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Out of Left Field - A Float Plan

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  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: New Braunfels , Texas
Out of Left Field - A Float Plan
Posted by Tanker - Builder on Thursday, April 12, 2018 10:22 AM

Aha ;

 All you vessel fanatics out there . Did you know the safest way to long distance boat from one place to another ? The Coast Guard recommends a Float Plan . By doing this you are doing the same as when you fly .You are following a plan .

 A plan that puts you in certain geographical areas by G.P.S. and Naval charts . This way if you are say out of the shipping lanes they can still find you in an emergency  . When I traveled back and forth to Hawaii I did just that . Filed a Float Plan .

 So Like a good Pilot I stayed in a main shipping lane and that way they knew where I was in case I needed assistance because of mechanical failure or severe weather that crippled my vessel .

 Plus I had , Unlike a Motor yacht of the old type , The latest upgrades to my electronice and long and short range radars , Fathometers , Autopilot and  up to date charts . Voyage made in peace and safety .

  • Member since
    December 2002
  • From: Derry, New Hampshire, USA
Posted by rcboater on Thursday, April 12, 2018 9:09 PM

You can’t begin to imagine how many “ overdue boat” calls to the Coast Guard turn out to be safe and sound in a different port, sometimes moored to a waterfront bar!

Webmaster, Marine Modelers Club of New England

www.marinemodelers.org

 

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: New Braunfels , Texas
Posted by Tanker - Builder on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 10:09 AM

Aha !

That is so true . An 88 foot sailing yacht went missing my second day out . It was Found nine days later in Tahiti ! Not where it was said to have been headed .

 It had passed me port to stern and just kept going south I guess ! This is a point everyone should remember . Never in you life , go cruising in a powerboat , or , Sailboat , without letting someone know where you are going .

 I pretty much do this in modeling too , that way My work area is sanctified territory and is not touched by anyone but Me .

  • Member since
    December 2003
  • From: 37deg 40.13' N 95deg 29.10'W
Posted by scottrc on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 11:37 AM

So if I was a sailboat, would it be proper to list alternate destinations in case I became fully dependent on winds and currents? 

  • Member since
    June 2014
  • From: New Braunfels , Texas
Posted by Tanker - Builder on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 8:14 AM

That is :

 A definite yes .You study the charts , Post your position every day and then make sure you have alternates available if Mother Nature gives you any grief . It's not the best thing to lose your poles if you don't have too .

 Any foreign port will have a port Manager or Captain who will note your arrival and what condition you're in . Plus you paying a port tax or duty will also let folks know where your vessel wound up .

 Of course you contact anyone you should , to let them know you are safe as well . Do you know how to do the math and use a sextant ? If not , learn , just for the heck of it .It might save your life .     T.B.

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