Flares & Anchors

[rhinorhino]

I have been thinking about putting togeather a safety bag to go in the dingy and have got a couple of questions;
Does anyone know where to get those diver's safety flares that are smoke one end and red light the other?
What scope (which will have to be rope and just 3m of light chain for wieght reasons) would you put on the anchor and what would you use for an anchor on a 3m rib?
Thanks

 

[LadyInBed]

Double-ended flares are not good value for money IMO. Better to get a pack of Mini-Flares and a couple of hand held Smoke.
As for Anchor and chain, a small folding grapnel, 3 mtrs of cheap B&Q fence chain (to stop chaffing), a 14lb lump weight and 20-30 mtrs of Para cord on a reel will do a job, but I can't see many situations that I would use it.
Maybe if I was rowing into a head wind and making no progress. If the outboard fails the oars cover most situations, I only attempt to try to fix a failed O/B in calm conditions and if I would have a hell of a way to row.
What situations do you envisage using it?

 

[graham]

Allways amazes me.You anchor as close in as you think is wise but from the dinghy it looks as if your ten times further out than you are.

I havent tried it but I spoke to a bloke who took some flares to the butchers and had them shrink wrapped for a few bob.Could be a good idea for dinghy use so long as everyone knows to open both ends before use.

 

[rhinorhino]

It is really just as a backup if engine fails and oars can't cope or for enjoying the view, fishing, sunbathing, swimming, filming etc.
Good idea aboau para cord, I've got a reel of 3mm line somewhere, SWL about 150lbs, that should do the job.