[TheCanadian]

Hi everyone and thanks for your time, I was thinking about this coming spring and with spring comes lots of time fishing in my boat. I only have a 12' aluminum with a 10HP Johnson SeaHorse but it's perfect for my purposes. If I ran out of fuel or maybe bad weather forced me to shore or even a mechanical failure prevent me from getting home I'd like to have a kit prepared. I was thinking of using a .30 cal ammo box to hold everything. I'm not really sure what key items I should include though. My fishing gear is in a small backpack that stays on my back, the most probable item to be lost if the boat flips is my fishing rod. I'll make sure the ammo can kit floats too..

 

[charliemeyer007]

I think I would want more that a super altoids size can. The big 50 cal. size is at least 3 times the volume. I would tie it in with a quick disconnect so I could release it quickly in the event of the boat sinking, +1 for making sure it floats.

 

[MS45]

I use a bag. Something like this: http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/s...LA_013595202&gclid=COiilrDGmL0CFbBj7Aodcy8A7A

The one that I use is a little bigger. I leave it slightly inflated so that it will float.

In mine I keep a compass, a small GPS, a knife or multi-tool, fire starting material, water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit, a flashlight, and something to munch on. In the winter I use it hunt and I add some things to stay warm, sleeping bag and/or tarp.

I also have a small tool box on board in case of mechanical failure. I don't care if that one floats or not. If I capsize or hit a submerged log it's a moot point. I wouldn't leave the dock without zip-ties, duct tape, hose clamps, and WD40.

 

[TheCanadian]

Well I only have a small boat and on my lake I'd only be stranded overnight. It's a small lake and it's always got lots of boaters. If I were on an unfamiliar lake I'd have all my gear with me and wouldn't need to worry if my boat edc was missing something needed for more than overnight. I'm thinking I need shelter and fire options mainly then water purification (I can boil water with fire). Once those are covered maybe some food or snacks.

 

[MS45]

Well I only have a small boat and on my lake I'd only be stranded overnight. It's a small lake and it's always got lots of boaters. If I were on an unfamiliar lake I'd have all my gear with me and wouldn't need to worry if my boat edc was missing something needed for more than overnight. I'm thinking I need shelter and fire options mainly then water purification (I can boil water with fire). Once those are covered maybe some food or snacks.

If it's that's small I wouldn't bother with the GPS or compass. I travel for miles (up to about 14) where I am at. I'd probably still take the rest though. Nobody ever took too many packs of crackers on a fishing trip.

 

[TheCanadian]

I use a bag. Something like this: http://www.academy.com/webapp/wcs/s...LA_013595202&gclid=COiilrDGmL0CFbBj7Aodcy8A7A

The one that I use is a little bigger. I leave it slightly inflated so that it will float.

In mine I keep a compass, a small GPS, a knife or multi-tool, fire starting material, water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit, a flashlight, and something to munch on. In the winter I use it hunt and I add some things to stay warm, sleeping bag and/or tarp.

I also have a small tool box on board in case of mechanical failure. I don't care if that one floats or not. If I capsize or hit a submerged log it's a moot point. I wouldn't leave the dock without zip-ties, duct tape, hose clamps, and WD40.

Thanks bro, all of those seem like logical things to have in a boat edc. In Ontario we have certain items that are required to be in the boat which I carry in a separate container. Floating rope, bailing container, flashlight and a couple other things I can't remember right now. I've never really bothered with tarps before and am having a hard time deciding on a size. I figure a tarp would help keep me dry if I get forced to shore by a storm. What size would be good for setting up a spot for me to sit up yet able to lay down and sleep as well.

Are those SOL bivy's any good for overnight?

 

[MS45]

Thanks bro, all of those seem like logical things to have in a boat edc. In Ontario we have certain items that are required to be in the boat which I carry in a separate container. Floating rope, bailing container, flashlight and a couple other things I can't remember right now. I've never really bothered with tarps before and am having a hard time deciding on a size. I figure a tarp would help keep me dry if I get forced to shore by a storm. What size would be good for setting up a spot for me to sit up yet able to lay down and sleep as well.

Are those SOL bivy's any good for overnight?

I usually keep several lights, the one that I keep in my bag has a strobe function.

I think my tarp is either 10x12 or 10x14.
http://rethinksurvival.com/wp-content/uploads/tarp1.jpg

That's not mine, but that's what I would be going for.

I've never used those bivies before. I remember seeing an extensive write up on them, it may have even been a thread here. I remember the comment and reviews favoring them.

 

[TheCanadian]

Thanks bro! These ideas have helped me alot. I can't wait for spring to come so I can try my various kit ideas.

 

[dmas]

Extra fuel and oil. Oars. Sunscreen. Leave airspace in water jugs so they float. Rope. Towels and dry clothes.cell phone coverage? Phone numbers of friends with boats? EPIRBs aware not expensive.

 

[TheCanadian]

Thanks dmas but the most water I'll bring is the army canteen I'm drinking while fishing. It has the carrier and cup too. In an emergency I'll boil lake water and have a tea or coffee (note: add tea, coffee, sugar, powdered creamer) I carry a small towel attached to my bag but I was thinking of dry socks and shorts and tshirt.

We are required by law to have oars and lifejackets so my boat won't leave the dock without that stuff. I'm wondering if a bic lighter would be safe in there due to the heat...

 

[|eric|]

besides the mandatory stuff to have on a boat ( most countries have pretty much the same regulations about this) i would take a pelican case as its waterproof and you can tie it to the boat with a rope so even if it sinks the case floats .
most boats that turn over are still floating . unless your next to a waterfall ...
thus i would not tie my stuff to me but rather have a small emergency kit on me and suplemental stuff in the pelican . your fishing kit/tackal box can also be tied to the boat so if it turns less chance you loose everything .

remember that all wet you sink like an anchor 90% of the time ... wear a vest *(self inflatables are cool too!)

the oars /paddle are a good idea ( carry 2 ) that way you can make a mast and tie a small tarp as a sail ...

 

[TheCanadian]

My lifejacket can keep me and my pack afloat, I wouldn't tie anything to me though. Basically if it all goes tits up I'll have my backpack and hopefully the ammo can (which will float and not be tied to me)

 

[TheCanadian]

I won't tie things to my boat neither, if the boat sinks I'd be screwed.

 

[|eric|]

when i ment tie i mean like tie one end of the rope on the boat the other to the "box"
with plenty of loose so that you can just pull it back to the boat if it flips over
and so that it floats on top of water if the boat flips and sinks

 

[tsitenha]

We carry 2 boxes in our boat, one a tool box with mechanical items for the motor and required items for boats in Ontario. Also a watertight container with a ferro rod, knife, ax, metal cup, FAK, diamond lap, spare fishing kit, E poncho, plastic drop cloth, E blanket etc.. Container is linked to the boat by a tether that is wrap around it dia. (unspools itself if immersed)
But I also carry a small belt kit with me as a normal back up, in case I get seperated from the boat or such.

 

[TheCanadian]

Eric, I gotcha now, that is indeed a good idea!

tsitenha that seems like a pretty decent kit, I think mine will have most of those things.

 

[LibShooter]

Well I only have a small boat and on my lake I'd only be stranded overnight. It's a small lake and it's always got lots of boaters.

It sounds like all you really need is a tarp and some zip ties to turn your boat into a tent overnight, something warm to sleep in, something to eat and drink and oars to paddle home the next morning. If there is cell coverage you might add a phone and charger.

 

[starcraft69]

Thanks bro! These ideas have helped me alot. I can't wait for spring to come so I can try my various kit ideas.

One suggestion I would like to make is do exactly this, Try your kit take one night and play you got stranded. A dry run of sorts so many people plan or build a kit and have no idea if they have what they need. I keep all my stuff in a dry bag it floats and dry. I go out once a year and will spend the night on the river with just what's in my boat and that bag. other than not much to eat its a fun night of fishing and camping, I use it to practice starting a fire and keeping warm. This will tell you real quick what you didn't use and what you forgot. I do the same thing with my hunting pack. I will go spend 24-48 hrs in the woods with just whats in my day hunting pack to see if I can do it in an emergency. Again a really good way to show your self what you don't need and what you forgot. Be safe and have fun doing it I know for my self it gives me a since of pride after spending two days in the woods with almost nothing. If you want to feel like a survivalist spend a night in the woods or on a beach all by yourself all alone and with almost nothing.

 

[starcraft69]

I forgot to add this a charcoal filter water bottle. I keep this on my boat all the time and use it

 

[skippyfin]

Plano (and probably others) make a bright Orange plastic ammo can. Less susceptible to rust and corrosion than a Mil can