Flare Packs

[JackFrobisher]

I'm replacing my flares and looking at the chandlery sites and ads in magazines, it looks to me as if two Coastal Packs (each of which contain 2 red para + 2 red h/h + 2 orange smoke; i.e. 4+4+4) is better value than one Offshore Pack (4 red para + 4 red h/h + 2 orange smoke). The cost appears to be roughly the same.

I was thinking that a smaller pack (current Offshore Pack canister is rather big) gives more flexibility. One in the cockpit which will float free in the event of a catastrophic sinking and one attached to the grab bag.

Is it really that simple of am I missing something?

 

[Dave99]

In terms of direct cost, I believe the Offshore has buoyant smokes rather than hand smokes.

 

[JackFrobisher]

That's right. The buoyant ones burn for 3 minutes as opposed to one for a handheld. It is still two opportunities to attract rescue as opposed to four ...

 

[RestlessL]

I don't understand why hand-held orange smokes are omitted from the offshore kit.

A few weeks back I overheard a mayday in the Solent where the vessel was asked by the CG to deploy a handheld orange smoke to assist the helo in identifying them.

My strategy for flares was to start with a coastal kit, and then top it up each year with 3 more flares. That way the cost is spead out, and they dont all expire at the same time.

John

 

[EdWingfield]

Are you missing something Jack? Possibly.

I've just been checked out by an RNLI team - and passed without a flare pack. They were satisfied with my alternative arrangements.

No built in obsolescence. No chance of a misfiring pyro blowing up in your hands.

 

[JackFrobisher]

Alternatives? A burning tar barrel on the foredeck?

 

[leadersail]

Thats fine until the boat turns turtle, you also need HELP written in Red Lead under the hull.