Sharp Knife in Anchor Locker

A

ALKA2710

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Been watching some You Tube videos today of raft ups going real bad fast. While I always keep a sharp knife on my boats it occured to me today that I am going to velcro one into my anchor locker this year. Seems like a good idea.
Al
 
Yeah, more important I always keep a number of life jackets in th anchor locker as in case of a fire chances are that s where you ll end up before jumping overboard and life jackets store close to th engine room or above it may be unreachable
 
Having all chain rode we keep a nice big bolt cutter on board.
 
Better yet... Use a length of one to tranche the end of the chain to the boat. Easy to cut in an emergency and if you ever run the windlass all the way to the end the line will slip instead of the cha suddenly locking the windlass
 
I kept good knives on Magnets all around the working area while I had a Halibut license.
 
quote:
Originally posted by PascalG

Yeah, more important I always keep a number of life jackets in th anchor locker as in case of a fire chances are that s where you ll end up before jumping overboard and life jackets store close to th engine room or above it may be unreachable

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Cannot possibly emphasize enough what an awesome idea this is. Without exception, every time I've gotten people off a boat dry, it's been off their bow. Fire or flooding, either way, they're always at the bow eager to jump over as soon as I get not close enough ('nother story for another time there).

I'm actually kind of surprised I've never seen this emphasized before - and even more surprised the thought never crossed my own mind until you posted that. You are 100% on point - if your boat is sinking or burning, your 'last stand' and the last place you'll be dry is going to be standing on the bow. Not sure why that is with boat fires, since a lot of boats weathervane in the wind and you'll be getting smoked out, but for some reason everyone is still always on the bow. If you're going to stash some last resort survival (and signaling, PLEASE) gear, the bow is the place to do it.

Honestly shaking my head right now wondering how I never thought of this first. Must be too used to my perspective.
 
Keeping a sharp knife handy has always been a priority for me; something learned from my days as a deckhand on a towboat..
 
Ever since I have been old enough to have a pocket, there is a sharp knife in that pocket. My pocket is always with me.

George
 
Mike

Most boats will weathervane angled to the wind, as the cabin will cause more drag with the wind than the deeper stern in the water. I got the idea a few years ago seeing pictures of a boat on fire (sportfish) here on the bay where the back of the boat was engulfed in smoke blown by the wind. The bow was clear. Wind current and boat shape will have an impact but I think th odds are that most boat will turn beam to the wind or bow upwind.

Another thing to keep handy is a mask or swim goggle eitehr near the helm or hanging of a fire extinguisher, if you need to deal with a fire, even a small one or electrical problem, it s easy to hold your breath but if you can't open your eyes you can't discharge your fire extingsher. Obviously won't do much once you have a full blown fire but seeing where to aim gives y a better chance early on,
 
WOW, very interesting...I now have a home for my older life jackets we retire due to cosmetics. Out dated but dry flares too! I'll keep the pretty stuff handy for regular use and inspection.
 
Better yet, make sure you can fit thru your vberth hatch! If you can't, then a AX is another good thing to have in there so you can smash your way out.
 
I always carry my Kershaw Carabiner 5 in 1 knife and have bolt cutters at the ready in a bucket in the easily accessed mid ship bilge area.
 
quote:
Originally posted by CurrentSea

Better yet, make sure you can fit thru your vberth hatch! If you can't, then a AX is another good thing to have in there so you can smash your way out.

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My surveyor called the hatch an "escape hatch". I have used it before to reach the fore deck in rough weather.

If you keep a knife in the anchor locker, check it for rust now and then if it's one that has to be opened. If you have an all chain rode, use line for the last few feet so it can be cut easily.
 
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