Replacing Flares

[JRG]

It is time to replace my 12 gauge aerials and handheld smoke signals. Anyone have a place with good pricing and selection? I don't really want to have to buy a complete kit.

Thanks for the help!

John

[GLF]

I "think" Walmart has them.

[Priority1]

All you need is 3 legal ones. Keep your old one also.

[Line Dancin]

Mike is right some walmarts have them. i was just looking at them a couple weeks ago. Keep your old ones.

[Paulywood]

Make sure you check the date on them. I always try to get ones that expire the farthest out and in the fall.

[Daybreak]

I am not 100% on this but....

I know on charter boats in Michigan, that the 12 guage flares with the "pistol" launcher are Illigal to have on board anymore, and are considered a "firearm". This was changed about 3 years ago. Not sure if it goes for rec boaters as well?

[Yoda]

I'm riding with John on the "pistol Flares" We can NOT have them on our boat.

Just make sure you check the experation date on the flares you by .. we get ours from Walmart most of the time.

[Daybreak]

I just found this in my rule book....

"The pistol-type visual distress signal has now been defined as a dangereous weapon and subject to rules of purchase, resistration, and carriage as required for any handgun. The pistol-type visual distress signal is NO LONGER ACCEPTABLE and MAY NOT be carried aboard Michigan Charter Boats."

FYI--I was just told by a Coastie buddy of mine... "they ARE still legal for a passenger vessel, but not for long. Michigan has plans to outlaw them completely by next year".

[JRG]

Thanks for the replies guys! I have new handhelds good till 2014. I fish out of Illinois and I wouldn't even know where to look if the 12 guage flares have been banned. I would not think so as they are still sold here. Is there a different aerial that Michigan requires you guys to carry?

Thanks again.

John

[Ashman]

My local wal-Mart did not have them so I went to Gander Mtn. I bought the package of 4 and it seems it was about $24.00.

I took my old outdated ones to the local fire dept. so they could get rid of them. Although I thought about keeping them around for the 4th of July.

[KJ pluggin]

All you need is 3 legal ones. Keep your old one also.

yep. Just because they are expired doesn't mean they won't work if you get into a bad situation.

[Daybreak]

yep. Just because they are expired doesn't mean they won't work if you get into a bad situation.

I agree 100%! I have probably 20 or more flares on my boat.

Have you ever opened a new package just to try out? I bet you would be suprised how many brand new ones dont work or are duds. If your a** is on the line...you're gonna want more than just 3 on board!!

Same with fire extinguishers. I carry 6 on board...at least. Ever try to put out a fire with one of those small extinguishers that are the min. size required? Its barely enough juice to put out a ciggarette let alone a engine fire offshore. If your boat was on fire, you'd feel pretty dumb if you only had 1....because thats all that required.

With all the money we spend on fishing equipment, spending a couple hundred bucks every few years on MORE than the required safety gear just seems like an easy call! Your familys will thank you!!

[JRG]

That's a good point about the fire extinguishers. I need to update mine and will add an extra 1 on board.

John

[killerbe20]

extinguishers can also "settle." All the chemical will sit on the bottom and clump together. Be sure to check them periodically. You will be able to tell immediately if it has settled because all the weight will be at the bottom.

One way to help avoid this is to mount them sideways instead of upright. The natural rocking of the boat will gently shake the extinguisher and keep it mixed up.

[AHAB KS1]

Do not test your flames. Some guy did that a couple of years back and was arrested for a false distress call, the law is funny about the over here. Besides, there is also a fire hazard.

[Line Dancin]

Do not test your flames. Some guy did that a couple of years back and was arrested for a false distress call, the law is funny about the over here. Besides, there is also a fire hazard.

Typically if you call the local coast guard post and ask if it would be ok to test pop a flare they are good with it. THey will issue a call on 22 stating that there will be a test fire of a flare at the lat lon you are at with type of vessle. Once this is done then you have like three minutes to fire your flare and report back the the coast guard that you completed your test and they will sound an all clear message. It has been about 10 years since i saw that done up by frankfort. not sure if they are still allowing testing of flares but i dont see why not. Do it without contacting them and you are in for it.