Quote:
Originally Posted by Requiem
I'm feeling the burn. 
v/r
Susan |
Susan - I changed my mind about the PM. I've seen too many other threads/posts here that give me pause to think others may benefit too. Start your education with
http://uwtraining.webplus.net/FM%203-05.212.pdf Read at least chapters 6 & 7. Especially the parts about properly stowing gear.
Thumb through the rest of it. Pay attention to the parts about sea states and weather conditions. Don't let the fact that it's talking about Zodiacs throw you - an Avon is just a cheap imitation (
) everything applies equally. I know whereof I speak - this manual was my "magnum opus" before I retired. I either wrote or edited everything in it.
MOO - You need to re-examine your go/no-go criteria - 20 miles in a 16' inflatable in six-foot seas is an ass-whooooping. Four or more hours of it depending on wind and wave directions. And that's just one way. The ocean is one of the few places where it really can be "uphill both ways". Calculating fuel reserves and run times, especially with weather and sea states is more difficult than it seems. Screw up and if you're lucky enough to make it to land, rescue might show up before the local wildlife gets too hungry. And we won't even discuss the issues if you have to beach/launch through surf - something that might not be avoidable if you lose the outboard for any reason.
Stop thinking wet suit for survival/comfort and look at dry suits - specifically tri-laminate versions. DUI makes some decent ones for a reasonable price. Get the sock feet and wear sea boots or similar for walking. You will die of hypothermia faster in a wet suit than you will in a dry suit, dry suits provide significantly greater bouyancy, and when worn properly, they are MUCH warmer and far less restrictive than a wet suit.
Spend the money and get the Seal Line Guide Bags for everyone.
http://www.windrosenorth.com/product...&cat=&apparel= (Not necessarilly from this source.)
The shoulder straps make it easier to secure in the boat, easier to hang onto in the water, and easier to transport on land. Besides - in the situation you're describing - why limit yourself to a BOB when you're just as likely to lose it as you are a ruck? NTM - bigger bag holds more stuff with correspondingly greater reserve bouyancy.
Just a few additional considerations that will hopefully give you a lot of "food for thought". In reality - these pointers are just the tip of the iceberg - literally.
HTH