[PUP] Whats in your ditch bag?

[Mark Richter]

<< I understand all of the risk-mitigation products and
devices available, and I understand the worst-case
scenario. But is that the only solution? Are there
different solutions for different cruising
itineraries? >>

I never liked the idea of floating around on a small raft out there, waiting
helplessly for the authorities to come and rescue me.  The alternative I
chose was to include full foam floatation in the hull of Winnie the Pooh
during the rebuild process.  If my calculations are not too messed up, Pooh
will float with the waterline around 6" below deck level, were he to become
holed beyond the ability of the pumps to keep up.  This gives me a 46'
liferaft, equipped with months of food and water, along with tools, etc., to
try and effect a rescue, or perhaps even to patch, pump out, and continue
under sail (we carry 300 sq ft in the steadying sail and hank-on jib).  Fire
is still a risk, of course, but we have engine room suppression and far more
and larger extinguishers than the CG requires.

I know this choice isn't for everyone, but am surprised that no trawler
builders have gone this route (to my knowledge, anyway).  The space given
over to foam is mostly in useless, inaccessible areas anyway, like outboard
of fuel and water tanks, and the awkward bottom triangular corners of
lockers.  The cost of the foam (mostly two-part pourable urethane) is less
than a liferaft, and no re-packing is required.

Mark Richter, Ortona, FL