[PUP] Forum Issues

[Scott E. Bulger]

In fairness to both Mike and Ken, here is the focus of the list:

Dealing with the issues of Passagemaking under power, taking a boat a great
distance, being self sufficient, addressing the unique aspects of this long
distance voyaging under power.

People have asked:

Is it a passage if I never loose sight of land?  Certainly, if your voyaging
down the coast of Mexico, Central or South America, China, Russia, British
Columbia or Alaska, where help could be 200, 400, perhaps a thousand miles
away, that's a Passage.  If your in New Zealand or Australia, you might be
within the sight of land, but very much alone, requiring a degree of self
sufficiency not associated with coastal cruising.

Is it passagemaking if I cross an ocean?  Of course!

Is it appropriate to talk about provisioning for a long voyage?  Of course,
especially when the topic is how to maintain food stores for long periods,
now to store, inventory and retrieve them...

Is it appropriate to talk about fishing?  Certainly, in the context of what
can you expect to catch in the open ocean?  Should I get a fishing license
if I'm 50 miles of the coast?  If I catch and eat the fish right away do I
need a license?  Are there fish that can make me sick...

Is it appropriate to talk about medical issues or insurance?  Of course,
especially in the context of a cruise outside U.S. waters, or a cruising
couple trying to get insurance.

Is it appropriate to talk about Lightning?  Of course, especially if the
context is since I'm in the middle of an ocean, and CAN NOT tolerate a
complete failure of my propulsion system, what are my options.  A general
discussion of lightning would probably be better held in the T&T forum where
more experienced individuals may share their thoughts.

So, almost any topic is appropriate, if it's in the context of long distance
voyaging.  It doesn't have to involve crossing an ocean, but if oceans are
crossed, it's certainly a passage!

Oh, again, a CRITICAL thing, it's Passagemaking under POWER, meaning stinky
ole Diesel motors (or gas if that's your fancy!), not sail.

Hope this helps,

Scott, PUP List admin