Found the boat "must haves" for a great price

[salmotrutta]

Recently got told that to fish off of my paddleboard, I require a life jacket, 15m of floating line and a whistle.

At night, a waterproof flashlight is also needed.

For a canoe or kayak, you would also need a bailer in case of water coming in.

The full details for all watercraft can be found on page 16 of this link: http://www.tc.gc.ca/Publications/en/TP511/PDF/HR/TP511E.pdf?campaign=Twitter-eng

Walmart had by far the best price around. I paid $17 for an adult life jacket, and $10 for a compact kit that contains the bailer, floating rope, whistle and flashlight. The bailer kit was $30 at other stores.

I chose to buy the cheapest gear possible because of my extensive experience on the water, including in the roughest conditions, and the fact my paddleboard is indestructible and cannot take on water even if punctured, and I am a very strong swimmer.

If you are not a competent swimmer or are taking children out, or if for any other reason you think you may need to rely on this equipment - you may wish to spend more and get something of higher quality.

The purpose of this thread is not to discuss whether or not you agree with this law - but simply to inform where you can purchase the required equipment for a great price.

 

[salmotrutta]

For those interested, becoming a proficient swimmer has nothing to do with "He-Man Strength", it has to do with technique.

This book is all you need to know:

In a couple of minutes of in-water instruction, someone who can't finish a lap can be taught to swim indefinitely. If you're interested then read the book, try it out for yourself, or book with an instructor who knows TI.

 

[Shawarma]

Thanks for the heads up and the book info, salmo. I'm not a great swimmer at all so i'll be looking into that book for sure.

As for the "must haves", they're discussed during the boater exam as well - which, of course, most won't take if they just have a canoe. Easy to do though if anybody is interested. You'll learn quite a bit of useful info should you need to operate a boat one day

 

[cptpronin]

50' nylon rope tied to a small bucket, or half a 2L bottle cut into the shape of a scoop. That's your rescue rope and bailer right there in a canoe or dingy.

The pump bailer is nicer. About $15 at CT. Especially if fishing out a kayak.

Waterproof flashlight, $5, CT

The biggest rip off is the floating rescue-rope in a bag. goes for $30... rope on a bucket is cheaper.

Pealess Fox-40 Whistle, mandatory to drop $5 - $7 depending where you shop. This whistle is the only one recommended by boater safety instructors. It blows loud and can be heard far over the chop. Must be pealess (as Fox-40 is) because water inhibits whistles with peas.

One life jacket per person aboard. Minors MUST wear the jackets, adults do not, but the life jacket still must be aboard. Seen them go for $15, even $10 on sale at various stores.

All this equipment is mandatory in every day running craft. Including motor boats.

A bit to remember, but not too complicated. Can be had for cheap like Salmotrutta pointed out.

 

[Venom01]

Is this also required for a self bailing sit on top?

 

[Christopheraaron]

Just a heads up, a life jacket is absolutely REQUIRED for canoes, and even if it wasn't law you'd be an idiot to be paddling without one.

 

[salmotrutta]

Even if it wasn't law you'd be an idiot to be paddling without one.

No.

 

[rich_ace_G]

also take note that a life jacket won't be sufficient on other times where water temps are very low. It may float you on top but you can still die without proper safety clothes.

 

[cptpronin]

Just a heads up, a life jacket is absolutely REQUIRED for canoes, and even if it wasn't law you'd be an idiot to be paddling without one.

By law, children must wear a life jacket at all times. For adults, they must have a life jacket with them, but they *do not have to wear it.*

I rarely wear my life jacket. Grew up not wearing one... maybe I'll die not wearing one.

Christopher, you're an adult. Time to decide how you want to live your life. I'll decide how I want to live mine. If the authorities finally decide that I must have it on, then I'll wear it. Until then I'm going to continue stuffing my body with hydrogenated oils, drink from plastic bottles, live in smoggy cities, eat high cholesterol foods, cross busy streets and heaven forbid, not wear a life jacket.

 

[cptpronin]

also take note that a life jacket won't be sufficient on other times where water temps are very low. It may float you on top but you can still die without proper safety clothes.

I think you mean exposure suit.