Lifeline netting and pets

[boatwilltravel]

We have recently purchased a Whitby 42 and are refitting it before we launch in September. We have a 14-month-old Cockapoo (27 lbs) who will cruise with us, we have a PFD for him. My wife insists that we install netting on the lifelines (90 ft) before she will let our baby aboard. I have had him aboard with me during the refit, I carry him up the ladder and he is quite contented walking around the level decks, sleeping in the cockpit or bark at the odd dog that walks by.
Here are my questions.
What is your opinion on lifeline netting for pets?
Is it needed?
What is the best netting to use?
Is there an alternative to netting?

Regards
Derek and Darlene
Ocean Dove

[svHyLyte]

Do your pet and yourself a favor and pick up a small harness and tether and don't let the animal above decks without same. Netting alone will not work. Been there, done that. See also Critters Inflatable, Pet Preserver, Pet Life Preserver, Pet Life Jacket, Home Page

s/v HyLyte

[Daddy's Dream]

Yoou might take a look at this thread.

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...heep-4149.html

If you have a dog who understands what water is and the the boat is floating in it, unless your pet is especially clumsy or dumb, lifeline netting while at the dock is not really very helpful. After all you (probably!) don't worry about your dog falling down stairs, or jumping off bridges.

Underway it is quiet another matter. I installed our netting a bit at a time, as the opportunity presented. Our dog was out sailing several times with the boat partially netted, and he was obviously more comfortable around the netting then the bare lifelines.

Whenever we are out sailing he wears a harness with a lifting strap so if he was to go overboard we'd have a place to lift him back onboard with the boathook.

Bill