Atolls ramming experience got me thinking. Perhaps some 3 foot metal rebar spikes insulated from the boat in blocks of wood or some other insulated materal. Positioned about 1 to 1 1/2 feet apart around the boat when traveling in "dangerous waters". With each spike alternatley hooked up to the neutral and hot of a 120 volt generator that could be turned on when a boat is threatened by pirates. This might discourage someone from boarding the boat or at least help even the odds or buy you some time. Longer spikes in the bow and the stern could be used to "clear the decks" of said skiffs if the boat is manoevered right. Anyone grabbing the spikes to board the boat won't be holding them for long. When you reach safer waters just sell the rebar for scrap or donate it to the locals. Personally, I would avoid waters where this might be needed. I'm just running the idea up the flagpole.
yer a man after Joshua Slocum's heart.He used thumbtacks scattered on the deck ....
+1 for straight into the drink unimpeded by toes (or anything else).
I am not trying to boast... but.. my winch handles are of the aggressive variety.. and almost every time manage to mangle a toe, before scurrying off into the drink....
A dinner plate thrown like a Frisbee does wonders in making the other guy to see double.
Instead of a boat hook, carry a pike pole. The difference? The Pike pole's spike & hook are sharp. The boat hook isn't.
There are many other items you can use as a weapon... such as a lighter and your wife's hair spray for a short range blow torch.
See just use your imagination. And you are not caught with a gun.