What Would You Do?

Why not tell us what your motivation for these questions is.

My motivation is that i live on my sailboat Im 21 i dont do much but fish, swim, an explore an anchor close to star bucks as possible for internet. I live day by day my daily routine is life an taking it easy but there alot of hard work involved, guess i just want to know how some one else would do it. Please no smart comments its how i live life.

Figure out fermentation first.

Call out for pizza, too?

Then distillation!

Yup collect fruit, make a bow (and an arrow or two)... look for a cave and a pretty cave lady who can skin and cook a critter and make booze.
Del

Bravo ;-)

Are you in Zimbabwe?

no ,american coast

You will die....Don't you ever watch the survival shows on TV...The only way they survive is to make it back to civilization as quickly as possible before they die...and the're experts! I might also add that most anyplace you go you will be on somebody elses land, at least until they throw you off, and/or have you arrested...Gilligans Island was a fantasy...Robinson Crusoe was a fantasy...

so was on the beach

Well consider this, civilization is filled materialistic people whom would die yes an dont know what it is really to live. Ive been sailing for four years now cant say i miss land to much nor have a cowards state of mind, tv is fantasy im talking about real world necessities common things water, food an preparation I was under the influence there would be smarter comments the only way for you to survive maybe to depend on other people but not some. Please dont post unless you have something intelligent to add

No man is an island...

North America is an island. Like Guernsey, only a bit bigger.

Don't you own a boat?

Please dont post unless you have something intelligent to add

You're new to the forum, you're very young...and I'm feeling benevolent today and will give you a Really Useful Piece of Advice.

The sentence of yours I've copied into this post is what is known as A Red Rag To A Bull on this site. You won't win any friends talking to us like that. Your OP hit the right tone, but was light on details. We're (nearly) all engineers here, and we like details and context - because usually these are vital to the safety of a "right" answer. And we don't like wasting time.

Think about it. If all the responses (I haven't read all 48 current posts yet) talk about digging wells and growing food, or corralling wild cattle, they will be of very little value to you on your boat.

Right, I'll peruse the rest of the thread...and see if things got better or worse

Sounds like someone is used to having things exactly as he wants them. That's easy to do when one lives in isolation. No explainations are necessary, since one already knows all the details. _{(Spoiled little rich kid syndrome?)}

Not to mention that the original post sounds just like a social studies assignment.

Agreed. I was uncharacteristically warm and fuzzy yesterday...

Not looking for friends my advice (make 7 up yours) Im not a fan of wasting time as well but i do believe your wasting yours.

Right, not looking for usefull info just want to know what people would do on land in water in the sky for all i care but that within reason puts a hold on those thoughs

^{Not looking for friends my advice (make 7 up yours) Im I'm not a fan of wasting time as well but i I do believe your you're wasting yours.}

Y'know I don't want to play hall monitor but lemme 'splain this place one more time.

We don't have trolls. People usually don't pass through, we hang around.

So the troll response isn't required.

I've seen perfectly pleasant posts from you, and perfectly obnoxious posts.

The possible misunderstanding is added to by your inability to communicate in writing. This is not some place you pass through. What you do and say counts.

Three thousand posts? Probably a regular around here. And ya just don't hang around here if people don't like you.

Not all that many of us; there are really likeable things about you, we'd kinda like to keep you around.

But if ya keep insulting the members that's gonna be difficult.

If you are being funny, you have to work harder at communicating that.

Your eloquence is remarkable.

Hahahaaaaa

Admin won't let that last - a bit of a shame - nor you at that rate - which would also be a shame.

Settle down a bit - some just like to poke, prod and pontificate.

Don't let it get under your skin

so you would rely on other people, not smart, matter a fact any one whom voted for you is as well a moron. i make more use of 10 minuites then you will in your life

So as I guess you feel better now, how do you balance your diet on a boat 11 months at sea?

Serious question, no trick, you're obviously fit and healthy, I want to know how you do it.

I lived for two weeks with no power or water and temps in the single digits. I've never seen anything pull a community together like that event. It actually gave me a little hope for mankind. I hope you don't alienate everyone in your life, being alone is detrimental to genetic fitness.

I'll also add, that you are not the first 21 year old that felt as if they were stuck on a sinking boat.

I can assure you, you are not alone. Behave yourself and it will be reciprocated............................at least here it will. Welcome to CR4.

Misbehavior will equally be dealt with.

Hey Kram, when did you turn into a patronizing old fart?

Made your own mast and stepped it? Re-rigged out of scavenged junk?

If he didn't have a reasonable level of ability the Coast Guard would have beached him long ago.

So what if he's 21, 16 or 60.

If he didn't have a reasonable level of ability the Coast Guard would have beached him long ago.

That's bull$hit. I've been adrift for as long as I can remember, and looking for a savior. The savior is within.

This kid is walking to Starbucks to try to carve out an identity. The question is..................does identity exist without depending on others to give it to us?

He can sit on his boat and spray his seed on memories that should have been, or he can join the rest of us losers.................his choice.

Even crazy must be earned.

I dont walk, an im not adrift as u stated, adrift is to be afloat with out direction or purpose you may not have a purpose an are a piece of but that happens with age an a savior dude, come on.

They could have just edited it enough to make it rated PG, with out taking away the whole post (note #74 was originally a post by Blain) and the uncertainty and trepidation it conveys.

It reminds me of that time in my life when I knew everything, could do anything, and would live forever.

You forgot to tell how much money you have? The Bahamas is OK but anywhere, it costs. Only fish is not enough. Try a rich widow? Just an idea.

Wow there really is no hope for people not one of these comments is related

I'm sorry

Have we failed to entertain?

The board is voluntary and quite participatory, when intrigued.

Your challenge is apparently not interesting.

Living on a sailboat we found interesting, especially at such a young age.

But I have to say, reading one long line of un-punctuated text is challenging and leads to miscommunications.

Now serious:

Try to sell your idea to a sponsor. One that goes or: with you (company can be nice on an ocean) or supplies you with funds and/ or expertise. Make it a fun tour, you are the charter captain. Success.

Sorry we don't measure up to your expectations of seriously trying to entertain you.

Unfortunately, you only get to make the rules on your boat, not here, so you'll have to accept even those responses that don't meet your selfish criteria of sincerity.

I'm sorry you're bored.

Good luck with that 3 phase generator.

First you invent the Wheel and then Fire. By the time you do that your lifetime will be over and after next million of years someone else will come ask some question.

Nah, the wheel is overrated, that's why the unicycle hasn't really caught on.
Del
(rapidly unsubscribes)

It is possible to write successful accounts of being a footloose and fancy-free voyager. To do this, one must be literate, or else collaborate with a good ghostwriter.

Your lacking a 'd', and others ...........^{on your key board?}

use your imagination within reason please

Come visit, no imagination needed. I could have done it years ago here were I am and could if the proverbial hits the fan. In that case stay were you are because I'll need all hands on deck and not social studies.

We are having crabs and oysters in chilli coconut on fried green bananas and some passion fruit wine tonight.

Suffer

You'll have to teach me your recipe for wine, mine has the tendency to be very sweet

an more like a juice. Everything goes well in gumbo.

Reporter was interviewing the great Chief Sitting Bull :

Rep : So chief, what do you think of America today? Aren't you happy with the progress ? Automobiles, computers..

SB (with a kind smile) : Before white man came, we spent all day hunting, fishing, swimming, eating, drinking, napping. We spent nights making love. No money, no taxes, no Washington, no Wall street. Only white man is stupid enough to think he can improve the quality of life.

Something there. Go on, do your thing. More power (not electricity) to you....

I think the quote went more like this...

"When I was a boy, the Sioux owned the world. The sun rose and set on their land; they sent ten thousand men to battle. Where are the warriors today? Who slew them? Where are our lands? Who owns them?"

These were warrior tribes not waxing intellectual boy scouts...

I'd start looking for a mate, that likes only sea food, ASAP. S.M.

Are you physically and mentally fit to make this work? (arctic to the bahamas) You need to be fit.

Are you especially trained to survive in the wild? Do you have any skills? You will need these.

Do you have a basic survival kit? ax, knives, multi-function tool, etc? I you do not have these, you need the skills to improvise.

Are there natural resources at your disposal? If you are placed in a location without natural resources, you're dead meat.

How long do you plan to do this? I guess it depends on the above.

Depends what you mean by 'natural and 'develop'. I'd (in the right setting) try copy the John Mills version of Swiss Family Robinson. A weapon might be handy for all the incongruous critters.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m6uEBHuSjk

Richard Louis "Dick" Proenneke (born May 4, 1916 - April 20, 2003) was an American naturalist, who lived alone in the high mountains of Alaska at a place called Twin Lakes. Living in a log cabin he constructed by hand.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYJKd0rkKss&list=PL99FAF342A107E619&index=2&feature=plpp_video

For a few people not hard to figure what you need to do. The difficult part would be to face the hardships of it unless something forced you to and had no choice. Knowledge like Del skills in making bows would help. Man is very adaptable, skills can be learned. Those people that can't perish.

What's forcing you? Is this an educational post? You having problem going it alone?

No force, not an edu post, no problems. I just dont talk to many ppl, bows are much better for land hunting then under water, top side spearing is a great way when a nice chum is used, draws the bigger catch. Theres alot less hardships with practice an preparation, biggest one lately is finding people in common water.

I've seen that, it was quite interesting.

Learn to become a "PREPPER"......

Went the chit hits the fan for whatever reason you cannot count on anyone, let along the government, to help you or save you skin. It's all up to you how you will overcome adversity and survive.

Google search it! Also, there are a lot of U-Tube videos touching on the subject. View and learn!

You need some basics in order to survive, otherwise you will perish: food, water, clothing (for all seasons), foot protection (all seasons), fire (for cooking, disinfection of water, and for heat/comfort), and a shelter. Owning some sort of weapon to protect yourself from predators/criminals/Zombies is a primary concern. My selection and advice to you would be to obtain a very good & reliable pistol (Beretta 9mm...M9, or a Colt .45 ACP...known as the M1911A1 in US Military parlance), as well as a "black rifle" (read AR-15, chambered for .223 Remington/5.56mm x 45mm NATO caliber), and a good selection of knives (all types). Make sure you have enough bullets for each firearm to last a while. And learn how to use those firearms on a firing range. In an emergency, that is not the time to test out how to arm yourself......proficiency is the name of the game, or you're dead.

Ahhhhh, another clueless one.

Problem with the firearms in the Caribbean is they are highly unlawful. You are not permitted to shoot even in self defense. If you do shoot and the authorities don't prosecute for some reason, you will find yourself at the mercy of the family of the fellow you shot.

A USVI Police officer was arrested in the BVI. The reason was he had left some shotgun shells in his pocket. If you shoot, you must disappear.

There are few "free" mooring places left. Most have regulations requiring registering the vessel. Here in P.R. they do not recognize "US Documented" vessels. If you stay here you must register your vessel.

As for surviving in the Arctic, I suggest you read a couple of Jack London's novels. They are free to download.

In the meantime, enjoy it while you can, the gray hair comes sooner than you think

I...for one...commend you and your spirit. So many people in this modern age feel they "need" all of the modern (and not so modern) trappings of life just to "survive".

As long as you are happy and not bothering anybody else, what does it matter?

Do I really "need" a computer? A television? cable/satellite? A dishwasher? Microwave? Central air/heat? Telephone/cell phone? Taking this question seriously...none of these items are actual needs for human survival.

I would get the basic needs covered first...............food, water, shelter. After that I would continue to work to make myself more comfortable. Same as humans have always done.

No matter where you chose to be - Shelter, Water, Food, Waste disposal, Security - repeat on a regular schedule - like daily.

Unfortunately, this being the 21st century, you will not be able to sustain your lifestyle for long... I commenced living as you describe in 1960 and managed to sustain it for the next forty odd years... BUT, and its a great big "but", times have changed and there are too many regulations against what you are attempting... There is only one sure-fire way to sustain your lifestyle, and that is with some sort of income... Money, in other words... You do not need much, but you definately need some... Boats HAVE to be hauled out of the water for bottom paint, if not repairs and no-one hauls your vessel for free. Have you priced bottom paint recently? To keep going as you seem to desire, you'll have to find a way to get a little cash I'm sorry to say...

If you are determined to carry on, give serious consideration to selling most of those "goodies" your boat has. Things like depth sounders, radios, and GPS units are NOT necessary if you have the skills that our ancestors had. Learn how to simplify... Practice the "KISS" principle (Keep It Simple Stupid)...

Finally; I believe you have the wrong boat for the job... Modern marconi rigged boats do not lend themselves to field repairs and you'll not find a boatyard that will fix for free... Sorry to be down on your enterprise, but the facts of life are as above described, and I have not even touched the surface ...

If i could show you a picture of my boat i would an you die laughing the mast went two years ago in a storm i replaced it with a tree (NOT AN EASY TASK) took around a week still have my boom, but alot of the original parts are now wood mostly drift wood i found on the beach.

I dont really believe in bottom paint its pollutant, I dive an scrape the bottom every three weeks. I have to say with the stars alone i can travel but i have done this several time an been off by a few miles but if its cloudy i have sit an wait, gps would help if i knew how to hook up the wind mills i have so i could power it. I do have to say thou, coast guard is a problem every now an then but always have left my ship with a hand shake. An i have a job i only work a month a year but its all i need and more then some others have.

Don't the tree branches clash with the sail?

Its just the trunk think but i hope that wasnt a real?

I'm liking your style

I'm sure you've heard of careening a boat, for a repair like mast replacement or bottom scrape.

The Brits (and I'm sure others of the period but I read about the Brits) given calm waters, could careen at sea.

The problem with careening is that the ballast has to be removed, and with the Irwin's fixed ballast, that would be problematic.

I wasn't suggesting, just admiring!

But your technical analysis is profound

Careening at sea??? Hmmm!... Not to be argumentative, but I would really like a reference to that operation... The careening of a vessel requires the ballast to be removed and placed ashore, then tackles are clapped on the mast/s, at the point where the lower rigging joins the spar... The other end of the tackle is fastened to a strong point ashore and the fall of the tackle hauled on... A large vessel would have the fall of the tackle led to a capstan and with this setup, the ship hove over onto the turn of her bilge in shallow water... Once the work is done, down to the keel, the whole thing is turned around and the vessel hove over the other way to do whatever needed to be done to the hull... Hard to find a strong point at sea, and no skipper would allow his masts to be weighted by the ballast... Who are you reading?... I enjoy that stuff too :-)

Best description so far was one of the O'Brian books, but not the only reference I've seen.

does require two ships though

You have to sail fast run her a grown on her side an it is problematic but without the fixed ballast it wouldnt of been that easy to repair my ship with it being mostly on its side but bc of it i was stuck in the sand for long time

There is a reason that i will never do it again with the irwin, the hull is very thin an was damaged. thou i prepared for such things it wasnt nice to see a big crack in the hull.