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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 6:56 pm Post subject: PFD safety gear |
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We all have PFDs but it may be a good idea to equip those PFDs with a few pieces of gear. Get clever and don't be shy about tying a few things on being careful not to interfere with the workings of a self inflator of course.
We have a ditch bag accessible as well but in the back of my mind is that "all the eggs in one basket" problem. I have seen folks get in real trouble when that caught up with them.
So here is what we carry on/in our PFDs.
Greg's:
-VHF radio
-Knife
-2 aerial flares
-1 smoke signal
-whistle
-water activated strobe
-LED flashlight
-floating PLB
Cindie's:
-Knife
-2 aerial flares
-1 smoke signal
-whistle
-water activated strobe
-LED flashlight
Aven's:
-whistle
-water activated strobe
-LED flashlight
I use a Cabelas flavor auto inflating vest that has a single chest pocket. That was not enough storage for me so I added a small Eagle creek zippered pouch that is tethered below my vest with 1/4 inch shock cord loops and a stainless clip on one side to easily remove the vest and leave the pouch attached.
http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?full=1&set_albumName=album1714&id=IMG_2333&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php
In the vest pocket is a waterproof floating PLB (resQlink+) and attached to that zipper pull is a loud whistle. Also attached is a water activated strobe and small LED flashlight.
In the pouch is a small waterproof VHF radio (Cobra MR HH125). This is only a 3 watt model but is small and better than yelling. Small and floating are not very complimentary so I sacrificed the floating part.
Also in the pouch are 2 aerial flares and 1 smoke signal and attached is a fixed blade knife hanging ready to be pulled for use.
Cindie carries her flares and a smoke signal in a pouch on the rear corner of the waist strap of her auto inflater. _________________ Greg, Cindie & Aven
Gig Harbor
Aurelia - 25 Cruiser sold 2012
Ari - 19 Cruiser sold 2023
currently exploring with "Lia", 17 ft Bullfrog Supersport Pilothouse |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:00 pm Post subject: |
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There was a suggesting of added some cord for attaching a line to the bow eye of an overturned boat for an easier handhold. I am working on added some paracord to my pouch. I think 25 ft should do and cord can come in handy for many more purposes anyway.
Thoughts? |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20818 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:16 pm Post subject: |
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25 feet of Paracord would be a good number. That is small enough to be able to be attached to a vest. I also feel that each person should have a waterproof VHF--those Standard Horizon set is a good buy. The hand held should be in addition to the built in 25 watt radios in the boat. We carry two 25 watt radios, with separate antennas, as well as at least 2 hand held radios. Same on the PLB--we now have 3. They are about the size of a deck of cards.
I prefer a Kayak type of fishing vest--sorry no photo, but it has 4 pockets which have the room for all of the emergency gear with nothing dangling. _________________ Bob Austin
Thataway
Thataway (Ex Seaweed) 2007 25 C Dory May 2018 to Oct. 2021
Thisaway 2006 22' CDory November 2011 to May 2018
Caracal 18 140 Suzuki 2007 to present
Thataway TomCat 255 150 Suzukis June 2006 thru August 2011
C Pelican; 1992, 22 Cruiser, 2002 thru 2006
Frequent Sea; 2003 C D 25, 2007 thru 2009
KA6PKB
Home port: Pensacola FL |
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johnr
Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 308 City/Region: Bellingham
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Stillwater
Photos: Surf Scoter
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Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:16 pm Post subject: |
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I always keep a couple of packets of GU in mine too. |
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20dauntless
Joined: 23 Jan 2008 Posts: 879 City/Region: Mercer Island and Decatur Island
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: Retriever and Nordic Tug 37
Photos: Retriever
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Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:20 pm Post subject: |
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My life jacket has:
-strobe
-waterproof GPS
-waterproof VHF
-PLB
-flare gun, 4 day/night signals
-whistle
This way I can signal help and communicate with potential rescuers. At least that's the idea.
Since I wear my lifejacket when I'm kayaking, I have all this with me in case something happens while in the kayak. And I'll often carry the PLB, VHF, and a handheld GPS when hiking.
Of course, the best solution is to avoid situations requiring a rescue. It's imperative that people not make riskier decisions because they have a bunch of safety gear and a better chance of getting rescued. _________________ My boating blog...http://samlandsman.blogspot.com/ |
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Larry Patrick
Joined: 03 Dec 2011 Posts: 605 City/Region: Dallas
State or Province: PA
C-Dory Year: 2008
C-Dory Model: 23 Venture
Vessel Name: Sea -Jo
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Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 7:21 pm Post subject: |
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I like the idea of having those safety items on the vest. |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Bill K
Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 314 City/Region: Toledo
State or Province: OH
C-Dory Year: 1989
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: NIC'L PIC'L
Photos: NIC'L PIC'L
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Posted: Mon Aug 19, 2013 8:24 pm Post subject: |
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I don't think I saw a signaling mirror.
Bill Kelleher _________________ KA8BFT |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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localboy
Joined: 30 Sep 2006 Posts: 4656 City/Region: Lake Stevens via Honolulu
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: 'Au Kai (Ocean Traveler)
Photos: 'AU KAI
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Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 10:53 am Post subject: |
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Quote: | I don't think I saw a signaling mirror. |
That's cause we can't use them in WA State; no sun.... _________________ "We can go over there...behind the 'little one'....."
Wife to her husband pointing @ us...from the bow of their 50-footer; Prideaux Haven 2013 |
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Bill K
Joined: 28 Sep 2012 Posts: 314 City/Region: Toledo
State or Province: OH
C-Dory Year: 1989
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: NIC'L PIC'L
Photos: NIC'L PIC'L
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Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 11:03 am Post subject: |
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LOL, I will have to remember that when I get out that way.
localboy wrote: | Quote: | I don't think I saw a signaling mirror. |
That's cause we can't use them in WA State; no sun.... |
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Aurelia
Joined: 21 Aug 2009 Posts: 2331 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
Photos: Aurelia
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Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 11:20 am Post subject: |
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I would recommend one of these in the local sun challenged region.
http://www.greatlandlaser.com/rescue-laser-light.html
I have used them along with many other methods for aircraft signaling with great success. After testing them ourselves, our rescue group was full of converts. These are not just laser pointers as they emit a flattened beam for sweeping and now include an aiming ring as well.
40 hours of day or night signalling outweighs a few minutes of pyro devices. I don't own one myself but intend to change that.
Don't forget to tether it or otherwise make it bouyant.
Greg |
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DuckDogTitus
Joined: 31 Jan 2013 Posts: 1034 City/Region: Gig Harbor
State or Province: WA
C-Dory Year: 1988
C-Dory Model: 22 Cruiser
Vessel Name: C-Miner
Photos: Hemingway
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Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 1:42 pm Post subject: |
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Aurelia wrote: | There was a suggesting of added some cord for attaching a line to the bow eye of an overturned boat for an easier handhold. I am working on added some paracord to my pouch. I think 25 ft should do and cord can come in handy for many more purposes anyway.
Thoughts? |
I like floating cord a lot. I have a 25ft bundle tucked into the gunnel on each side of the boat. I *could* use it for anything... pots, rafting, docking, but its nice to have it there for emergencies. Seems like para line is a bit small/hard to grab compared to a nice floating rope if you were in a capsized situation and trying to stay anchored to the vessel. _________________ Dustin |
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thataway
Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 20818 City/Region: Pensacola
State or Province: FL
C-Dory Year: 2007
C-Dory Model: 25 Cruiser
Vessel Name: thataway
Photos: Thataway
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Posted: Tue Aug 20, 2013 6:31 pm Post subject: |
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Dustin,
The paracord came to mind because it is something you can thread thru the bow eye if the boat is capsized, or use to keep people together in the water. hook onto floating fenders or a cooler if they were thrown clear. It is easily braided into a bracelet or a very small coil--and be there for an emergency--small enough to always be there. Granted that poly line would be better--but if you go over, it is one of those standard survival items. A piece is included in our small ditch bag, we keep with us in the dingy and right by the helm.
The fixed vest is very similar to the one linked to by Greg. The Stohlquist Fisherman. This allows freedom of your arms, with plenty of pockets and gear clips. For the dinghy we often use the belt type of auto inflate PDF and carry our safety gear in the dry bag. That way we don't have to wear a life jacket when we hike or go about town.
Last edited by thataway on Tue Aug 20, 2013 6:43 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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