Archive for May, 2009
Handheld Marine Radio - Don’t Leave the Dock Without One
A handheld VHF radio is a useful tool for a variety of tasks aboard any boat, kayak, canoe or PWC.
Handheld VHF radios are relatively inexpensive, starting around $49 for a 2 watt radio. You can get a good submersible vhf for about $150 for a 5 watt model. You may be thinking that your cell phone will suffice, but on the water you shouldn’t count on it. A portable VHF radio gives you the benefit of boat to boat or boat to shore communications without the necessity of dialing a number. In an emergency, that can mean the difference between survival or catastrophe.
So, for the peace of mind alone, it is worth the investment to buy a handheld vhf marine radio. Whether it is your primary communications device or a backup to a fixed mount system, you will wonder how you ever got by without one.
Keeping Everyone Afloat and Safe
There’s nothing more fun than cruising around a lake on a hot summer day, but marine activities can quickly be spoiled if you aren’t demonstrating safe water behavior. That’s why you should make sure that everyone onboard a boat has a life jacket either on or in immediate reach in case the worst happens. Like any safety products, it’s always best to have it available, even if you never end up needing it.
But what many people forget is that animals need that kind of protection too. So if you’re taking your dog out on the boat with you, make sure that he or she is also wearing a life jacket. After all, life vests aren’t just for humans. They can also save your animal’s life as well. And especially since your dog is likely to panic if something unexpected happens, it’s a good idea to have him fully strapped into his floatation gear. This will stop him from going under, but it will also stop him from pushing you under if he ends up trying to climb up on you for safety.
“Rite in the Rain” Paper Products Rock!
Rite in the Rain 135 Pad
If you spend any time outdoors in damp, humid or wet conditions and have the need to write down stuff like grid coordinates, observations, log data, maintain a roster or other reference info then you should consider using Rite in the Rain products. No more soggy and illegible paperwork for you.
Write in the rain products come in several different form factors. From blank copy and printer paper, labels, bound and loose leaf pads and kits for travelers, sportsman and the military. Rite in the Rain products appeal to a wide variety of outdoor occupations and enthusiasts such as explorers, mountain climbers, hikers, military, surveyors, pool maintenance technicians, soccer coaches and managers, divers, wildlife managers, lumberjacks and fisherman to name a few.
I’ve been using Rite in the Rain paper for two years and it never fails me. I’ve carried a pad around in my shirt pocket for six months and it looks as good as the day I bought it. I also use the Rite in the Rain pen, which is made by the Fisher Space Pen company for J. L. Darling who makes Rite in the Rain products. The pen will even write under water!
If you are a Rite in the Rain fan, let us know how you use it and your opinion.
How to Choose a Cast Net
Ahi Cast Net
How to Choose a Cast Net
Using live bait is usually better than lures and it saves money. Cast nets are easy to use once you get the hang of it. Kids and professionals alike use cast nets to capture live bait. Cast nets can be use in fresh and salt water. The parts of a cast net include:
- The hand line: A rope which is attached to the caster’s wrist on one end and the swivel at the top of the cast net on the other end.
- Swivel: Metal rings that are attached together and turn on both ends
- Horn: A ring where the top of the net is tied to. It has an indention around the center to secure the cast net.
- Leadline: The rope at the bottom of the net where the sinkers are tied.
- Braille Lines: Attached between the swivel and the leadline. The brail lines close the net to capture the fish.
- Netting: Monofilament or multifilament nylon mesh. The bigger the targeted catch, the bigger size of mesh and stronger netting material needed.
The size of cast net required depends on the size of the catch you are going after. The following guidelines are useful.
| BAIT SIZE | MESH SIZE | NET BREAK STRENGTH |
| 1″ - 3″ | ¼”SQ | 5 - 9 LBS |
| 3″ - 6″ | 3/8″ SQ | 7 - 15 LBS |
| 6″ - 9″ | ½ ” SQ | 9 - 20 LBS |
| 9″ - 12″ | 5/8″ SQ | 12 - 25 LBS |
| 12″ OVER | 1″ SQ. OVER | 20 LB and OVER |
Choose the Right Life Jacket
Choose the Right Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Warning! Do not attach PFDs to your boat!
Inflatable Life Vest
Each PFD has straps, hooks, buckles, or other means for securing the device in place on the wearer. Some PFDs / life vests also incorporate decorative D-rings or tabs. Such items are not to be used to attach the device to the boat. Attaching the device to the boat will not permit it to perform as intended. You can not grab it and don it quickly in an emergency if it is attached to your boat.
HOW MANY PFDs DO I NEED?
The United States Coast Guard says you must have USCG approved Personal Flotation Devices on your recreational boat. How many and what type PFDs you’ll need depend’s on the number of people on board, the size and type of your boat, and the kind of boating you do. You must have one of any of these wearable PFDs for each person on your boat:
- Off-Shore Life Jacket (Type I PFD).
- Near-Shore Buoyant Vest (Type II PFD).
- Floation Aid (Type III PFD).
- Special Use Device (Type V PFD).
Additionally, if your boat is 16 feet or longer, and is not a canoe or kayak, you must also have at least one throwable device (Type IV PFD). For example, if there are four people on your 16 foot boat, you must have at least five PFDs: four wearable PFDs and one throwable PFD.
THE RIGHT PFD FOR YOU
PFDs come in a variety of shapes, colors, and materials. Some are made to be more rugged and last longer. Some are made to protect you from cold water. But no matter which PFD you choose, be sure to get one that’s right for you and the water conditions you expect to encounter. Remember, spending a little time now can save you a lifetime later. Always look for the United States Coast Guard approval number on any PFD you buy.
OFF-SHORE LIFE JACKET (TYPE I PFD)
Best for open, rough or remote water, where rescue may be slow coming.
Advantages…
- Floats you the best.
- Turns most unconscious wearers face-up in water.
- Highly visible color.
Disadvantages…
- Bulky.
Sizes: Two sizes to fit most children and adults.
NEAR-SHORE BUOYANT VEST (TYPE II PFD)
Good for calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue.
Advantages…
- Turns some unconscious wearers face up in water.
- Less bulky, more comfortable than off-shore life jacket (Type I PFD).
Disadvantages…
- Not for long hours in rough water.
- Will not turn some unconscious wearers face-up in water.
Sizes: Infant, Child-Small, Child-Medium, and Adult
FLOTATION AID (TYPE III PFD)
Good calm, inland water, or where there is good chance of fast rescue.
Advantages…
- Generally the most comfortable type for continuous wear.
- Designed for general boating or the activity that is marked on the device.
- Available in many styles, including vests and flotation coats.
Disadvantages…
- Wearer may have to tilt head back to avoid going face down.
- In rough water, a wearer’s face may often be covered by waves.
- Not for extended survival in rough water.
Sizes: Many individual sizes from child-small through adult.
THROWABLE DEVICE (TYPE IV PFD)
For calm, inland water with heavy boat traffic, where help is always nearby.
Advantages…
- Can be thrown to someone.
- Good back-up to wearable PFDs.
- Some can be used as seat cushion.
Disadvantages…
- Not for unconscious persons.
- Not for non-swimmers or children.
- Not for many hours in rough water.
Kinds: Cushions, ring, and horseshoe buoys.
SPECIAL USE DEVICES (TYPE V PFD)
- Only for special uses or conditions.
- See label for limits of use.
- Varieties include boardsailing vests, deck suits, work vests, hybrid PFDs, and others.
Advantages…
- Made for specific activities
TYPE V HYBRID INFLATABLE DEVICE
Required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD. Advantages…
- Least bulky of all types.
- High flotation when inflated.
- Good for continuous wear.
Disadvantages…
- May not adequately float some wearers unless partially inflated.
- Requires active use and care of inflation chamber.
Performance Level: Equal to either type I, II, or III performance as noted on the label.
BE SAFE WEARING PFDs Beat the odds- choose the right PFD and wear it! Most drownings occur way out at sea, right? Wrong! Fact is, 9 out of 10 drownings occur in inland waters, most within a few feet of safety. Most victims owned PFDs, but they died without them. A wearable PFD can save your life, it you wear it. If you haven’t been wearing your PFD because of the way it makes you look or feel, there’s good news. Today’s PFDs fit better, look better, and are easier to see and may increase your chances of rescue. One more thing. Before you shove off, make sure all on board are wearing PFDs. To work best, PFDs must be worn with all straps, zippers, and ties fastened. Tuck in any loose strap ends to avoid getting hung-up. When you don’t wear your PFD, the odds are against you. You’re taking a chance on your life.
STAYING ON TOP! Most adults only need an extra seven to 12 pounds of buoyancy to keep their heads above water. A PFD can give that extra lift, and it’s made to keep you floating until help comes. But a PFD is a personal flotation device and it’s important to get the right one for you. Your weight isn’t the only factor in finding out how much extra lift you need in water. Body fat, lung size, clothing, and whether the water is rough or calm, all play a part in staying on top. In general, the more physically fit you are, the more lift you need. Read the label on your PFD to be sure it’s made for people your weight and size. Test it as shown in the next section. Then in an emergency, don’t panic. Relax. Put your head back and let your PFD help you come out on top.
TRYING YOUR PFD - Try on your PFD to see if it fits comfortably snug. Then test it in shallow water to see how it handles. To check the buoyancy of your PFD in the water, relax your body and let your head tilt back. Make sure your PFD keeps your chin above water and you can breathe easily. Be aware: your PFD may not act the same in swift or rough water as in calm water. The clothes you wear and the items in you pockets may also change the way your PFD works. If your mouth is not well above the water, get a new PFD or one with more buoyancy. The PFD is designed not to ride-up on the body when in the water. But, when a wearer’s stomach is larger than the chest, ride-up may occur. Before use, test this PFD in the water to establish that excessive ride-up does not impair PFD performance.
CARING OF YOUR PFD - Follow these points to be sure your PFD stays in good condition:
- Don’t alter you PFD. If yours doesn’t fit, get one that does. Play it safe. An altered PFD may not save your life.
- Don’t put heavy objects on your PFD or use it for a kneeling pad or boat fender. PFDs lose buoyancy when crushed.
- Let your PFD drip dry thoroughly before putting away. Always stow it in a well ventilated place.
- Don’t leave your PFD on board for long periods when the boat is not in use.
- Never dry your PFD on a radiator, heater, or any other direct heat source.
- Put your name on your PFD if you’re the only wearer.
- Practice throwing your type IV PFD. Cushions throw best under hand.
CHECKING YOUR PFD - Check your PFD often for rips, tears, and holes, and to see that seams, fabric straps, and hardware are okay. Give your PFD belts and tie tapes a quick, hard pull to make sure they are secure. There should be no signs of water logging, mildew odor, or shrinkage of the buoyant materials. If your PFD uses bags of kapok (a naturally buoyant material), gently squeeze the bag to check for air leaks. If it leaks, it should be thrown away. When kapok gets wet, it can get stiff or waterlogged and can lose some of its buoyancy. Fading can indicate loss of strength. Store your PFD in a dry, cool, dark place. A weathered PFD could tear easily, resulting in loss of flotation material. If faded, check strength or throw the PFD away and buy a new one. Don’t forget to test each PFD at the start of each season. Remember, the law says your PFDs must be in good shape before you use your boat. Ones that are not in good shape should be cut up and thrown away.
TEACH YOUR CHILDREN WELL - Children panic when they fall into the water suddenly. This causes them the move their arms and legs violently, making it hard to float safely in a PFD. A PFD will keep a child afloat, but may not keep a struggling child face-up. That’s why it’s so important to teach children how to put on a PFD and to help them get used to wearing one in the water. To work right, a PFD must fit snugly on a child, to check for a good fit, pick the child up by the shoulders of the PFD. If the PFD fits right, the child’s chin and ears will not slip through. PFDs are not babysitters. Even though a child wears a PFD when on or near the water, an adult should always be there too. Parents should remember that inflatable toys and rafts should not be used in place of PFDs. While some children in the 30-50 pound weight range who can swim may like the extra freedom of movement that a flotation aid (Type III PFD) provides, most children in this weight range, especially those who can’t swim, should wear a near shore buoyant vest (type II PFD).
SKIPPER SHOULD SKIP THE DRINK - Alcohol slows you down and keeps you from thinking clearly. Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. As many as 80 percent of boating accidents involve alcohol. Drive your boat defensively. Watch out for others who have been drinking. They’re accidents waiting to happen. Alcohol works to lower your body temperature faster when you’re in the water. If you’ve been drinking, you will not survive as long in cold water.
THE COLD FACTS - Be aware that cold water (less than 70 degrees F) can lower your body temperature. This is called hypothermia. If your body temperature goes too low, you may pass out and then drown. Even if you’re wearing a PFD, your body can cool down 25 times faster in cold water than in air. Water temperature, body size, amount of body fat, and movement in the water all play a part in cold water survival. Small people cool faster than large people. Children cool faster than adults. But PFDs can still help you stay alive longer in cold water. They let you float without using energy and they protect part of your body from cold water. A snug-fitting PFD is better than one that’s loose-fitting when you boat in cold water, use a flotation coat or deck-suit style PFD. In cold water they’re better than vests because they cover more of your body.
COLD WATER SURVIVAL - When you’re in cold water, don’t swim unless you can reach a nearby boat, fellow survivor, or floating object. Even good swimmers drown while swimming in cold water. Swimming lowers your body temperature. If a nearby floating object is large, pull yourself up on it. The more you body is out of water, the warmer you’ll be. Don’t use drown-proofing methods that call for putting your face in the water. Keep your head out of the water to lessen heat loss and increase survival time. Use of the HELP position will lessen heat loss. However, if you’re wearing a Type III PFD, or if the HELP positions turns you face down, bring your legs together tight and your arms tight to your sides and your head back. See SURVIVAL position. If there are others in water, HUDDLE together for warmth. Keep a positive outlook. It will improve your chances of survival. Always wear your PFD. Even if you become helpless from hypothermia, your PFD will keep you afloat.
REMEMBER-SAFE BOATING IS NO ACCIDENT - Keep this information in a convenient location. Read it often. If you need more information about PFDs and safe boating, contact your state boating authority, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, Red Cross, your nearest unit of the U.S. Coast Guard, or call the toll-free Boating Safety Hotline: 1-800-368-5647. To find out about free boating courses in your area call 1-800-336-BOAT.
The Blastmatch Fire Starter is Hot
The Blastmatch is the “hottest” way to start a fire! Ultimate Survival Tools (UST) Inc has made the Blastmatch using an alloy bar composed of flint and magnesium 0.5 in thick (1.3 cm), mounted into a spring-loaded handle. This is all integrated with a tungsten carbide striker in the handle. As depicted on the UST website… “With one hand, a shower of sparks, three times hotter than a match (2200 F - 1204 C) can be generated” .
When used with the UST “wetfire tinder” you can make a fire anytime, anywhere. Originally developed for the Special Forces it is the best fire tinder available today. Wetfire comes individually packaged in a lightweight solid cube form that can’t leak or foul up your other gear. It does not leave residue and is non-toxic. The tinder cubes burn without smoke and can be used in high winds, rain or snow. Wetfire tinder can actually burn while floating in water, and it burns longer when wet.
Equipment for a Successful Fishing Trip
When it comes to fishing, it’s important to have the right supplies in order to catch the big ones. This includes bait and tackle of course, but also all the accessories that can make fishing much easier. For example, a fish finder makes boat fishing a breeze as it becomes simple to locate larger schools of fish below the surface of the water. Fish finders are great for locating fish and for identifying the depth where the fish tend to swim at different hours of the day. It’s also essential to have a fishing net, as it’s all too common for fish to escape once they get close to the boat. Fishing nets are also great for rivers where it can be difficult to fight the fish against the current. There’s nothing better than a solid tackle box for keeping lures and bait organized. Keeping all the fishing tackle untangled can be a real chore without a tackle box.
With this equipment even the amateur fisherman can turn professional in just an afternoon. Remember, fishing is about skill, but having luck on your side never hurts!