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"It is a federal law that boats less than 20 feet in length, rated for outboard motors more than 2 HP, have level flotation material (CGD 75–168, 42 FR 20243, Apr. 18, 1977). However, Murphy's Law may come into play, and your boat could sink! "
Sailboats are excepted from that law. In my case I am going to keep a small inflatable (probably Sevylor) onboard as a dingy. If needed it could be used as a life raft too. Depeding upon how fast things were happening there might not be time to inflate it on the Compac though.
Shawn
I have a
'Didi Mau' bag that contains
all I need to abandon ship 'cept
for my PFD. The mirror being the most important.
Want to make a 'long distance' phone call right?
skip.
"Sailboats are excepted from that law" Shawn is correct. True. Sailboats with big heavy keels that will pull them down.
No amount of floating will keep them up or floating level. This months Sailing mag has Chris Shanahan story on racing boats loosing there keels. One sailor sailed his 60 foot carbon fiber boat 1000 miles in the sea with the 5000 pound keel laying on the bottom. A dicey situtition hey?
These boats will sink (well at least my 1983 will).
I keep round wedges on both boats in case the boat is impaled
and the first effort would be to try to place a wedge in the hole to stop the
leak. I would also have someone on the radio reporting the issue to
gather help.
Each person should already be weaking their PFD...Each adult PFD comes equipped with a
folding knife also used on the standing rigging, and a signal whistle. More precautions are
needed if he water is below 55 degrees because ou will be dead in 50 minutes
I sail mostly in the ocean (coastal) so in the Cape Dory, I pull a 12' skiff
with oars. A ditty bag is an excellent idea and mine carries a portable VHF in a
waterproof bag..
IN outfitting yourself, ask what is the price of your life and what the conditions are
and be safe.
The CP19 will be large lake usage mostly in water over 65 degrees so my vigilence is not
as high. I will probably tow a lightweight Kayak because I will be sailing solo a lot...
have a good summer!
There is or was a company making inflatable pfds for boats. Kind of like a big blow up bag that would inflate in cabin to keep deck area above water.
At sea or coastal some sort of raft with emergency supplies. Have flares with sound device and strobe light on float coat.
melvin
Murphy's Law
Rule of 50.
50 years old.
50 degrees water.
50 minutes.
Adjust what ever you can for more time.
skip.