At first, I thought a throw cushion was just one more piece of gear to carry. Then one windy day, a buddy slipped and nearly went overboard. I tossed the cushion, and it kept him steady until he climbed back in.
Now, I always keep a Type IV throwable cushion within arm’s reach. It’s not just about meeting regulations — it’s about real safety. Plus, it doubles as a seat cushion when I’m anchored up.
It’s one of the cheapest safety upgrades you can make for a small boat.