One little thing to add. I haven't traveled Alaska waters yet but I have done a bit of back country camping, offshore boating and I'm often reading forums and reports on accidents/problems. In nearly all cases, it is rarely one thing or bad decision that resulted in the problem. It is usually 2-3 or more things combined. A marginal GO/NO GO decision combined with: a worse than forecasted weather and/or some unattended maintenance issue and/or another bad decision and/or a lack of PFD's etc. are the typical things you see in a report of a problem. If you're cognizant of this, then you stop, slow down and think at intermediate stages and you rarely have a real issue. If you're not, you can get yourself into trouble. My point being, is that usually one mistake is not fatal or even a trip ender so as long as you are sensible (including with your planning), you likely don't need to worry too much. The fact that you are asking so many questions and taking advice so seriously indicates to me that you will almost certainly have a great and relatively trouble free trip. I know many of us will look forward to the report(s).
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Some advice still needed
- Thread starter larhayden
- Start date
larhayden":uq12txbb said:Trip plan includes getting to Prince Rupert early July and head for Juneau. Getting to Sitka on August 1, where we rented a house and having kids and grandkids fly in for 10 days of fishing, exploring and fun.
Jumping off some of the survival talk regarding GO/NO GO decisions, and perhaps bringing it back to your situation, I believe the above to be your greatest hazard (or at least in the running with the drive to PR). A schedule in a small boat is a very dangerous thing. You are probably leaving plenty of time, but who knows.
The thing about Sitka is that there is really no protected access in some wind directions (southwest). You could get to the backside of Baranoff Island and have two weeks heavy wind out of the southwest keep you close enough to see the city lights, but not able to cross. Rare, but it happens. Usually storms last less than a week in summer, even at their worst, but I've spent 10 days in a tent on the shore in southeast Alaska and, without a firm schedule, just wanted to get out from cabin fever and had trouble staying put.
It is easy to say that you are not going to take any unadvised chances and that you will wait out bad weather in safety, it is entirely another thing to be 20 miles from loved ones whose plane landed 8 hours ago, and who are only with you for a short time, and to then avoid talking yourself into doing something you otherwise wouldn't.
Lots of great information especially from Kushtaka and Jay. 6 HP is plenty of motor for you 25. My father's sailboat was 26 feet, and very similar in hull profile to the C Dory 25 (Arc bottom, with hard chine), and weight about 50% more than the C Dory 25, and about the same freeboard, and slightly less cabin windage. ) A 5 hp outboard with low pitch prop served that boat better for 20 years better than a latter acquired 9.9 hp outboard. If you loose power in rapids or swift current (which you really don't belong in, in the first place), the well running and used 6 hp will get you out of trouble.
Bear spray and bears. Be sure and buy your Bear Spray in Canada, or get a bear spray which is certified in Canada. They will not accept some of the US bear sprays. We always carried bear spray when going ashore in the dinghy. We had two labs with us, and also carried a .44 mag. revolver in a chauffeur's type of cross draw holster with us, in the dinghy and when going ashore. I am not starting a debate about firearms, but probably not necessary, with good situational awareness--which is key in any wilderness situation. We had our firearm shipped from our firearms dealer to a dealer in AK, so it was there when we arrived, same for going home.
There were very few days we did not feel that the weather was fair enough for movement. However, if you feel that there is a question, as local fishermen, or don't move. A radio capable of shortwave reception can get the Alaskia ham nets, or better yet if you are a ham, take both HF and 2 meter gear with you--you will be in for a real treat meeting some folks in AK who are hams.
EPIRB/PLB. We carry PLB for each person. I do not feel that a Delorme or spot is equal to a PLB, because the EPRIB (&PLB) go directly to a intergovernmental/international SAT/SAR agency, who is sure to get a search started immediately. I do consider the Delorme in reach system with the 140 (?) character messages a great way to communicate with the folks back home, and to allow them to track you (especially the grandchildren)
I agree with Kushtaka's personal items, but I also carry an additional survival bag, This includes some of the personal items, as well as basic tools, including my favorite Gerber multip tool, small vise grips, extra spark plug and shear pins for the dinghy outboard, Flares, light plastic tarp, extra mylar space blankets, cig lighter, waterproof matches, A waterproof VHF, with AA battery tray, and a dozen extra AA batteries, along with a small GPS(containing topo or marine charts of the area). Hand bearing compass, Paracord, strobe and flash light and small first aid kit--bandaids, swabs in sealed containers, triangular bandage, and gauze/telfa pads, and maybe some Quick Clot. all of this in a clear waterproof bag. (I also carried a set of sweats rolled up tight in a waterproof bag which I kept in the dinghy if we went any long distance. As pointed out, if you are prepared both with gear, physically and mentally for survival, the chance you will have to face a ultimate situation is already far less!
Also there are some areas, which I would not miss, such as Ford's Terror, where you may not get good satellite reception, no VHF reception and even poor HF reception because of the very high fjord type of walls.
One "chart" which puts everything in context is the Inland Passage Cruise Guide by Coastal Cruise Tour Guides.
http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Canadas-In ... 0961143800
This is a 6-foot long by 12-inch fold out map of the inside passage from Glacier Bay to Seattle which costs about $13.50. Great for planning and showing folks after your trip! We still have one bought in 1992, and used on each trip we have made since.
Based on what you say about your engine--you are really lugging it. I would at least drop the pitch down to 17"--you may find that you have to drop another 2"--but 17" is a good place to start. You want several props anyway.
Bear spray and bears. Be sure and buy your Bear Spray in Canada, or get a bear spray which is certified in Canada. They will not accept some of the US bear sprays. We always carried bear spray when going ashore in the dinghy. We had two labs with us, and also carried a .44 mag. revolver in a chauffeur's type of cross draw holster with us, in the dinghy and when going ashore. I am not starting a debate about firearms, but probably not necessary, with good situational awareness--which is key in any wilderness situation. We had our firearm shipped from our firearms dealer to a dealer in AK, so it was there when we arrived, same for going home.
There were very few days we did not feel that the weather was fair enough for movement. However, if you feel that there is a question, as local fishermen, or don't move. A radio capable of shortwave reception can get the Alaskia ham nets, or better yet if you are a ham, take both HF and 2 meter gear with you--you will be in for a real treat meeting some folks in AK who are hams.
EPIRB/PLB. We carry PLB for each person. I do not feel that a Delorme or spot is equal to a PLB, because the EPRIB (&PLB) go directly to a intergovernmental/international SAT/SAR agency, who is sure to get a search started immediately. I do consider the Delorme in reach system with the 140 (?) character messages a great way to communicate with the folks back home, and to allow them to track you (especially the grandchildren)
I agree with Kushtaka's personal items, but I also carry an additional survival bag, This includes some of the personal items, as well as basic tools, including my favorite Gerber multip tool, small vise grips, extra spark plug and shear pins for the dinghy outboard, Flares, light plastic tarp, extra mylar space blankets, cig lighter, waterproof matches, A waterproof VHF, with AA battery tray, and a dozen extra AA batteries, along with a small GPS(containing topo or marine charts of the area). Hand bearing compass, Paracord, strobe and flash light and small first aid kit--bandaids, swabs in sealed containers, triangular bandage, and gauze/telfa pads, and maybe some Quick Clot. all of this in a clear waterproof bag. (I also carried a set of sweats rolled up tight in a waterproof bag which I kept in the dinghy if we went any long distance. As pointed out, if you are prepared both with gear, physically and mentally for survival, the chance you will have to face a ultimate situation is already far less!
Also there are some areas, which I would not miss, such as Ford's Terror, where you may not get good satellite reception, no VHF reception and even poor HF reception because of the very high fjord type of walls.
One "chart" which puts everything in context is the Inland Passage Cruise Guide by Coastal Cruise Tour Guides.
http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Canadas-In ... 0961143800
This is a 6-foot long by 12-inch fold out map of the inside passage from Glacier Bay to Seattle which costs about $13.50. Great for planning and showing folks after your trip! We still have one bought in 1992, and used on each trip we have made since.
Based on what you say about your engine--you are really lugging it. I would at least drop the pitch down to 17"--you may find that you have to drop another 2"--but 17" is a good place to start. You want several props anyway.
cmetzenberg
New member
thataway":1jvjd6so said:Lots of great information especially from Kushtaka and Jay. 6 HP is plenty of motor for you 25. My father's sailboat was 26 feet, and very similar in hull profile to the C Dory 25 (Arc bottom, with hard chine), and weight about 50% more than the C Dory 25, and about the same freeboard, and slightly less cabin windage. ) A 5 hp outboard with low pitch prop served that boat better for 20 years better than a latter acquired 9.9 hp outboard. If you loose power in rapids or swift current (which you really don't belong in, in the first place), the well running and used 6 hp will get you out of trouble.
Bear spray and bears. Be sure and buy your Bear Spray in Canada, or get a bear spray which is certified in Canada. They will not accept some of the US bear sprays. We always carried bear spray when going ashore in the dinghy. We had two labs with us, and also carried a .44 mag. revolver in a chauffeur's type of cross draw holster with us, in the dinghy and when going ashore. I am not starting a debate about firearms, but probably not necessary, with good situational awareness--which is key in any wilderness situation. We had our firearm shipped from our firearms dealer to a dealer in AK, so it was there when we arrived, same for going home.
There were very few days we did not feel that the weather was fair enough for movement. However, if you feel that there is a question, as local fishermen, or don't move. A radio capable of shortwave reception can get the Alaskia ham nets, or better yet if you are a ham, take both HF and 2 meter gear with you--you will be in for a real treat meeting some folks in AK who are hams.
EPIRB/PLB. We carry PLB for each person. I do not feel that a Delorme or spot is equal to a PLB, because the EPRIB (&PLB) go directly to a intergovernmental/international SAT/SAR agency, who is sure to get a search started immediately. I do consider the Delorme in reach system with the 140 (?) character messages a great way to communicate with the folks back home, and to allow them to track you (especially the grandchildren)
I agree with Kushtaka's personal items, but I also carry an additional survival bag, This includes some of the personal items, as well as basic tools, including my favorite Gerber multip tool, small vise grips, extra spark plug and shear pins for the dinghy outboard, Flares, light plastic tarp, extra mylar space blankets, cig lighter, waterproof matches, A waterproof VHF, with AA battery tray, and a dozen extra AA batteries, along with a small GPS(containing topo or marine charts of the area). Hand bearing compass, Paracord, strobe and flash light and small first aid kit--bandaids, swabs in sealed containers, triangular bandage, and gauze/telfa pads, and maybe some Quick Clot. all of this in a clear waterproof bag. (I also carried a set of sweats rolled up tight in a waterproof bag which I kept in the dinghy if we went any long distance. As pointed out, if you are prepared both with gear, physically and mentally for survival, the chance you will have to face a ultimate situation is already far less!
Also there are some areas, which I would not miss, such as Ford's Terror, where you may not get good satellite reception, no VHF reception and even poor HF reception because of the very high fjord type of walls.
One "chart" which puts everything in context is the Inland Passage Cruise Guide by Coastal Cruise Tour Guides.
http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Canadas-In ... 0961143800
This is a 6-foot long by 12-inch fold out map of the inside passage from Glacier Bay to Seattle which costs about $13.50. Great for planning and showing folks after your trip! We still have one bought in 1992, and used on each trip we have made since.
Based on what you say about your engine--you are really lugging it. I would at least drop the pitch down to 17"--you may find that you have to drop another 2"--but 17" is a good place to start. You want several props anyway.
Sage advice as always. The gun isn't a bad idea if your worried about bears. I'm not sure a .44 mag is big enough though
:lol:
Again not to start a hijack about guns, boats and bears. I considered the bear spray (Counter Assault), in a large canister, 32 foot range (not much), the first line of defense, after respect, and awareness. In talking to the DFG officers at Pack Creek the bear spray is in the 98% effective range; also shown in this article:
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/bear_cougar/ ... Alaska.pdf
There are far better weapon, than a pistol for brown bears, but I prefer a simple, reliable revolver, which is far easier to always carry and utilize than a long gun, or shot gun, and it would only be a last ditch--if necessary.
During one of our visits to Port Alexander a local had been killed by a bear not too far from the village, and almost everyone was carrying a hand gun. The range was .357 mag to .44 mag; I would rather have a .44 mag. since that is the largest caliber I can handle. I have a hot load, 310 hard cast slug. If using a hand gun, shot placement is key--and you would probably get only one shot if a Grizzly charged.
We were always careful to make lots of noise, and be very careful scanning the shore line when taking the dogs ashore. Saw lots of bears, a couple closer than I would have liked. But never had a situation where I felt a threat in AK. There are others far more qualified on bear defense than I am.
Many years ago, I was solo back packing off trail in the Sierra; food was well located off a tree limb. A black bear came by to check me out in the middle of the night. I had a .357 at that time, in the sleeping bag with me. I held my breath while the bear was close, and when it left, I relit the camp fire, and stayed up the rest of the night. Moral, keep calm and keep your wits if there is a bear encounter. An Alaskan Brown Bear is far more dangerous than a black bear.
One night we got a pretty good look at a single wolf from the dinghy before deciding to select another area to go ashore. It just sauntered off, after watching us drift for a few minutes.
http://wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/bear_cougar/ ... Alaska.pdf
There are far better weapon, than a pistol for brown bears, but I prefer a simple, reliable revolver, which is far easier to always carry and utilize than a long gun, or shot gun, and it would only be a last ditch--if necessary.
During one of our visits to Port Alexander a local had been killed by a bear not too far from the village, and almost everyone was carrying a hand gun. The range was .357 mag to .44 mag; I would rather have a .44 mag. since that is the largest caliber I can handle. I have a hot load, 310 hard cast slug. If using a hand gun, shot placement is key--and you would probably get only one shot if a Grizzly charged.
We were always careful to make lots of noise, and be very careful scanning the shore line when taking the dogs ashore. Saw lots of bears, a couple closer than I would have liked. But never had a situation where I felt a threat in AK. There are others far more qualified on bear defense than I am.
Many years ago, I was solo back packing off trail in the Sierra; food was well located off a tree limb. A black bear came by to check me out in the middle of the night. I had a .357 at that time, in the sleeping bag with me. I held my breath while the bear was close, and when it left, I relit the camp fire, and stayed up the rest of the night. Moral, keep calm and keep your wits if there is a bear encounter. An Alaskan Brown Bear is far more dangerous than a black bear.
One night we got a pretty good look at a single wolf from the dinghy before deciding to select another area to go ashore. It just sauntered off, after watching us drift for a few minutes.
thataway":2k7bb490 said:One "chart" which puts everything in context is the Inland Passage Cruise Guide by Coastal Cruise Tour Guides.
http://www.amazon.com/Alaska-Canadas-In ... 0961143800
This is a 6-foot long by 12-inch fold out map of the inside passage from Glacier Bay to Seattle which costs about $13.50. Great for planning and showing folks after your trip! We still have one bought in 1992, and used on each trip we have made since.
Another one-page foldout that covers all of SE AK, including town road maps, and a less-detailed map of the BC coast, is from these folks:
http://www.greatpacificmaps.com/Great_P ... ssage.html
We found it in SE bookstores, and have used it for years, much as Dr. Bob describes. It's good for overview route planning too, when we don't feel like hauling out the 4-5 full-size charts that cover all of SE. Guests we've had onboard often buy one to show friends and family where they've been.
If you have any doubt that the trip is worth all this planning, just take a look at New Moon's photos http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php
Wow! Just beautiful...
Wow! Just beautiful...
Check out Sam Landsman's writeup of his trip last year from Ketchikan up to Juneau. Sam is a C-Brat and also the editor of Waggoner's cruising guide
http://waggonerguide.com/content/sam-la ... kan-juneau
http://waggonerguide.com/content/sam-la ... kan-juneau
Thanks, Marty!dotnmarty":lh25s8si said:If you have any doubt that the trip is worth all this planning, just take a look at New Moon's photos http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php
Wow! Just beautiful...
And here are a bunch more, in higher resolution, especially if you tell Picasa to show them in full screen mode:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
Just to be clear, after reading Dr. Bob's post, I recommend a small survival pouch on your person, AS WELL AS a larger "ditch bag" with tools, personal items, larger survival gear, first aid, etc. The stuff he listed. You keep the survival pouch on your person. You hopefully grab the ditch bag as you abandon ship.
Regarding guns: please don't bring a pistol with you if you don't already have stong proficiency with it. And I don't mean you have some experience. Be good, especially if it's a pistol. Shotguns are more forgiving to beginners, but less likely to be on your person.
A gun can save your bacon like nothing else, but can quickly escalate a situation that may pose no real risk to you, and it can make a bad situation worse very quickly in more ways than you can imagine. I never go into the backcountry without a peacemaker of some kind, and I have a veritable arsenal and use different firearms for different jobs, but I practice with them. A lot. And it is a very perishable skill. Being a great shot 10 years ago means nothing. Heck, being a great shot last summer means nothing to me.
Sorry, people get very gun happy in bear country, and it is absolutely the best tool for someone trained in its use, but have absolutely caused inexperienced carriers much more harm than good.
Regarding guns: please don't bring a pistol with you if you don't already have stong proficiency with it. And I don't mean you have some experience. Be good, especially if it's a pistol. Shotguns are more forgiving to beginners, but less likely to be on your person.
A gun can save your bacon like nothing else, but can quickly escalate a situation that may pose no real risk to you, and it can make a bad situation worse very quickly in more ways than you can imagine. I never go into the backcountry without a peacemaker of some kind, and I have a veritable arsenal and use different firearms for different jobs, but I practice with them. A lot. And it is a very perishable skill. Being a great shot 10 years ago means nothing. Heck, being a great shot last summer means nothing to me.
Sorry, people get very gun happy in bear country, and it is absolutely the best tool for someone trained in its use, but have absolutely caused inexperienced carriers much more harm than good.
20dauntless
New member
I carry this bear spray: http://counterassault.com
Get the largest size. I've had no trouble bringing it through Canada and I always declare it.
I carry it whenever I go ashore but have never needed it. Most of the bears are afraid of people unless they're frightened. I'd rank bear attack way, way down the list of potential ways to get into trouble in Northern BC and SE Alaska.
Long guns are no problem to bring through Canada: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm Handguns are not typical allowed in Canada.
I've heard mayday calls in both Northern BC and Alaska. In one case last summer, they had the patient (off a cruise ship) in surgery in Vancouver in about 4 hours (from the Shearwater area). In another case, a fish boat hit rocks and was sinking between Wrangell and Petersburg. Nearby boats were the first responders, and collectively they had enough epoxy and other supplies to patch the boat up. It motored back to Petersburg under its own power. In yet another case, a ~60ft yacht snagged a stabilizer fin on rocks between Petersburg and Juneau and was taking on water. One Coast Guard helicopter responded and dropped extra pumps within 30 minutes and another showed up not long after. Nearby good samaritans got to the boat in distress even faster. No, there's no Sea Tow or Boat US, but help can come pretty quickly IF help knows where to look. That's where the EPIRB/PLB/SPOT etc come in, and a way to get to shore or stay out of the water while waiting for help.
As for favorite places...there are so many! I love the glaciers, and LeConte might be my favorite to visit. It's easy to get to from Petersburg and doesn't get any cruise ships or large tour boats. Endicott Arm is beautiful, and has the added bonus of Ford's Terror. Tracy Arm is beautiful too, and with two glaciers you have a shot of seeing one up close even if the other is iced in.
Thomas Bay is awesome. Fantastic hiking, sandy beaches at the entrance, and you can actually walk on Baird Glacier.
The bays on the east side of Baranof Island are outstanding. Red Bluff is gorgeous and often has bears, Warm Springs has awesome hot springs, Takatz is gorgeous, Ell Cove is excellent and has the Hidden Falls Hatchery nearby where you can get a tour and often see bears.
Glacier Bay is a lot of hassle, in my opinion. If you have unlimited time, or the short notice permits are available when you cruise by, go for it.
I think SE Alaska is best in a triangle between Petersburg, Sitka, and Juneau. That's where the most whales and bears are, thats where the scenery is best, and that's where the ice is.
Get the largest size. I've had no trouble bringing it through Canada and I always declare it.
I carry it whenever I go ashore but have never needed it. Most of the bears are afraid of people unless they're frightened. I'd rank bear attack way, way down the list of potential ways to get into trouble in Northern BC and SE Alaska.
Long guns are no problem to bring through Canada: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/fs-fd/visit-visite-eng.htm Handguns are not typical allowed in Canada.
I've heard mayday calls in both Northern BC and Alaska. In one case last summer, they had the patient (off a cruise ship) in surgery in Vancouver in about 4 hours (from the Shearwater area). In another case, a fish boat hit rocks and was sinking between Wrangell and Petersburg. Nearby boats were the first responders, and collectively they had enough epoxy and other supplies to patch the boat up. It motored back to Petersburg under its own power. In yet another case, a ~60ft yacht snagged a stabilizer fin on rocks between Petersburg and Juneau and was taking on water. One Coast Guard helicopter responded and dropped extra pumps within 30 minutes and another showed up not long after. Nearby good samaritans got to the boat in distress even faster. No, there's no Sea Tow or Boat US, but help can come pretty quickly IF help knows where to look. That's where the EPIRB/PLB/SPOT etc come in, and a way to get to shore or stay out of the water while waiting for help.
As for favorite places...there are so many! I love the glaciers, and LeConte might be my favorite to visit. It's easy to get to from Petersburg and doesn't get any cruise ships or large tour boats. Endicott Arm is beautiful, and has the added bonus of Ford's Terror. Tracy Arm is beautiful too, and with two glaciers you have a shot of seeing one up close even if the other is iced in.
Thomas Bay is awesome. Fantastic hiking, sandy beaches at the entrance, and you can actually walk on Baird Glacier.
The bays on the east side of Baranof Island are outstanding. Red Bluff is gorgeous and often has bears, Warm Springs has awesome hot springs, Takatz is gorgeous, Ell Cove is excellent and has the Hidden Falls Hatchery nearby where you can get a tour and often see bears.
Glacier Bay is a lot of hassle, in my opinion. If you have unlimited time, or the short notice permits are available when you cruise by, go for it.
I think SE Alaska is best in a triangle between Petersburg, Sitka, and Juneau. That's where the most whales and bears are, thats where the scenery is best, and that's where the ice is.
Sam-"I think SE Alaska is best in a triangle between Petersburg, Sitka, and Juneau. That's where the most whales and bears are, thats where the scenery is best, and that's where the ice is." That's my opinion also! Other than I would turn your triangle to a rectangle made from Juneau to Cross Sound to Port Alexander to Petersburg & back to Juneau & why with a trailerable boat we keep making the road trip to Skagway & start our cruises the closest possible to this area we enjoy most.
Jay
Jay
20dauntless":8supjowi said:I think SE Alaska is best in a triangle between Petersburg, Sitka, and Juneau.
Me too. Admiralty Island, particularly Seymour Canal is one of my happy places. Fool Inlet (north end of Seymour Canal) is a scary place that can very weird in all but the smaller tides. a cool place to go, but as you come out, stay on the east shore a ways until you have good deep water in front of you. The cutoffs between islands up in the north end of the canal have never been well rendered on gps charts, and there are tons and tons of unmarked rocks. But it is really fun, with waterfalls over swimming holes, and some very neat nooks and crannies to check. It's one of the likely places to find deer in the water, which is really cool. Fish the holes on the east side of the Mosquito Islands for chicken halibut.
When tides are building and the timing is right, a lot of bioluminescent plankton can concentrate in the northern end of Seymour Canal too. I mean a LOT! If you are lucky enough to be there when that happens you will be blown away by what is happening in the water. You will see, with spectacular, glowing detail, herring schools, whales, seals, salmon schools, etc if you're lucky. Probably over half of my on-the-water top ten experiences have happened in this spot. If you are in the neighborhood, you should check it out.
Careful if you are heading to Juneau through Lynn Canal and fog sets in. Big ships steam through the area at a pretty fast clip and there is ice around.
cmetzenberg
New member
Ok, this trip has been added to my bucket list.NewMoon":euxpjtwl said:Thanks, Marty!dotnmarty":euxpjtwl said:If you have any doubt that the trip is worth all this planning, just take a look at New Moon's photos http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_ ... _album.php
Wow! Just beautiful...
And here are a bunch more, in higher resolution, especially if you tell Picasa to show them in full screen mode:
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir? ... feat=email
Status: Permatrim delivered today. Prop ordered from PropTech (16 inch pitch). They coordinated with C-dory for the recommended prop sizing.
Now- on to the most important. The 7 steps to survival. The wait at port or anchor till weather goes by. And the equipment needed if abandoning ship --god forbid. Are there an informal buddy boating opportunities on channel 68 or 72? or another channel? or are there a time schedules with syncing in with who and where they are on the water?
Finally, AIS? I am thinking our AIS unit might be enough for rescues? or should we invest in other equipment? And thanks to you all and to folks like Richard Cook that have provided info to my email: larhayden@gmail.com It seems crazy with our experience on small boats to try this -but we are going to do it!! Excitement is building. Thanks for your advice. /larry/
Now- on to the most important. The 7 steps to survival. The wait at port or anchor till weather goes by. And the equipment needed if abandoning ship --god forbid. Are there an informal buddy boating opportunities on channel 68 or 72? or another channel? or are there a time schedules with syncing in with who and where they are on the water?
Finally, AIS? I am thinking our AIS unit might be enough for rescues? or should we invest in other equipment? And thanks to you all and to folks like Richard Cook that have provided info to my email: larhayden@gmail.com It seems crazy with our experience on small boats to try this -but we are going to do it!! Excitement is building. Thanks for your advice. /larry/
cmetzenberg
New member
How is AIS going to help you get rescued? 406/121.5 Mhz EPIRB and a handheld vhf.
The odds are very good in your favor if well prepared that you will not need or use any of the rescue location devices besides a VHF radio, that can be acquired, but they do provide a great deal of peace of mind if aboard & some need that more than others. We purchased a SAT phone when JoLee & I were doing recreational exploring in remote areas of Canada in a small RIB in 2001 & 2002, but haven't acquired a sims card & brought it along since our 2007 Southeast Alaska cruise. This summer it will be the VHF & SPOT aboard. As I've mentioned before my past includes a good deal of time in rough high mountain remote wilderness areas alone on foot & horseback & more recently on canoe, RIB & C-Dory with JoLee without ever needing assistance from another person, so the better prepared one is the less chance of a need for location for outside help. Also I believe many end up needing help due to their over reliance on pushing a button instead of self reliance on getting themselves out of trouble. That said, if one does prepare, I see nothing wrong with using modern technology to lesson the risk, especially when others are relying on you for their safety. If out by myself, I would be very content without even a VHF radio.
If you do win the disaster lottery any of the devices such as EPIRB/PLB/SPOT/Satphone ect are good choices to have aboard with varying opinions of which would be best for $ spent vs how timely & effective the arrival of help if needed.
Jay
If you do win the disaster lottery any of the devices such as EPIRB/PLB/SPOT/Satphone ect are good choices to have aboard with varying opinions of which would be best for $ spent vs how timely & effective the arrival of help if needed.
Jay
I have been doing some research into the cost of SPOT vs. InReach. InReach has a new monthly pay policy, but the upshot for me was that, even having spot units in hand and having to buy new InReach messengers, the cost over three years is lower for the InReach, assuming only 4 months use, paid at their least expensive plan's rate (Safety Plan).
InReach is easily a more reliable, and more capable than SPOT (two way texting with rescuers as well as friends, and CONFIRMATION that an SOS call was received), but was always a more expensive option.
You can add month as needed, but you have to take full months. There is a small fee for turning the service on and off as well.
This was something of a game changer for several of the remote research projects I run up here. Everyone of my project managers are vastly happier with the InReach over SPOT, and all of the technicians we have living at our remote camps never want to see a SPOT unit again. Many have offered to pay the difference in cost out of their own pocket, and they aren't that well paid!
My guess is that a lot of you would have a use for these units from May through August, and not so much during other times of year, and if so, you can get a better system at a lower cost.
That said, Dr. Bob is right as always, and a bona-fide PLB or EPIRB is you best chance of actually transmitting a signal that is detected, however they have no other message capabilities.
This is a pretty big deal for my office, might be for those interested in this thread too.
InReach is easily a more reliable, and more capable than SPOT (two way texting with rescuers as well as friends, and CONFIRMATION that an SOS call was received), but was always a more expensive option.
You can add month as needed, but you have to take full months. There is a small fee for turning the service on and off as well.
This was something of a game changer for several of the remote research projects I run up here. Everyone of my project managers are vastly happier with the InReach over SPOT, and all of the technicians we have living at our remote camps never want to see a SPOT unit again. Many have offered to pay the difference in cost out of their own pocket, and they aren't that well paid!
My guess is that a lot of you would have a use for these units from May through August, and not so much during other times of year, and if so, you can get a better system at a lower cost.
That said, Dr. Bob is right as always, and a bona-fide PLB or EPIRB is you best chance of actually transmitting a signal that is detected, however they have no other message capabilities.
This is a pretty big deal for my office, might be for those interested in this thread too.
Okay. We will get the EPIRB and PLB(s). Ditch Bag and assemble personal bags. And read either Deep Survival or Beating the Odds. Thank you greatly for your time to respond to these posts.
But, we have no guns and do not plan to bring any. Other than bear spray, we have thought about having several 12 gauge signal distress flare guns to deter a bear or person, because these are legal--but I do not have experience with these devices. Again, thanks for the advice.
But, we have no guns and do not plan to bring any. Other than bear spray, we have thought about having several 12 gauge signal distress flare guns to deter a bear or person, because these are legal--but I do not have experience with these devices. Again, thanks for the advice.
Amongst the problems with using flares as a weapon (or deterrent) is the possibility of starting a large fire.
If you have to use a flare gun to deter a bear (whether you hit or miss), you are probably not going to stick around to make sure the flare does not cause collateral damage. By their nature flares are kind of hard to extinguish.
A near miss might discourage a bear, probably not a person meaning to do you some harm.
Granted if you are in that sort of situation and that's all you have, then make the most of what you have got. However, some target practice and operating experience is probably a good idea. The bullet drop of a flare is probably relatively high.
If you have to use a flare gun to deter a bear (whether you hit or miss), you are probably not going to stick around to make sure the flare does not cause collateral damage. By their nature flares are kind of hard to extinguish.
A near miss might discourage a bear, probably not a person meaning to do you some harm.
Granted if you are in that sort of situation and that's all you have, then make the most of what you have got. However, some target practice and operating experience is probably a good idea. The bullet drop of a flare is probably relatively high.