Survival Gear

[crowleykirk]

Howdy, just wanted to start a conversation on survival gear. I did a search on the site but didn't really get anything.
We are hoping to be in the islands full time by next year and if all goes according to plan would like to purchase a new R23 or used 25/27. Budget is of course for now a concern but we must be on the water.

I'm wondering what level of survival gear most of you are using in the San Juans and into Alaska. Aside from some charters in the area most our experience is Catalina Island boating as I once had a yacht business and lived there. We are in the Eastern High Sierra now and have been going the the San Juans for many years. A recent heart condition is dictating us leaving the high altitude, 7500ft for a sea level home, we are part time on Friday Harbor for now on a friends property.

I'm a certified diver and diesel tech as well, but been awhile since I've dived or worked on the boats themselves. I know your waters are cold, I've been in them...buuurrrr.... but what conditions are you preparing for on a regular basis? I would imagine full water submersion is best to be prepared for. Of course something the size of an R23 must be a challenge due to storage.

I tend to be very cautious as I've seen so many stupid avoidable situations when it comes to boating safety as I'm sure you all have as well. Survival gear and engine spare parts are all part of what I'd carry. But sure would love to hear what some of you do.

Thoughts please? Thank you🙂

 

[Tug Travelers]

Hey Crowleykirk-
We carry a ditch kit, which is pretty simple containing flares, an Epirb, first aid kit, radio and a gps. For cold-water emersion we are divers and have DUI drysiuts on-board for longer trips, but to be honest, we would go for our dinghy . if you are going with a 23 or 27 (outboard) that may not be as easy to get the dinghy in the water as it is on our 31 (less than 10 seconds from the pilot chair to being free of the boat for me, without the motor).

In the event of a capsizing, well, we would be wearing PFD. Since we avoid terrible weather this situation is remote for us. The more likely issue would be ditching due to grounding by dragging anchor, a mid-sea collision, or navigational grounding. In this case, you are likely to be close to land or assistance. Nonetheless, we still practice.

The one thing we don't (or haven't yet) practice is ditching with our dogs. That one is something we need to do.

Jeff from Tug Travelers
Guided Ranger Tug Flotillas

 

[crowleykirk]

Thank you Jeff for your response. I thought dry suits are a great idea as well. The dingy is the obvious life boat as long as you can get it clear etc. Sounds like you pretty much have it down and practice is the key. i suppose even getting into the water, which my wife would be very reluctant to do. But must be practiced.

We'd like to bring our dog as well so that is a concern for sure.

I suppose if time permitted you could get the drysuits on and then enter the dingy. Just curious, I guess all we can do is be prepared for anything and if proper seamanship is adhered to we should be in good shape. But you never know.

I once jumped out of a charter sailboat mid channel to Catalina Island in the summer to "save" a child's shoe.... I was young and stupid apparently... I was only in board shorts, it was hot and I didn't have a vest on... overboard I went to save the day, and we were under sail only.... 90 degree day and very cold water... was a bad situation, I almost drowned and I was a good swimmer and dived all the time back then. My body went into shock.It was a very close call, for a shoe. Lesson learned.