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malyea · 08-01-2020, 06:29

What works well as a non-lethal personal safety/self defense device (ashore and/or next to bunk) ... such as pepper spray, mace, loud noise device?
Specific models that best serve this purpose?
Thanks

Shrew · 08-01-2020, 06:37

It will depend on the local jurisdiction. Mace and pepper spray are not allowed in all places. You'll need to start with where you're going and what the laws in that country, state, municipality, allow. This will change from country to country and in the US, from state to state.

denverd0n · 08-01-2020, 06:37

Before this discussion goes completely off the rails, as these discussions almost always seem to, I will inject my usual comment...

Just because something is "non-lethal" that does NOT mean that it will be legal everywhere you go. There are plenty of countries out there where carrying mace, or pepper spray, will get you into just as much legal trouble as carrying any sort of lethal weapon that you might think of (see how I avoided using the 'G' word?). In fact, even within the United States, there are places (Boston, for instance) where it is illegal to carry mace without a permit.

So, just keep that in mind as you think about how to defend yourself.

Oh yeah, one more thing. Ignore the idiots who tell you that wasp spray is even better than pepper spray. It is not! That is an urban legend, perpetrated across the internet, without a single bit of reality to back it up. Wasp spray is useless as a defensive weapon.

Good luck.

**tkeithlu** · 08-01-2020, 06:48

Is there really anything on your body or on your boat worth risking escalating a conforntation with a person who will out g## you independent of what you are carrying?

**Pete7** · 08-01-2020, 06:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by denverd0n

Before this discussion goes completely off the rails, as these discussions almost always seem to

Surely not

Mike OReilly · 08-01-2020, 07:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by malyea

What works well as a non-lethal personal safety/self defense device (ashore and/or next to bunk) ... such as pepper spray, mace, loud noise device?
Specific models that best serve this purpose?
Thanks

How about your head? Although specific models are highly variable

.

moctrams · 08-01-2020, 07:23

A flare gun, also known as a Very pistol or signal pistol, is a large-bore handgun that discharges flares. The flare gun is used to create illumination for improved vision or as a distress signal. A flare gun can be used as a deadly weapon; however, that is not its intended function.

**JoeRobertJr** · 08-01-2020, 07:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by moctrams

A flare gun, also known as a Very pistol or signal pistol, is a large-bore handgun that discharges flares. The flare gun is used to create illumination for improved vision or as a distress signal. A flare gun can be used as a deadly weapon; however, that is not its intended function.

This seems like a good way to set your boat on fire.

Malabarista · 08-01-2020, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeRobertJr

This seems like a good way to set your boat on fire.

Maybe it’s a Viking thing [emoji848]

tomfl · 08-01-2020, 08:27

Jurisdiction is the key. As an aside in some places flare guns are considered guns and prohibited.

AiniA · 08-01-2020, 09:39

Some countries collect your flare guns when you clear customs. I think the most important 'weapon' is situational awareness.

Checkswrecks · 08-01-2020, 10:41

Good old boys having fun with something already on the boat. Putting out the flare is not going to happen though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6vfQwdszJYM

This next one has surprisingly high chrono velocities of over 400 fps. It also shows the impact to a block of clay and why to never ever even consider chambering an actual shotgun shell.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjVw1_H3wXM

TravelinLight · 08-01-2020, 11:13

FYI, having a decent amount experience with Military grade CS gas, if you unload in your cabin a blast of pepper spray you will also get a lung full. It is why the service and law enforcement subject its members to full blown immersion in it. So iof you are not used to it, aware of the affects, you may do more harm than good to yourself in the middle of the night.