is used on land with the associated lower part including the wheels.
Michael Rinck, Jork
Child seat lifehack 2: Easy as pie
To attach the child seat in the cockpit, we used so-called suction cups. These hold excellently on smooth gelcoat. The handle is available from around 30 euros with a holding force of 40 kilograms. We attached two across the corner and provided the Ikea child seat with holes through which it was attached to the suction lifters with a tensioning strap. It is important that the tensioning strap is secured with cable ties between the handle and the suction cup so that the system cannot be accidentally deflated.
Frank Müller, Neustadt
Child seat lifehack 3: Mobile seat for the kids
Anyone who goes cruising with small children is always faced with the question of where to put their children during manoeuvres that require the use of both parents. We have therefore converted a bicycle seat so that it fits into the tube holder of our cockpit and saloon table. Our son is always safe and secure in the seat, which is fitted with straps - depending on the weather and situation, either directly in the cockpit or protected but with visual contact in the saloon. This means that we can perform all manoeuvres without any major worries and he can watch us from his seat.
Christian Schlumbohn, Wolfschlugen
Child seat lifehack 4: Vacuuming instead of drilling
If children sailing with you slip off the cockpit bench due to the heeling of the boat, a suction lifter from a tile shop can be used. The safety line is tensioned between a free winch and the suction lifter and the centre carabiner is hooked into the waistcoat. This only takes a few seconds so that the side can be changed quickly when turning. The suction cups hold on to any smooth surface in the cockpit and, according to the manufacturer, have a holding force of 90 kilograms, which is also sufficient for older children.
Norbert Mroczkowski, Süderbrarup
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
We will honour the publication of your lifehack with 50 euros. Please add photos or sketches. We also need your address so that we can send you a crossed cheque.
Submissions to: Editorial office YACHT, Gänsemarkt 24, 20354 Hamburg or: mail@yacht.de
