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Author Topic:   Gear to carry in boat

high sierra posted 09-13-2009 08:36 PM ET (US)
Am I the only one to carry enough gear in my boat to survive anything. Since I fish on a very cold rocky lake, ( pyramid lake) in the winter, each day is a survival course. There is only one lodge, one boat launch, and little or no rescue if in trouble except by other boaters. The Indians don't respond. What do you carry in your boat? high sierra
wezie posted 09-14-2009 08:49 AM ET (US)
Many of us who use boats year round might think better of this question; even though the conditions may not be as severe.
The only item I might think of would be a additional means of communication.
Another phone, etc., that is sealed and charged, and that will work in that area.
Float Plans are also important.
Continue to enjoy what you are doing!
Brian7son posted 09-14-2009 09:02 AM ET (US)
Siera,
For the trips that you make in those conditions, you're smart to take "everything". Like Wezie said, a float plan is critical for what you're doing.
What I take along on the boat depends on the trip.
jimh posted 09-14-2009 09:23 AM ET (US)
From out of the blue, this article was suddenly filled with racial stereotyping and slurs. I cannot imagine how this sort of nonsense would be introduced into an article about gear to carry on a boat.
Authors should be aware that this forum does not tolerate use of racial slurs.
Wasatch Whaler posted 09-14-2009 09:44 AM ET (US)
Have you heard of the SPOT?
A buddy has one that he brings when we snowmobile into the backcountry. The satellite emergency notification capability is what attracted him to it.
Here's a link: http://www.findmespot.com/en/
Dan posted 09-14-2009 10:58 AM ET (US)
It might be worth it to stock emergency supplies at several areas around the lake so you're never more than an hour walk from essential items.
pglein posted 09-14-2009 11:51 AM ET (US)
Overloading your boat can increase your chances of having a dangerous or deadly accident. Whether it simply be too much gear weighting the boat down, or that extra bag of stuff on the cockpit floor that causes you to trip and fall overboard into freezing cold water.
In my opinion, bringing "everything" is as dangerous as bringing nothing. Rather, a few key things are critical to being prepared in cold winter weather.
First and formost, every boat should have a anchor. Not some dinky "sand-spike" or mushroom anchor, but a real anchor designed to hold the boat in place in strong gale-force winds on a variety of bottom types.
Every boat should have alternate means of conveyance. That will depend on the boat, but a paddle should be included on any boat small enough to benefit from using one. On boats too large to effectively paddle, some sort of kicker motor or emergency sail should be on board and readily deployable.
I'm a firm believer in VHF radios. Absolutely every boat should have one. Larger boats should have a handheld backup as well. I realize many of the inland lakes suffer from a lack of other people with radios to come to your aid. All the more reason I think everyone should have one, and monitor channel 16.
Obviously, you should always bring a bag with warm clothes, even in the summer. A rain jacket, long pants, socks (wool), and a hat (preferably wool) are a minimum even in warm climates. In the colder climates, pack warmer clothes.
You should always have paper charts for the area you're boating in on board, even if you have a GPS, and even if you know the area well. Waterproof charts are a good alternative in open boats. You never know when the GPS will die on you, or when fog will leave you relying on your DR skills (which presumably everyone on this board has).
Always have at least a granola bar or something you can eat in case you end up stranded somewhere overnight, or for many hours.
Life jackets, throwables, fire extinguishers, flares, etc are a given. Every boat is required to have them and yours obviously should.
Buckda posted 09-14-2009 11:59 AM ET (US)
In such a remote setting, you really must take extra precautions. Wear a Mustang flotation suit. In the pocket and sealed in a small pelican Box: fully Charged phone (if signal is available). Also in pockets: Energy bar(s), magnesium fire-starter, flint and Leatherman or other multi-tool, emergency blanket (tin foil "space" blanket. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS on how these work) and a wool hat.
Wear your kill switch. Keep a waterproof duffel with survival gear as a ditch bag.
You really should have extra canvas available - even if it's not a rigged shelter, etc - just something you can rig across the bow rails with bungees or something to provide some shelter from the wind if you lose power. Drift anchor. In your emergency gear bag I'd have some chemical hand-warmers that you can use in an emergency "wait it out" situation. Also - a supply of dry clothes, a rain poncho, etc.
If you wash up on shore after engine failure; try the cell phone, of course, but don't waste time hoping for someone to help - get your shelter built and gather firewood and start your fire....cold, wet night on the shore can make you hypothermic and shorten your survival time drastically.
I boat early and late seasons on the Great Lakes - and would not do so without my canvas shelter - I've gone so far as to use a little propane heater aboard as well to keep the enclosure a bit more comfy on cold early mornings...
Just some thoughts...
high sierra posted 09-14-2009 04:04 PM ET (US)
I carry a full first aid kit ,all parts to put a prop back on(with prop), a snowsuit , flares, MRE's, water purifier, 200 feet of braided line, a drogue chute, ditch bag loaded, full set of wrenches , extra clothing for anyone who falls in, (water is 40 to 45 degrees most of the year and a lot of other small stuff. There is no phone service anywhere on the lake normally. Surrounded by mountains. I do have a ICOM FM radio with a 8 foot antennae. The bartender at the small lodge will sometimes answer. No use taking an anchor as its 100 to 352 feet deep 100 feet from shore. Bottom and shoreline is like volcanic rock. Sharp. Really hard to walk on. East shore is all vertical.
SPOT would be a good idea as it relies on satellites.
I have found a Kill switch is not a great idea. Last year again , a fisherman fell out of the boat wearing a kill switch. The motor died and as his wife drifted away , she watched him drown and disappear. The bodies are not often located unless they have a PFD.
A shelter is a good idea but very few have one on the boat.
The best way to get someone out of the water is having them grasp the back of the motor and stand on the cavitation plate while you hit the trim up. They sorta fall in the boat when done right.
I'm trying a IDI suit this year. Used by a lot of ice fisherman. It floats. I tried it this summer. Here's to great fishing. high sierra
sapple posted 09-14-2009 06:46 PM ET (US)
If you consider the worse case scenario, it would be the boat capsizes and you are unable to get out of the water. At those temperatures I would think your best bet would be a cold water survival suit. Unfortunately, they are very expensive.
http://www.landfallnavigation.com/smic9.html
http://www.landfallnavigation.com/-sis2u.html
high sierra posted 09-14-2009 09:37 PM ET (US)
I have used the survival suits while doing rescues with the Fire Dept. Kinda fun if you're not the one being rescued. And yes they are expensive. high sierra
K Albus posted 09-14-2009 09:56 PM ET (US)
A good website for information about survival gear, including the basic survival gear that should be carried on a boat, is http://equipped.com/ . Scroll down, and on the left side of the page there is a link for "Marine Survival". The website is full of useful information for anybody planning a wilderness boating trip.
high sierra posted 09-14-2009 10:12 PM ET (US)
K Albus, neat site . Thanks high sierra
contender posted 09-14-2009 10:21 PM ET (US)
I always keep certain things in the boat but Brian7son is correct. Depends on what you are going to do. High Sierra diagree with you on the kill switch, when you boat alone you should always wear one/have it attached to you, I carry an extra key for the kill switch in the boat and its on a bright yellow float. Do not have any ice suits down here in the sunny south just plenty of sun block...good luck
high sierra posted 09-14-2009 11:11 PM ET (US)
Contender, good idea for extra clip. high sierra
mateobosch posted 09-15-2009 07:09 AM ET (US)
Check out U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 21-76. It's free online and has a lot of good info. Print it, study it, water proof it and put it in your survival kit. Many soldiers have depended on this manual to survive, recooperate and continue mission.
I also take a quality water purification kit, stainless water bottle, a mirror, lighter, chem lights, a lensatic compass, lots (300 plus feet) of 550 parachute cord, a sharp Gerber multi tool and my water proof, multi-band VHF radio in addition to many of the other items listed in this posting in my ditch bag. My ditch bag is moved to various locations in the boat from hard to easy access based on the calculated risk of the adventure I am on at the time.

Buckda posted 09-15-2009 10:13 AM ET (US)
Kevin -
Excellent link.
My favorite entry of things to include in your ditch bag (saltwater, long-term survival):
quote:
1 - Enema Syringe or Kit
Now we are talking about a seriously desperate situation. For hydration when water quality is unpalatable. Be sure to include lubricant. Perhaps that back-up 406Mhz EPIRB doesn't sound quite so difficult to swallow now?
How much for that back-up 406Mhz EPIRB?? :)
20dauntless posted 09-15-2009 10:17 AM ET (US)
PLB's are cheap now. Get one and keep it on your person at all times when on the water.
Slippery Eel posted 09-15-2009 10:24 AM ET (US)
I carry a McMurdo Fast Find PLB anytime I leave the dock. I also have a spare GPS, VHF and ditch bag.
onlyawhaler posted 09-15-2009 03:57 PM ET (US)
This is a great informative thread. I am copying and pasting notes. Our big water here in the Utah. Colorado area is Lake Powell which is over 100 miles long and thousands of miles of back canyons. I am regulary suprised at boats up here that go far back into these canyons with no emergency gear at all There is no Sea Tow and VHF radios will not always reach out of the tall back canyons.
I have gotten some good info on this paticular thread on things I need to add to my onboard emergency supplies.
Thanks
Sterling
Onlyawhaler
17 bodega posted 09-17-2009 01:01 PM ET (US)
Survival gear should be tailored for each individual body of water and its proximity to land, help, radio signals, etc. This particular lake (in Jims case - High Sierra) sounds like a very isolated place that can get vey cold. I would start with the immersion suit with thermal protection, adequate floatation, and perhaps even consider attaching a safety line to the operator. In the case of the guy who died because of a kill switch, a $3 dollar (extra) kill switch and a wife educated in basic boat operation would have saved the guy (based on info given)
All of my passengers get a 10 minute "flight attendant briefing" on basic operation, and often drive the boat in foreward, reverse, to learn some basics that can save a life. Boating alone in such a place is an "at your own risk and peril" situation no matter how you plan. If you're over 40, a heart attack or stroke will kill you even if you have ten grand worth of survival toys on board... No matter what steps you take, one can argue that a person at any age is not safe alone on the lake you speak of. Period.
Hope those trout are tasty :)
Say hi to the tribal police for me :-)
I will tell you a great story sometime about a wonderful encounter I had when I was a young kid driving around the desert of Nevada up to no good...

Buckda posted 09-17-2009 01:19 PM ET (US)
That is an excellent point about tailoring your survival gear to the situation you are likely to find yourself in. The author of the web site linked to by Kevin Albus states the same in his remarks on the subject.
Chance favors the prepared mind. I'd rather spend the time and money to assemble a gear pack/ditch bag and never need it than to have a problem or emergency and not have anything...
17 bodega posted 09-17-2009 02:03 PM ET (US)

quote:
Chance favors the prepared mind. I'd rather spend the time and money to assemble a gear pack/ditch bag and never need it than to have a problem or emergency and not have anything...
Agree 100%
For Coastal California waters, I carry:
Extra lifejackets and I wear a Mustang Bomber style float coat
polypropylene type thermal layers that work in water
submersible handheld VHF in addition to boat submersible VHF
Dive gear (BC, floats, wetsuit, signal markers, whistles, etc
Air horn, whistles, 12 volt loud boat horn wired in (fog signaling)
Water and granola bars
Buckets
2 anchors: one fluke, and a hook style backup 250 ft rode and 150 ft for the backup
Kicker motor (most of the time... I take it off close in due to weight)
Waterproof megaphone to yell at people on the water whilst saving my voice! These are fun and make you sound like an official law enforcement boat.
Signaling mirror, emergency blankets (non cotton)
Floatation cushions
Leatherman multi tool
basic tool kit
float box for ID, keys, cell phone (most areas have coverage)
First aid kit with sunscreen
(I don't have a Medical Oxygen kit, but need one for diving rescue.. but I have my general EMT basic kit- this is the largest weakness in my rig. I need to invest in the kit with all the allowable medicines and gear for my allowable scope of practice)
I'm sure I'm missing a lot, but overall I have most of the bases covered and I don't scuba dive or enter the water without other adults on board.
WT posted 09-17-2009 03:08 PM ET (US)
For someone that carries everything in survival gear. You might look at renting or buying a satellite phone.
http://www.satellitephone.com/index.php
Warren
L H G posted 09-17-2009 05:32 PM ET (US)
I think all this stuff mentioned is fine, if you want to bother with it. For any boating, you need the proper clothing to keep you comfortable.
But the real answer is twin engines, or a single with an adequately sized kicker. If you have power, you won't get stranded in the first place, and can always get back. This solves the problem at it's source, since some degree of forward motion keeps the Whaler draining water. The Whaler won't sink, and most of the other stuff is not needed other anchor, radio/cell phone, first aid kit, adequate fuel and Coast Guard requirements.
Without a "buddy boat", it simply is not smart to venture offshore more than a mile or so, or to remote areas, inland or other, without two sources of functioning power on board, regardless of whether your engine is brand new, a highly reliable 4-stroke, etc. Otherwise, stay within sight of other boats or recreational boat towing help. Even that is no fun, and ruins your day. Even being stranded in certain conditions, awaiting a tow, can be life threatening in it's own.
Yesterday I was in a Whaler with a single 4-stroke engine (not mine), and we had to shut it down for loss of cooling water. We were in a river, about 100 feet from the launching ramp, and we paddled in. But if we were out on Lake Michigan, which was running about 4' and 20 knots, we would have been in REAL TROUBLE, real fast. A paddle won't cut it out there, and towing could not have responded fast enough, if EVEN available. A kicker would have been needed.
high sierra posted 09-17-2009 10:38 PM ET (US)
Bodega 17, times have changed at Pyramid. Levi, the very friendly but gruff looking Ranger has retired. He was a giant of a man and nobody ever messed with him. I liked the guy. We were friends. The fish were found to have high concentrations of selenium and mercury in them. Don't eat to many.
I never fish alone. The area is too remote and I like the BS and comradery of the day.
I have 2 motors with 2 separate gas supplies. Had to fire up the second motor twice last year.
(fishing line in prop and plugged main fuel line in tank.)
I also take responsibility for the welfare of my guests and supplies are carried accordingly. Even clothing.
I need a bigger boat.
Bodega 17, how do you ever get all that gear in your boat? high sierra
Perry posted 09-18-2009 03:45 AM ET (US)

quote:
I have found a Kill switch is not a great idea. Last year again , a fisherman fell out of the boat wearing a kill switch. The motor died and as his wife drifted away , she watched him drown and disappear
I also disagree with you here. A kill switch is good to use and if an extra switch is not handy, the botton can be pressed with a finger and the motor will start. I wonder why the fisherman didn't just swim back to his boat after falling overboard?
I think the items mentioned are all good ideas, especially the PLB. I recently bought a new PLB after the NFL players were lost at sea in the Gulf earlier this year.
bluewaterpirate posted 09-18-2009 10:06 AM ET (US)
In regards to the boating accident west of Tampa, remember, their VHF was not operational. They went to sea without a functioning radio ........ bad decision.
high sierra posted 09-18-2009 04:19 PM ET (US)
Perry, I'm not sure about all the switches but the Yamaha's on my boats have to be pulled out a 1/4 inch to make them run. Kinda hard to do and use the controls. An extra plasic plug on a key ring is the best idea.
The water the guy fell into was 43 degrees and it was windy. high sierra

high sierra posted 09-18-2009 04:25 PM ET (US)
Perry , I just read your profile. Cold? What's that? I was at Pearl for a while long ago. Take care high sierra
17 bodega posted 09-18-2009 07:15 PM ET (US)
Jim,
You'd be surprised how light all the gear is.. except the dive gear, which gets really heavy when you add three big diver dudes. I've gone fishing in my boat a few times where I wasn't comfortable with the amount of freeboard I had at the stern...
Most of my emergency gear fits in the console above the boat box and the batteries.

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Author	Topic: Gear to carry in boat
high sierra	posted 09-13-2009 08:36 PM ET (US) Am I the only one to carry enough gear in my boat to survive anything. Since I fish on a very cold rocky lake, ( pyramid lake) in the winter, each day is a survival course. There is only one lodge, one boat launch, and little or no rescue if in trouble except by other boaters. The Indians don't respond. What do you carry in your boat? high sierra
wezie	posted 09-14-2009 08:49 AM ET (US) Many of us who use boats year round might think better of this question; even though the conditions may not be as severe. The only item I might think of would be a additional means of communication. Another phone, etc., that is sealed and charged, and that will work in that area. Float Plans are also important. Continue to enjoy what you are doing!
Brian7son	posted 09-14-2009 09:02 AM ET (US) Siera, For the trips that you make in those conditions, you're smart to take "everything". Like Wezie said, a float plan is critical for what you're doing. What I take along on the boat depends on the trip.
jimh	posted 09-14-2009 09:23 AM ET (US) From out of the blue, this article was suddenly filled with racial stereotyping and slurs. I cannot imagine how this sort of nonsense would be introduced into an article about gear to carry on a boat. Authors should be aware that this forum does not tolerate use of racial slurs.
Wasatch Whaler	posted 09-14-2009 09:44 AM ET (US) Have you heard of the SPOT? A buddy has one that he brings when we snowmobile into the backcountry. The satellite emergency notification capability is what attracted him to it. Here's a link: http://www.findmespot.com/en/
Dan	posted 09-14-2009 10:58 AM ET (US) It might be worth it to stock emergency supplies at several areas around the lake so you're never more than an hour walk from essential items.
pglein	posted 09-14-2009 11:51 AM ET (US) Overloading your boat can increase your chances of having a dangerous or deadly accident. Whether it simply be too much gear weighting the boat down, or that extra bag of stuff on the cockpit floor that causes you to trip and fall overboard into freezing cold water. In my opinion, bringing "everything" is as dangerous as bringing nothing. Rather, a few key things are critical to being prepared in cold winter weather. First and formost, every boat should have a anchor. Not some dinky "sand-spike" or mushroom anchor, but a real anchor designed to hold the boat in place in strong gale-force winds on a variety of bottom types. Every boat should have alternate means of conveyance. That will depend on the boat, but a paddle should be included on any boat small enough to benefit from using one. On boats too large to effectively paddle, some sort of kicker motor or emergency sail should be on board and readily deployable. I'm a firm believer in VHF radios. Absolutely every boat should have one. Larger boats should have a handheld backup as well. I realize many of the inland lakes suffer from a lack of other people with radios to come to your aid. All the more reason I think everyone should have one, and monitor channel 16. Obviously, you should always bring a bag with warm clothes, even in the summer. A rain jacket, long pants, socks (wool), and a hat (preferably wool) are a minimum even in warm climates. In the colder climates, pack warmer clothes. You should always have paper charts for the area you're boating in on board, even if you have a GPS, and even if you know the area well. Waterproof charts are a good alternative in open boats. You never know when the GPS will die on you, or when fog will leave you relying on your DR skills (which presumably everyone on this board has). Always have at least a granola bar or something you can eat in case you end up stranded somewhere overnight, or for many hours. Life jackets, throwables, fire extinguishers, flares, etc are a given. Every boat is required to have them and yours obviously should.
Buckda	posted 09-14-2009 11:59 AM ET (US) In such a remote setting, you really must take extra precautions. Wear a Mustang flotation suit. In the pocket and sealed in a small pelican Box: fully Charged phone (if signal is available). Also in pockets: Energy bar(s), magnesium fire-starter, flint and Leatherman or other multi-tool, emergency blanket (tin foil "space" blanket. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS on how these work) and a wool hat. Wear your kill switch. Keep a waterproof duffel with survival gear as a ditch bag. You really should have extra canvas available - even if it's not a rigged shelter, etc - just something you can rig across the bow rails with bungees or something to provide some shelter from the wind if you lose power. Drift anchor. In your emergency gear bag I'd have some chemical hand-warmers that you can use in an emergency "wait it out" situation. Also - a supply of dry clothes, a rain poncho, etc. If you wash up on shore after engine failure; try the cell phone, of course, but don't waste time hoping for someone to help - get your shelter built and gather firewood and start your fire....cold, wet night on the shore can make you hypothermic and shorten your survival time drastically. I boat early and late seasons on the Great Lakes - and would not do so without my canvas shelter - I've gone so far as to use a little propane heater aboard as well to keep the enclosure a bit more comfy on cold early mornings... Just some thoughts...
high sierra	posted 09-14-2009 04:04 PM ET (US) I carry a full first aid kit ,all parts to put a prop back on(with prop), a snowsuit , flares, MRE's, water purifier, 200 feet of braided line, a drogue chute, ditch bag loaded, full set of wrenches , extra clothing for anyone who falls in, (water is 40 to 45 degrees most of the year and a lot of other small stuff. There is no phone service anywhere on the lake normally. Surrounded by mountains. I do have a ICOM FM radio with a 8 foot antennae. The bartender at the small lodge will sometimes answer. No use taking an anchor as its 100 to 352 feet deep 100 feet from shore. Bottom and shoreline is like volcanic rock. Sharp. Really hard to walk on. East shore is all vertical. SPOT would be a good idea as it relies on satellites. I have found a Kill switch is not a great idea. Last year again , a fisherman fell out of the boat wearing a kill switch. The motor died and as his wife drifted away , she watched him drown and disappear. The bodies are not often located unless they have a PFD. A shelter is a good idea but very few have one on the boat. The best way to get someone out of the water is having them grasp the back of the motor and stand on the cavitation plate while you hit the trim up. They sorta fall in the boat when done right. I'm trying a IDI suit this year. Used by a lot of ice fisherman. It floats. I tried it this summer. Here's to great fishing. high sierra
sapple	posted 09-14-2009 06:46 PM ET (US) If you consider the worse case scenario, it would be the boat capsizes and you are unable to get out of the water. At those temperatures I would think your best bet would be a cold water survival suit. Unfortunately, they are very expensive. http://www.landfallnavigation.com/smic9.html http://www.landfallnavigation.com/-sis2u.html
high sierra	posted 09-14-2009 09:37 PM ET (US) I have used the survival suits while doing rescues with the Fire Dept. Kinda fun if you're not the one being rescued. And yes they are expensive. high sierra
K Albus	posted 09-14-2009 09:56 PM ET (US) A good website for information about survival gear, including the basic survival gear that should be carried on a boat, is http://equipped.com/ . Scroll down, and on the left side of the page there is a link for "Marine Survival". The website is full of useful information for anybody planning a wilderness boating trip.
high sierra	posted 09-14-2009 10:12 PM ET (US) K Albus, neat site . Thanks high sierra
contender	posted 09-14-2009 10:21 PM ET (US) I always keep certain things in the boat but Brian7son is correct. Depends on what you are going to do. High Sierra diagree with you on the kill switch, when you boat alone you should always wear one/have it attached to you, I carry an extra key for the kill switch in the boat and its on a bright yellow float. Do not have any ice suits down here in the sunny south just plenty of sun block...good luck
high sierra	posted 09-14-2009 11:11 PM ET (US) Contender, good idea for extra clip. high sierra
mateobosch	posted 09-15-2009 07:09 AM ET (US) Check out U.S. Army Survival Manual FM 21-76. It's free online and has a lot of good info. Print it, study it, water proof it and put it in your survival kit. Many soldiers have depended on this manual to survive, recooperate and continue mission. I also take a quality water purification kit, stainless water bottle, a mirror, lighter, chem lights, a lensatic compass, lots (300 plus feet) of 550 parachute cord, a sharp Gerber multi tool and my water proof, multi-band VHF radio in addition to many of the other items listed in this posting in my ditch bag. My ditch bag is moved to various locations in the boat from hard to easy access based on the calculated risk of the adventure I am on at the time.
Buckda	posted 09-15-2009 10:13 AM ET (US) Kevin - Excellent link. My favorite entry of things to include in your ditch bag (saltwater, long-term survival): quote: 1 - Enema Syringe or Kit Now we are talking about a seriously desperate situation. For hydration when water quality is unpalatable. Be sure to include lubricant. Perhaps that back-up 406Mhz EPIRB doesn't sound quite so difficult to swallow now? How much for that back-up 406Mhz EPIRB?? :)
20dauntless	posted 09-15-2009 10:17 AM ET (US) PLB's are cheap now. Get one and keep it on your person at all times when on the water.
Slippery Eel	posted 09-15-2009 10:24 AM ET (US) I carry a McMurdo Fast Find PLB anytime I leave the dock. I also have a spare GPS, VHF and ditch bag.
onlyawhaler	posted 09-15-2009 03:57 PM ET (US) This is a great informative thread. I am copying and pasting notes. Our big water here in the Utah. Colorado area is Lake Powell which is over 100 miles long and thousands of miles of back canyons. I am regulary suprised at boats up here that go far back into these canyons with no emergency gear at all There is no Sea Tow and VHF radios will not always reach out of the tall back canyons. I have gotten some good info on this paticular thread on things I need to add to my onboard emergency supplies. Thanks Sterling Onlyawhaler
17 bodega	posted 09-17-2009 01:01 PM ET (US) Survival gear should be tailored for each individual body of water and its proximity to land, help, radio signals, etc. This particular lake (in Jims case - High Sierra) sounds like a very isolated place that can get vey cold. I would start with the immersion suit with thermal protection, adequate floatation, and perhaps even consider attaching a safety line to the operator. In the case of the guy who died because of a kill switch, a $3 dollar (extra) kill switch and a wife educated in basic boat operation would have saved the guy (based on info given) All of my passengers get a 10 minute "flight attendant briefing" on basic operation, and often drive the boat in foreward, reverse, to learn some basics that can save a life. Boating alone in such a place is an "at your own risk and peril" situation no matter how you plan. If you're over 40, a heart attack or stroke will kill you even if you have ten grand worth of survival toys on board... No matter what steps you take, one can argue that a person at any age is not safe alone on the lake you speak of. Period. Hope those trout are tasty :) Say hi to the tribal police for me :-) I will tell you a great story sometime about a wonderful encounter I had when I was a young kid driving around the desert of Nevada up to no good...
Buckda	posted 09-17-2009 01:19 PM ET (US) That is an excellent point about tailoring your survival gear to the situation you are likely to find yourself in. The author of the web site linked to by Kevin Albus states the same in his remarks on the subject. Chance favors the prepared mind. I'd rather spend the time and money to assemble a gear pack/ditch bag and never need it than to have a problem or emergency and not have anything...
17 bodega	posted 09-17-2009 02:03 PM ET (US) quote: Chance favors the prepared mind. I'd rather spend the time and money to assemble a gear pack/ditch bag and never need it than to have a problem or emergency and not have anything... Agree 100% For Coastal California waters, I carry: Extra lifejackets and I wear a Mustang Bomber style float coat polypropylene type thermal layers that work in water submersible handheld VHF in addition to boat submersible VHF Dive gear (BC, floats, wetsuit, signal markers, whistles, etc Air horn, whistles, 12 volt loud boat horn wired in (fog signaling) Water and granola bars Buckets 2 anchors: one fluke, and a hook style backup 250 ft rode and 150 ft for the backup Kicker motor (most of the time... I take it off close in due to weight) Waterproof megaphone to yell at people on the water whilst saving my voice! These are fun and make you sound like an official law enforcement boat. Signaling mirror, emergency blankets (non cotton) Floatation cushions Leatherman multi tool basic tool kit float box for ID, keys, cell phone (most areas have coverage) First aid kit with sunscreen (I don't have a Medical Oxygen kit, but need one for diving rescue.. but I have my general EMT basic kit- this is the largest weakness in my rig. I need to invest in the kit with all the allowable medicines and gear for my allowable scope of practice) I'm sure I'm missing a lot, but overall I have most of the bases covered and I don't scuba dive or enter the water without other adults on board.
WT	posted 09-17-2009 03:08 PM ET (US) For someone that carries everything in survival gear. You might look at renting or buying a satellite phone. http://www.satellitephone.com/index.php Warren
L H G	posted 09-17-2009 05:32 PM ET (US) I think all this stuff mentioned is fine, if you want to bother with it. For any boating, you need the proper clothing to keep you comfortable. But the real answer is twin engines, or a single with an adequately sized kicker. If you have power, you won't get stranded in the first place, and can always get back. This solves the problem at it's source, since some degree of forward motion keeps the Whaler draining water. The Whaler won't sink, and most of the other stuff is not needed other anchor, radio/cell phone, first aid kit, adequate fuel and Coast Guard requirements. Without a "buddy boat", it simply is not smart to venture offshore more than a mile or so, or to remote areas, inland or other, without two sources of functioning power on board, regardless of whether your engine is brand new, a highly reliable 4-stroke, etc. Otherwise, stay within sight of other boats or recreational boat towing help. Even that is no fun, and ruins your day. Even being stranded in certain conditions, awaiting a tow, can be life threatening in it's own. Yesterday I was in a Whaler with a single 4-stroke engine (not mine), and we had to shut it down for loss of cooling water. We were in a river, about 100 feet from the launching ramp, and we paddled in. But if we were out on Lake Michigan, which was running about 4' and 20 knots, we would have been in REAL TROUBLE, real fast. A paddle won't cut it out there, and towing could not have responded fast enough, if EVEN available. A kicker would have been needed.
high sierra	posted 09-17-2009 10:38 PM ET (US) Bodega 17, times have changed at Pyramid. Levi, the very friendly but gruff looking Ranger has retired. He was a giant of a man and nobody ever messed with him. I liked the guy. We were friends. The fish were found to have high concentrations of selenium and mercury in them. Don't eat to many. I never fish alone. The area is too remote and I like the BS and comradery of the day. I have 2 motors with 2 separate gas supplies. Had to fire up the second motor twice last year. (fishing line in prop and plugged main fuel line in tank.) I also take responsibility for the welfare of my guests and supplies are carried accordingly. Even clothing. I need a bigger boat. Bodega 17, how do you ever get all that gear in your boat? high sierra
Perry	posted 09-18-2009 03:45 AM ET (US) quote: I have found a Kill switch is not a great idea. Last year again , a fisherman fell out of the boat wearing a kill switch. The motor died and as his wife drifted away , she watched him drown and disappear I also disagree with you here. A kill switch is good to use and if an extra switch is not handy, the botton can be pressed with a finger and the motor will start. I wonder why the fisherman didn't just swim back to his boat after falling overboard? I think the items mentioned are all good ideas, especially the PLB. I recently bought a new PLB after the NFL players were lost at sea in the Gulf earlier this year.
bluewaterpirate	posted 09-18-2009 10:06 AM ET (US) In regards to the boating accident west of Tampa, remember, their VHF was not operational. They went to sea without a functioning radio ........ bad decision.
high sierra	posted 09-18-2009 04:19 PM ET (US) Perry, I'm not sure about all the switches but the Yamaha's on my boats have to be pulled out a 1/4 inch to make them run. Kinda hard to do and use the controls. An extra plasic plug on a key ring is the best idea. The water the guy fell into was 43 degrees and it was windy. high sierra
high sierra	posted 09-18-2009 04:25 PM ET (US) Perry , I just read your profile. Cold? What's that? I was at Pearl for a while long ago. Take care high sierra
17 bodega	posted 09-18-2009 07:15 PM ET (US) Jim, You'd be surprised how light all the gear is.. except the dive gear, which gets really heavy when you add three big diver dudes. I've gone fishing in my boat a few times where I wasn't comfortable with the amount of freeboard I had at the stern... Most of my emergency gear fits in the console above the boat box and the batteries.