Good stuff to keep on a boat in an event of being stranded while out on a boating trip?
Posted by WG--TX@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 42 comments
The story of today's shit show: My family and two friends (6 adults 1 kid) took our boat out today to the lake that's about an hour away from our hometown. We went just to have fun and mess around as we've done my whole life. Well, our boat dies in the middle of the lake and we have no means to fix it there. I brought my battery jumper that I have in every vehicle im ever in, but it didn't solve it, so we ultimately were able to get ahold of a place that knew someone who could tow us back to the launch point and all was well. But the event had me thinking: what if we couldn't get anyone? The lake we went to is a pretty busy one in 90% of its space, but we're often in areas where nobody hardly ever is.
So, my question is, what are some items that would be solid to have for this exact situation? Something where we may have to anchor on the shore or in the lake somewhere and be stuck overnight. I want to set up a bag with smaller items to move in and out, but I can store larger items on it at all items if they'll be stable.
So far, my thoughts are: Sawyer squeeze, 2 days worth of food, dry clothes, blankets, tarps to cover it from sun & rain, bug repellent, sunscreen, inflatable 1-2 person raft & paddles to get help, and a map of the lake & land around. I also have a flare gun and 5 flares that are for aquatic use. Any objections to anything, or additional suggestions?
GetCoinye@reddit
A trolling motor on separate power could serve as backup propulsion. Great for fishing too.
aaaaaaaarrrrrgh@reddit
Energy rich snack style food that is easy to eat while busy and/or exhausted.
Water, obviously. I wouldn't rely on a single source, especially not a water filter.
A radio (as in two-way radio) for whatever frequency is used on that lake, possibly some kind of satellite-based signalling (EPIRB, inReach, or even just a modern iPhone). Knowledge how it works, what the limitations are, and how to use it.
An actual chart of the lake (showing depths, underwater obstacles etc.), if it is big enough to have one.
Embarrassed-Aspect-9@reddit
Spare food fuel a water purifier a kayak paddle with extensions a radio to call for help flashlight and batteries. Don't forget tge fishing gear and gold 😅
nanneryeeter@reddit
Auxiliary propulsion is important.
Specialist_Welder215@reddit
That can be oars. Happy rowing.
nanneryeeter@reddit
Can be so long as they're sufficient for the conditions and vessel.
Generally too windy and too much current where I am to accomplish much with oars.
Virtual-Act-9037@reddit
Wouldn't a couple of oars, some paracord, and a tarp work as a kind of makeshift sail if it's too windy to row?
Specialist_Welder215@reddit
With good seamanship and a measure of preparation, anything is possible. Think of the Bounty mutiny survivors reaching Timor in the East Indies in 1789 after a journey of almost 4000 miles in an open launch. That launch had sails, from what I recall.
Adorable_Dust3799@reddit
7 people, that's not a small boat. Tho 6 oars might do it
LuckyMinusDevil@reddit
I'd bring a compact portable backup power onboard, with enough capacity to run LED lights, charge phones, or power a small bilge pump overnight. Can gives peace of mind when stranded.
rstevenb61@reddit
Binoculars
dittybopper_05H@reddit
A Gibson Girl.
divorceevil@reddit
Inflatable canoe kayak raft with patch kit, small sail, oars, and air pump.
roberttheiii@reddit
First of all, make sure everyone has a properly fitting life jacket in good repair. After that, in medium or smaller inland body of water, by far, the best tool(s) you can have is(are) communications. I'd suggest a cell phone with satellite capability (android and iphone now offer this, and some carriers) and a handheld radio. Probably a marine VHF but maybe an appropriate HAM radio or CB depending on your licensing and location.
From there, there are lots of good resources on marine survival kits. I don't personally think you need more than sun cover/block, bug repellent, water, something warm to wear / keep you dry, and snacks. But if you want to go HAM: https://danboater.org/travel-health-and-safety/everything-you-need-pack-perfect-ditch-bag.html
CV: I have many experiences on the water from canoes in upstate New York, to rafts in Montana, to racing sailboats from New England Bermuda. Within the last two weeks I moved a slow going sailboat 40 miles off the coast of New England.
recyclingloom@reddit
A water purification system that the boat can handle with 7 people.
dementeddigital2@reddit
Satphone, Garmin Inreach, EPIRB, or something like that, and a bag of Doritos. You won't be stranded long.
saltytac0@reddit
Paddles.
mikenkansas1@reddit
Without reading all the replies, I assume you carry a sea anchor/drift sock.
And your tow rope being one that floats keeps it out of your rescuers prop.
A signaling mirror backs up your flares.
If you're seen AND the seas (lake) aren't too high you SHALL get a tow, maybe not to where You put in, but at least to a ramp.
And your copious sunscreen with keep the burns away.
Based on memories of towing more boats than I wanted to while in 12' to 16' fishing boats. And pulling one large (for these parts) sailing boat away from the rip rap at the ramp when the idiots' kicker died as soon as they pushed it off the trailer. This with a good wind quartering into the ramp. My little 40hp Johnson was screaming till I got the sailboat (with it's large hull sailboat area) turned into wind and headed for the enclosed marina.
One last thing. Carry at least one person with the grace to say thanks once you've been helped. Too often the boat owner us embarrassed by their situation and "forgets" the common courtesy to provide the only form of payment expected, a Thank You. Back in the day a beer could be offered too but the pissants are so concerned about a guy having a couple of beers and not about the drunk idiots in jet boats that they, the lake patrols, can't catch, that beer isn't such a good idea.
Smooth boating ....
WinLongjumping1352@reddit
https://www.uscgboating.org/assets/1/AssetManager/Boaters-Guide-to-Federal-Requirements-for-Receational-Boats-20231108.pdf
No-Feed-1999@reddit
We carry a tarp. One side is plain blue other has sos help spayed on it with reflective paint
salchichasconpapas@reddit
a spare boat
Ravenseye@reddit
Not a professor....
NWYthesearelocalboys@reddit
A lot of good suggestions. I'll throw in two way radios and small solar battery bank.
WhereDidAllTheSnowGo@reddit
Paddles
PFD vests sized to fit each person
kkinnison@reddit
a paddle
hoardac@reddit
A windbreaker pants and jacket if you are anywhere is gets cool at night. Got stuck one time and it was cold as hell by the time we got to the boat landing. Had a pair of shorts and a tanktop and it was windy and cold.
davidm2232@reddit
I've had short term boat breakdowns. The only thing you really need is sufficient beer. Snacks are a close second
Specialist_Welder215@reddit
Nothing beats satellite communications for remote emergencies.
I bought my rock climber son a Garmin InReach mini and now worry less. They also have a marine version.
Garmin inReach® Mini 2 Marine Bundle, Compact Satellite Communicator, Portable Boating Handheld. - https://a.co/d/ejqjrm2.
Unfortunately, you need a subscription that starts at ~$15/month, but you can easily suspend your Garmin inReach subscription for up to twelve months without incurring a reactivation fee.
I wish you safe, enjoyable, and worry-free boating.
TacTurtle@reddit
If it is an outboard, do you know how to pull start it and have the pull start cord?
No_Character_5315@reddit
Been around smaller boats my whole life if you're on a lake or in the ocean close to shore communication is key get vhf or satellite phone many marines have boat tow services worst case coast guard. Alot of people I know run a second kicker motor as backup so look into that. Repairing a motor on a busy lake or coast is not advisable better to get towed in as a big danger is other boars hitting you.
nakedonmygoat@reddit
What about fecal matter? A very basic camp toilet doesn't cost much, if you don't have facilities on the boat or if it will be a pita to get back to it in the middle of the night if you have to use the raft to get to shore and camp.
What will you be using for light? If you will have children or dogs in your group, skip the candles and use chemical glow sticks. At least one headlamp will also be useful.
If you don't anticipate having a cell signal or satellite capability, and if you won't have a way to radio for assistance, remember the basic principle of signaling that you're a human in distress, which is to do things not found in nature or in ordinary human activity. With sound, that's sets of three. With mirror signaling, it's the same. At night, a chemical glow stick can be twirled on the end of a rope or lanyard as a signal. You can even do this overhead like a lasso if you hear a helicopter searching for you. Perfect circles don't occur in nature. A campfire only says you might be a bunch of happy bros grilling the day's catch and shooting the sh*t over some brewskis. I learned all of this in a survivalist class taught by a world-famous mountaineer.
Other than that, and making sure people back home know when you were supposed to return, I think you've got it covered, OP!
bikumz@reddit
I’m noticing no way to store water. Should always have water containers.
Rope would be good but assuming there is already some on boat, could be used to hang tarps or even the raft if you know pickup is coming but it may be awhile so you want extra sun protection.
Pack some toilet paper also!
Some sort of noise maker is always good. Flares are great, but a whistle or siren usually grabs everyone’s attention due to childhood gym class or sports trauma lol
Finally a way to actually show you are in distress visually. Boat pulled up to a beach with a tarp up could be any typical bros having a good time, need something to distinguish hey I need help. Whistle is nice, but should have a passive aid for this.
dittybopper_05H@reddit
It’s a boat. On a lake. You don’t need to store water. It’s stored all around you.
bikumz@reddit
It’s a lake. Lakes aren’t always fresh water. Rather have water I know is good to drink than worry about it. I mean it is summer after all.
dittybopper_05H@reddit
Something like 99% of US lakes are fresh water, and OP mentions having a Sawyer filter.
Truth-tellercanuk@reddit
Agreed. Get a backpacking style water filter. Small, takes up almost no room, and will easily treat enough water to survive a month or more. These are designed to filter contaminants from dirty streams, so lake water shouldn’t be an issue.
MissionCredible_inc@reddit
Lots of water, sunblock, a loud whistle, extra floating devices, a blanket, rope, some protein bars or dry food.
NewLawGuy24@reddit
Phone # for the local boat tow Rest looks good
SheistyPenguin@reddit
Some people store these with the boat, but I would often pack them in a bag and carry them on every time. Then I knew what I was coming with, and that nothing was expired or missing.
Freebirde777@reddit
Rescue signal kite. Flag pole for red rescue flag or piece of foil.
I have posted this reminder before in other forums. In those places that observe the 4th of July holiday, many have tents set up in parking lots selling fireworks. If you are like me and keep some fireworks in you bug out and emergency stuff, this is the time of year to rotate stock and add more. Many types can be used as signaling devices or taken apart to use as fire starters. Some of the more common ones are firecrackers, I prefer 'ground pounders' because they are louder and will go off in water, flashers, smoke bombs, whistlers, and bottle rockets. Another thing that you can find there is what is locally called 'punks'. These are sticks that once lit, keep a burning coal to use to light fireworks. You can use these to carry fire as you travel. If you use fireworks as emergency signaling devices, remember their fire starting ability, so be careful. Be aware of your local laws and regulations as to the purchase, possession, and use of fireworks.
If you can find a way to store them, a couple of long bamboo poles to 'pole' your craft or push off a hang-up.
Fold up stove, like an Emberlit, small pot to heat up water for hot drinks or instant foods, cups/bowls/plates, eating utensils,
Space blankets, ponchos, personal size tarps.
Outspoken_Idiot@reddit
You don't tell us the size of the boat, so anything from a spare oar to spare 5hp outboard motor.
It easy to throw together a small kit that would make things easier, Marine handheld radio, small solar panel to keep battery topped up, flares, floatation aids, a 24hr ration pack inc water, simple tarp for shelter, a simple radar reflective balloon, warm waterproof jacket, first aid kit. All that kit could fit in a small waterproof drybag/barrel.
radar reflector there are other versions including one that will float/tether 15/20meters above the boat.
AKC74Y@reddit
Lifejackets and at least one lifesaver buoy - you might already have them but make sure they’re not worn out or degraded by sun damage.
Sunglasses. This is a big quality of life thing too, I’m sure you know it’s quite easy to lose sunglasses on a boat and the sun is going to be glinting off the water and under whatever tarps you put up. For the same reason, even if you have tarps up make sure to apply sunscreen.
Bring extra clothes or at least blankets, since people might get on the boat with only swimwear and if it’s really sunny or turns cold you’ll want to cover up.
Satellite based communicator. Ideally waterproof. Lots of devices nowadays that will let you send text messages by satellite.
I’d get a couple collapsible solar panels, might as well take advantage of the sun exposure.
If this is a lake boat, I’d increase the number of rafts to hold as many people might fit on the boat. Honestly you can probably paddle the whole group to shore and just walk/paddle along the shore until you find help.
Maybe a bit of fishing gear because why not. You probably already have it on the boat.