Flares, stowage onboard.

pbeard

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Flares are seemingly kept in those snap shut plastic containers, obviously to create a snug dry habitat,[we'll ignor any condensation issues!] but in a modern comfortablely insulated boat would a plastic box with openings for handholds such as one's wife might buy from Ikea/Lidl be acceptable if kept in a dry locker?
 

webcraft

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I always assumed part of the reason for a fairly heavy duty sealed container is to at least partially contain any accidental ignition or malfunction.

Also - you may think you have a nice dry boat, but the time you really need the flares may be just the time you find out it is not as dry as you would like!

What have you got against a sealed container?

- Nick
 

ThereAndBack

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The fact that a closed flare box will float certainly seems a reason not to change it.

Of course, it is your choice whether or not you have it tied to the boat.
 

johnalison

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For years we used to keep flares in anything that came to hand such as old carrier-bags, but we were young and foolish then and a bit short of cash. They always seemed to work on Nov 5th in the days when no-one worried about marine distress in Hertfordshire. I can't say I recommend it though.
 

bobgosling

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[ QUOTE ]
I always assumed part of the reason for a fairly heavy duty sealed container is to at least partially contain any accidental ignition or malfunction.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you'll find that is called a BOMB....

I'm a shotgun owner and have been advised by the police NOT to store unused cartridges in the same lockable steel box as the gun because it is too dangerous. Imagine what would happen to the poor fireman in the event of a house fire.
 

Caer Urfa

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Flares are explosives and should be treated as such.
The orange flares containers keep them safe and 'dry', you only think your boats dry.
Try explaining to the insurance company you stored them in a carrier bag!
 

Andrew_Fanner

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>>>
I'm a shotgun owner and have been advised by the police NOT to store unused cartridges in the same lockable steel box as the gun because it is too dangerous. Imagine what would happen to the poor fireman in the event of a house fire.
>>>

Oddly enough had a not dissimilar discussion with my own firearms chaps not that far back. My lot are more concerned that a villain who breaks into the gun cabinet should not be able to get at the ammunition in the same process.

Mind you, I keep matchlock muzzle loaders which may be a tad complex for the villains to operate:)

As for flares I have seen many boats where they are in spring clips near the helm/companionway hatch or similar easy access locations, not all of which look to be very dry. Do folk stow them in the container when not out cruising? Given that last time I saw this practice the boat was on blocks I doubt it, thus making the whole dry container thing a bit academic.
 
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