Our Abandon Ship Bag

[Khagan1227]

Just curious about the number of people that have a handheld reverse osmosis water maker like the Katadyn Survivor, or a forward osmosis (SeaPack) unit in their ditch bags.

[wryanddry]

After reading "Adrift 76 days lost at sea" Steven Callahan two things that he used extensively: Solar Still and some kind of spear for fishing.

[sestina]

Originally Posted by Khagan1227

Just curious about the number of people that have a handheld reverse osmosis water maker like the Katadyn Survivor, or a forward osmosis (SeaPack) unit in their ditch bags.

I've got a Katadyn.

[Talbot]

I considered adding a Katadyn, but there is a lot of effort needed to produce the low quantity of water that it makes. (and it is expensive)

The pouches are a simple and cheap system, but quickly are used up (i pouch = 6x333cc)

The solar still makes 1-4 litres a day. But does not work too well in storms!

I reckon a mix of the solar still and a couple of pouches ought to be sufficient.

and a safe to keep the kendal mint cakes until really needed.

[virga]

After 45 years of cruising offshore, I am now a fair weather daytime cruiser. However, each person aboard is given a small waterproof 'dry' bag for a cell phone and ID. This attaches to their life vest, no searching in a panic for their purse,cell phone etc. I also have a dry bag with a handheld VHF,first aid kit, flares with an orange buoy attached.

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Dhillen

I am keen to see if I have missed anything or may be attaching undue importance to items best left out.

I had a friend go down off the coast of Baja California in heavy seas. While abandoning ship they threw the ditch bag into the cockpit along with a waterproof bag full of water bottles.

Then a large wave rolled over the boat and took the bags with them.

From that experience, I recommend a 10 foot 3/8" polypropylene line be permanently attached to your ditch bag. During the emergency designate someone to secure it to their person before it leaves the cabin.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by jeremiason

I had a friend go down off the coast of Baja California in heavy seas. While abandoning ship they threw the ditch bag into the cockpit along with a waterproof bag full of water bottles. Then a large wave rolled over the boat and took the bags with them. From that experience, I recommend a 10 foot 3/8" polypropylene line be permanently attached to your ditch bag. During the emergency designate someone to secure it to their person before it leaves the cabin.

A better solution would be a carabiner. Clip the ditch bag wherever you want it to stay put.

[jeremiason]

Originally Posted by Bash

A better solution would be a carabineer. Clip the ditch bag wherever you want it to stay put.

The problem with carabineer's is they sometimes are had to open or remove when they are under load.

Also most ditch bags float, either from installed floatation and/or from air inside the waterproof bag.

Attaching a ditch bag directly to your body or equipment with a carbineer will effect the way you float in the water and could be deadly if it rolls you face down in the water.

It will also restrict your movement, especially trying to climb into a liferaft.

My point is, if you use a carbineer, think about placing a polypropylene line between the ditch bag and the carabineer so these things wont happen.

[DeborahLee]

I have a quart of old engine oil in mine. Before anyone says how it is illegal to discharge oil into the sea I'll pay the fine if they find me alive. A little oil goes a long way and last a long time. The coasties can spot it a long way off and it helps to calm sea around you.

[Black Diamond]

A quart will do all that? I read "Heavy Weather Sailing" and the sections on oil and "troubled waters" A quart seems a bit light to make a visible mark for the coasties or smooth out your ride.

Seriously?

Rick

[Lagoon4us]

Originally Posted by Black Diamond

A quart will do all that? I read "Heavy Weather Sailing" and the sections on oil and "troubled waters" A quart seems a bit light to make a visible mark for the coasties or smooth out your ride.

Seriously?

Rick

Forget all that stuff REALITY now is your much better to die than pay the ENVIRONMENTAL fines for dispersing oils......