So who packs a weapon on board?

[bloodhunter]

Docrn,
Don't carry weapons on board, but I'm sailing in safe waters. Back in 70's when there were real problems with drug runners hijacking boats in the Caribbean, we had weapons aboard when we left Lauderdale. We felt the risk was high enough even though what we were doing was illegal. Don't know what I'd do today. Though I have to admit when some of those overpowered speedboats come by at 50 knots or more 20 feet off my bow I begin to long for a Gatling gun

[erps]

We carry around home waters. We don't when we go to Canada and we haven't decided when we head down for Mexico.

"dispacht halibut" whats that????

large fish routinely shot before they are brought aboard to avoid damage to the boat or injury to the occupants.

[jackdale]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

The only thing I'll add is that there ARE places in Alaska and Canada where it would be foolish to venture ashore WITHOUT a gun. A lot of folks who limit their travels to "civilization" don't seem to realize this.

I just got back from the Broughton's. There are tours for watching bears. In spots where bears could be a problem, we Canadians would ask that you not go ashore and respect the "rights" of our wildlife. Alaska may be a whole different story as it is a whole different country.

Check out this publication for details.

Jack

[chall03]

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

The only thing I'll add is that there ARE places in Alaska and Canada where it would be foolish to venture ashore WITHOUT a gun. A lot of folks who limit their travels to "civilization" don't seem to realize this.

Ditto for the northern extremes of Australia. Ok not too many bears around, but the crocs are just as welcoming.

Also If our future cruising plans take us into Indonesia/Papuan waters then we would suddenly be in the cruising outside civilization category and we would have to think long and hard about vessel security.....I don't know if firearms would be our answer though.

[St Anna]

1. Chall. Common sense will prevail against a croc - a flare and an oar in the dinghy. Our northern neighbors have a very dim view of us with weapons - they lock you away and forget the key. Or they shoot you.
2. Gooday Erps - still fightin fit?

[chall03]

Yeah I have heard horror stories of yachties getting into real trouble in Indonesia. At best I think they take your weapons off you at your port of entry for safe keeping until you leave...

If I come up against a Croc I think the outboard at full throttle would be my most effective defence I have never fired a gun in my life, the closest I have ever come was paintball and I sucked at that.

[smackdaddy]

Originally Posted by chall03

Ditto for the northern extremes of Australia. Ok not too many bears around, but the crocs are just as welcoming.

Also If our future cruising plans take us into Indonesia/Papuan waters then we would suddenly be in the cruising outside civilization category and we would have to think long and hard about vessel security.....I don't know if firearms would be our answer though.

I lived in the Solomons for 2 years. Not much piracy back then in those waters. Of course, PNG was always a little nuttier - and better armed.

Still, it would be an incredible area to sail. When you go, post pics dude. It's an amazingly beautiful place...just with insanely bad food.

[chall03]

Coconut Yam with Breadfruit???

Will do on the pics Smack. Gotta get the right boat first, and save up the freedom chips, then the Shakedown cruise up the east coast....the plans are there though.

[erps]

Originally Posted by St Anna

1. Chall. Common sense will prevail against a croc - a flare and an oar in the dinghy. Our northern neighbors have a very dim view of us with weapons - they lock you away and forget the key. Or they shoot you.
2. Gooday Erps - still fightin fit?

Greetings St Anna,

Still trying to maintain the appearance of fightin' fit. 'fraid if it goes for more than two minutes though, I'll be pukin' when it's done.

[JohnRPollard]

Originally Posted by jackdale

I just got back from the Broughton's. There are tours for watching bears. In spots where bears could be a problem, we Canadians would ask that you not go ashore and respect the "rights" of our wildlife. Alaska may be a whole different story as it is a whole different country.

Check out this publication for details.

Jack

I wasn't referring to well-travelled eco-tourism locations, where folks go ashore en masse to view satiated grizzlies that have gorged themselves on the salmon run.

I was referring to REMOTE areas, where humans rarely venture and bears are less acclimated to their presence. I read an article a few years back about a sailing couple that nearly lost their lives on the coast of Newfoundland (upper Labrador) to a very aggressive polar bear (which continued the chase even as they fled land in their dinghy). When they told the Canadian authorities about their encounter, the authorities replied that they should never go ashore without a gun, and that it would be wise to have one ready at anchor as well.

The publication to which you linked indicates that bringing a firearm into Canada is no problem at all so long as it is declared. I certainly know plenty of hunters who head north of the border during the season and bring their own equipment.