Sailing with guns?

[sea-escape]

I have heard several people say they never leave port without a gun onboard. If this is true are there issues with Coast Guard, international law or individual destination laws?

[four winds]

At the search tab above, the Google custom search and the word guns will provide many threads on this subject.

It is very thoroughly discussed here, though not always politely as you might imagine.

To your question, yes there are issues. Though with some effort carrying a gun on board is possible almost anywhere.

Some chose to keep any mention of this subject at a minimum.

[Hoosiersailor]

Originally Posted by four winds

At the search tab above, the Google custom search and the word guns will provide many threads on this subject.

It is very thoroughly discussed here, though not always politely as you might imagine.

To your question, yes there are issues. Though with some effort carrying a gun on board is possible almost anywhere.

Some chose to keep any mention of this subject at a minimum.

That was very nicely put!

[Saleen411]

Originally Posted by sea-escape

I have heard several people say they never leave port without a gun onboard. If this is true are there issues with Coast Guard, international law or individual destination laws?

This is probably the most contentious issue on this forum. You will get WILDLY differing opinions.

It really depends on where you intend to sail.

If you are sailing in an area where having a gun onboard is legal, then by all means do so if it makes you feel better.

If you are in an area where it is illegal to have a gun onboard, you run the risk of jail time and losing your boat if caught.

If you are in a high risk area, seems the consensus is that you are better off without a gun as there is no way a single sailor with a pistol or shotgun is going to fight off a boatload of ak-47 wielding terrorists or hijackers.

That's about all I gleaned from the various threads. At least the ones without all the insults that is.