Go Back   Cruiser Log World Cruising & Sailing Forums > Cruising Forums > The Poop Deck
Cruiser Wiki Click Here to Login

Join Cruiser Log Today

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 08-15-2008, 10:23 PM   #1
Lieutenant
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
Default

Hello all,

I plan on cruising from SoCal to Panama next year. After that I have no idea, possibly to ecuador then accoross the puddle to the So. Pac. I have given allot of thought to weather or not to bring weapons with me. To be more specific, guns.

I am a big believer in the right in the USA to defend your life, or others with a gun if and when absolutely necessary. However I want to respect the laws of other countries while visiting. But I would hate to get caught in a situation where the wrong decision costs me my boat or my life.

I am curious on the thoughts of others. Please add some insight about the above subject.

Thanks, Steve

P.s.- I hope I entered this topic in the correct forum
__________________

__________________
For the truth is that I already know as much about my fate as I need to know. The day will come when I will die. So the only matter of consequence before me is what I will do with my alloted time. I can remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise my sails and dip and soar in the breeze.

- RICHARD BODE
islandseeker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-15-2008, 11:32 PM   #2
Admiral
 
MMNETSEA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,067
Default

Hi Steve,

If you look below the Cruiser Log Banner there is a Google Custom Search of the forums :

Enter something like "firearms on board" I think you will find your question answered.

Elsewhere , the consensus is that guns on board are a real problem - the best bet is don't go to places where there is a strong chance of a situation arising where the use of a firearm is the only way of resolving that situation.

Richard

PS. where are pics of the winches and handle ?
__________________

__________________
MMNETSEA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2008, 01:09 AM   #3
Lieutenant
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by MMNETSEA View Post
Hi Steve,

If you look below the Cruiser Log Banner there is a Google Custom Search of the forums :

Enter something like "firearms on board" I think you will find your question answered.

Elsewhere , the consensus is that guns on board are a real problem - the best bet is don't go to places where there is a strong chance of a situation arising where the use of a firearm is the only way of resolving that situation.

Richard

PS. where are pics of the winches and handle ?
Thanks again Richard, I uploaded the winch pics on the tavern forum. The last posts on "Hello from islandseeker". There is one of the winch from above and one of the handle.

I will do the search as you advised....Steve
__________________
For the truth is that I already know as much about my fate as I need to know. The day will come when I will die. So the only matter of consequence before me is what I will do with my alloted time. I can remain on shore, paralyzed with fear, or I can raise my sails and dip and soar in the breeze.

- RICHARD BODE
islandseeker is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2008, 03:13 AM   #4
Admiral
 
JeanneP's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,098
Default

There are so many opportunities to make the wrong decision, which could cost a person his life. Whether it is driving a car, sailing a boat, or just walking down a dark city street.

I think you'll find that there have been many sailors who have lost their boat or their life due to bad weather, bad choices, or just simple bad luck. A much smaller number of sailors have encountered a situation where a weapon might have made a difference. I know of only one where the outcome was positive and a shotgun turned away pirates, but I know of several where a cruiser's weapon seemed to have caused a thief to use their weapon and the cruiser was either injured or killed as a result.

The controversy over weapons on board cannot be resolved, each person must make his own decision. (besides, I've said enough about this, as you'll see in the archives). However, please try to maintain your perspective.

I think that all sailors, be they weekend sailors, racers, or full-time cruisers, will do for themselves and their loved ones the greatest benefit by perfecting their seamanship. Every passage challenges you, and I believe that your best chances of safely arriving at your destination lie with your training and preparation for the journey, rather than with the gear you have chosen to take with you.

Fair winds,

Jeanne
__________________
In 1986 we went cruising for a few years. After 20 years and 50+ countries and several oceans, we are STILL "cruising for a few years".

SY WATERMELON |
MV WATERMELON (New) | Cruiser's Dictionary, free ebook

= Cruiser's Dictionary, North America,
JeanneP is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2008, 08:58 AM   #5
Retired Mod
 
Lighthouse's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Home Port: Durban
Posts: 2,984
Default

I know of quite a few cruisers that have tossed their guns overboard if for no other reason than the HUGE hassles of declaring them at each port of entry. Many new cruisers have this "weapons" issue on their minds when taking off and many new cruisers soon decide to get rid of them.

I believe that should you produce a weapon be prepared to die by a weapon! Think towards defensive tactics and passive self protection rather than counter-attack. Avoid dangerous areas - as you would ashore.

Just my thoughts - after cruising for 5 years in the Indian Ocean and SE asia without the need for a gun.
__________________


The World Cruising & Sailing Wiki

Help to build this free, online World Cruising Guide.

"Built by cruisers, for cruisers''

I've Contributed to the Cruisers Wiki: Most sections
Lighthouse is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 08-16-2008, 05:50 PM   #6
Rear Admiral
 
imagine2frolic's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 396
Default

The gun is a hassle, and I think should be avoided most times. There are exceptions to the rule. I was once being followed by a Panga in Mexico. I tried to communicate with them, but they kept coming closer. After 20 minutes I could see the definition on their faces as they spoke to eachother. Finally I went down the companionway, and flashed the flare pistol at them. They did an immediate about face. Have you ever seen what a large flare gun can do to a piece of wood?
__________________

__________________
imagine2frolic is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Thoughts On A Design chiroeurope The Poop Deck 0 07-14-2011 03:40 PM
New, Need Some Thoughts And A Referee GoneAstray The Tavern | Welcome Aboard 3 04-05-2008 04:53 PM
To All Cruisers, Information On Cruising Expenses (agenda, Please Read Further) JeanneP General Cruising Forum 11 01-05-2008 09:10 PM
Cruising Books For Solo Cruisers On Small Boats? Liberator General Cruising Forum 0 07-22-2007 04:33 AM
Banking for cruisers steelfan2 General Cruising Forum 2 09-18-2006 12:38 AM

Our Communities

Our communities encompass many different hobbies and interests, but each one is built on friendly, intelligent membership.

» More about our Communities

Automotive Communities

Our Automotive communities encompass many different makes and models. From U.S. domestics to European Saloons.

» More about our Automotive Communities

RV & Travel Trailer Communities

Our RV & Travel Trailer sites encompasses virtually all types of Recreational Vehicles, from brand-specific to general RV communities.

» More about our RV Communities

Marine Communities

Our Marine websites focus on Cruising and Sailing Vessels, including forums and the largest cruising Wiki project on the web today.

» More about our Marine Communities


All times are GMT. The time now is 05:47 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.
SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
×