Let’s Talk - Ditch Bags

I keep mine in the air conditioning so things don't deteriorate in the heat (or mold in the rain in your case).

In Alaskan waters, are Gumby Suits recommended on personal craft?

I keep the bag indoors and conditioned. When we start the engines it gets staged at a proper location adjacent to the Epirb.

Mine goes up to the bridge. In 3 steps we are down on the aft deck and can exit to either side or off the stern. Ditch bag has EPIRB, flares, handheld VHF, handheld GPS, 10 fresh waters, and other misc items. We have a lift raft as well as a dinghy but I am concerned about getting the dinghy unsecured before the boat sinks. Got SS cables with that you draw tight and then secure with 2 nuts top and bottom. Need 2 wrenches and some time. Maybe I should carry bolt cutters but they rust so fast.

I use straps with stainless ratchets to tie it down. Basic plan is to release the 4 straps fully from tender while launching the life raft. Sort of doubting power would be alive long enough to actually run the davit. So get off safely and then hope for the best in terms of the tender floating free...

Just like the last of the chain rode is Nylon, tie down straps should be quickly cut-able also.
Under tension, it is amazing how quickly you can cut them.

Interesting. I liked the SS all thread with the tensioners because they eliminate slack. I thought I was doing right keeping the tender secure. But reading yours and Rtrafford’s comments (regarding the straps) it makes sense. I don’t think SS ratchet straps will stretch any noticeable amount and you all are sure correct that a 4 swipes with a knife would have the tender free.

I'll give you one more...assuming that your tender has four tie down eyes for fastening, consider a single ratchet strap for each end of the boat. Now you're only counting two cuts to free it in an emergency, and the straps are plenty strong to hold her still as long as they are taught. As the saying goes, an object at rest tends to remain at rest. Keep the straps taught while stowed so that no momentum is gained. Easier to cut as well, should you ever need to do so.

On my sportfish I used to secure the bow with stainless tensioners for added strength from pounding seas, but the connection to the boat was a stainless pelican hook. However even pelicans can be a problem when extremely tight.

Hmmm .
Thanks all for posting.
Very informative.
My stuff is scattered about I have most of these items but I need to get it organized in one spot. Time to get my ditch bag act together.

Are these pelican hooks? Because I don’t know of a way to get them to release quickly without taking the tension off.

Those are snap shackles. https://e-rigging.com/collections/s...eel-fixed-snap-shackle?variant=39721885433929

This is a pelican hook, which can be released under tension. https://e-rigging.com/products/stainless-steel-pelican-hook?variant=39721886122057 or https://e-rigging.com/products/stainless-steel-threaded-pelican-hook?variant=39721886154825