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08-15-2008, 10:23 PM
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#1
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Lieutenant
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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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
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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
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08-15-2008, 11:32 PM
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#2
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Admiral
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,067
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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 ?
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08-16-2008, 01:09 AM
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#3
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Lieutenant
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 78
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MMNETSEA
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 ?
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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
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08-16-2008, 03:13 AM
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#4
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Admiral
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,098
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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
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08-16-2008, 08:58 AM
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#5
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Retired Mod
Join Date: Mar 2007
Home Port: Durban
Posts: 2,984
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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.
: Most sections
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08-16-2008, 05:50 PM
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#6
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Rear Admiral
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 396
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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?
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