Re: [Paddlewise] Rec Boat Scenario

I'm anxious to hear how this guy could deal with his situation...beyond 
keep your PFD on, stay with the boat, make noise, etc....without a front 
bulkhead the boat is going to float stern up - or at least bow neutral - he 
has no way of getting water out of the boat if he gets in.  Some sort of 
re-entry and paddle a full boat would seem to be logical - but you 
indicated that he probably can't pull himself up and onto the boat.  His 
PFD could be used as a paddlefloat - but I'd never suggest someone take it 
off for that reason.  If his name is McGyver then some sort of stirrup 
could be fashioned from a belt or some of his fishing gear...or his 
t-shirt....but for all of that, if you only get 3 min to teach him 
something...that probably isn't the lesson.  Short of hang on, drift to 
shore that night or the next day....I'm not sure of his options.  Submerge 
the cockpit fully from the front end, get in, then bail with his 
hat/hands/shoes until he can paddle it home?  If he can't pull himself up, 
the lack of a front bulkhead may lower the deck or cockpit enough for him 
to get in.

So, in reality I'm curious what actions you more experienced PWers out 
there believe could bring this guy home at the end of the night?

A neat real-world question - glad you asked it, Nick

Keith

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