21 replies to this topic

[ScubaDadMiami]

Halcyon makes a diver's life raft. http://www.halcyon.net/mc/dlr.shtml. While the concept is great, it is a big honker.

Though Halcyon claims that the diver can store it in the MC Storage Pack over the backplate, I felt like the Hunchback of Notre Dame when I tried to put it there. So, I tried endless ways to think of how I could carry this thing on my open ocean dives.

Score another victory for the Optima CCR. The raft fits perfectly inside the cover, laying over the tanks. I am now adding this to my survival at sea arsenal.

[Latitude Adjustment]

Howard, have you tried getting into that raft? We had to practice with one in a pool and it's a bear to get into, I just can't imagine doing it in rough seas. As a survival tool it's better at catching rain water or shelter from the sun.

[Basslet]

Howard, have you tried getting into that raft? We had to practice with one in a pool and it's a bear to get into, I just can't imagine doing it in rough seas. As a survival tool it's better at catching rain water or shelter from the sun.

Better get two then.

[ScubaDadMiami]

Somehow, if I am alone at sea, miles from anyone, in the dark, I think I will be motivated enough to get into it.

I used to be a surfer. I can't imagine it being harder to stay on than a surf board. Of course, I will take off my gear first and tie that off to it.

[6Gill]

Can you get that with an outboard motor?I'd hate to think you'd have to padle

[captsteve]

Can you get that with an outboard motor?I'd hate to think you'd have to padle

Make sure to get a four stroke so you can afford the gas

[ScubaGypsy]

Halcyon makes a diver's life raft. http://www.halcyon.net/mc/dlr.shtml. While the concept is great, it is a big honker.

Though Halcyon claims that the diver can store it in the MC Storage Pack over the backplate, I felt like the Hunchback of Notre Dame when I tried to put it there. So, I tried endless ways to think of how I could carry this thing on my open ocean dives.

Score another victory for the Optima CCR. The raft fits perfectly inside the cover, laying over the tanks. I am now adding this to my survival at sea arsenal.

I too bought this behemoth with the hope that it would fit in my MC storage pack over the backplate while I was out diving with my boys. As stated, I too found it too bulky for such placement and thus ordered their optional external storage pack that will allow placement underneath the backplate. Still it is far from ideal but better than over the backplate although I must also admit that I have still never used it. Hmmm, so perhaps this might be another excuse for a rebreather.............

[BradfordNC]

Somehow, if I am alone at sea, miles from anyone, in the dark, I think I will be motivated enough to get into it.

I used to be a surfer. I can't imagine it being harder to stay on than a surf board. Of course, I will take off my gear first and tie that off to it.

somehow, i think that if you do end up in the survival situation your gear, no matter how expensive, will be the least of your worries. it won't help you survive. to tie it off to the raft might help it capsize with every large wave. but it might help stabilize it. might be something to experiment with.

[Capn Jack]

If you're contemplating many hours in the water before being rescued - a raft could definitely make the difference - getting your little bod out of that rather large heat sink. Even moderately cool waters can run you hypothermic pretty quick.

I'd say if you're concerned about this happening to you, you should also be carrying flares. A small raft on the surface is REALLY hard to find, especially at night. Have you looked at EPIRBs ? I don't know anyone who has one, or how well they'd survive a dive - although I've seen containers that supposedly will protect them.

Edited by Capn Jack, 19 April 2006 - 10:36 AM.

[PerroneFord]

You can get watches with EPIRBs. Not sure how strong the signal is though. I'd want some marker dyes if I was planning on taking a raft with me. a LOT easier to spot from the air.

[ScubaDadMiami]

If you're contemplating many hours in the water before being rescued - a raft could definitely make the difference - getting your little bod out of that rather large heat sink. Even moderately cool waters can run you hypothermic pretty quick.

I'd say if you're concerned about this happening to you, you should also be carrying flares. A small raft on the surface is REALLY hard to find, especially at night. Have you looked at EPIRBs ? I don't know anyone who has one, or how well they'd survive a dive - although I've seen containers that supposedly will protect them.

I am already totally set. I carry an EPIRB with a built in GPS, a shooting flare in a waterproof (to 600 feet) container, a laser light that goes up to 20 miles for 15 hours (in another waterproof container), a signal mirror, my backup Golem LED lights that will go for over three days, two protein bars, a Dive Alert air horn, and over 16 ounces of fresh water. I can put one of my lift bags over my head like a sun bonnet to protect against exposure, and I already dive dry (so, I would likely not have a problem with hypothermia).

Any questions?

[ScubaDadMiami]

I'd want some marker dyes if I was planning on taking a raft with me. a LOT easier to spot from the air.

Surprisingly, studies have shown that the dye markers are fairly ineffective except in perfect conditions. Not that there is anything wrong with carrying some as an extra protection. However, I would't rely on it for being more than the icing on the cake.

[Geek]

Since we are on the topic of being lost at sea, anyone ever seen or considered one of these?

http://www.seamarsha....com/diver.html

[Geek]

Halcyon makes a diver's life raft. http://www.halcyon.net/mc/dlr.shtml. While the concept is great, it is a big honker.

Though Halcyon claims that the diver can store it in the MC Storage Pack over the backplate, I felt like the Hunchback of Notre Dame when I tried to put it there. So, I tried endless ways to think of how I could carry this thing on my open ocean dives.

Score another victory for the Optima CCR. The raft fits perfectly inside the cover, laying over the tanks. I am now adding this to my survival at sea arsenal.

I too bought this behemoth with the hope that it would fit in my MC storage pack over the backplate while I was out diving with my boys. As stated, I too found it too bulky for such placement and thus ordered their optional external storage pack that will allow placement underneath the backplate. Still it is far from ideal but better than over the backplate although I must also admit that I have still never used it. Hmmm, so perhaps this might be another excuse for a rebreather.............

Can you provide a link to illustrate the "optional external storage pack"? or is that the package shown in the original link? That looks like it would just flop around.

Thanks

[ScubaDadMiami]

Halcyon makes a diver's life raft. http://www.halcyon.net/mc/dlr.shtml. While the concept is great, it is a big honker.

Though Halcyon claims that the diver can store it in the MC Storage Pack over the backplate, I felt like the Hunchback of Notre Dame when I tried to put it there. So, I tried endless ways to think of how I could carry this thing on my open ocean dives.

Score another victory for the Optima CCR. The raft fits perfectly inside the cover, laying over the tanks. I am now adding this to my survival at sea arsenal.

I too bought this behemoth with the hope that it would fit in my MC storage pack over the backplate while I was out diving with my boys. As stated, I too found it too bulky for such placement and thus ordered their optional external storage pack that will allow placement underneath the backplate. Still it is far from ideal but better than over the backplate although I must also admit that I have still never used it. Hmmm, so perhaps this might be another excuse for a rebreather.............

Can you provide a link to illustrate the "optional external storage pack"? or is that the package shown in the original link? That looks like it would just flop around.

Thanks

Yes, it is the same. Once you have it in the external storage pack, you still have to find someplace to put that. I wouldn't want that thing flapping around behind me.