Defense!

[capta]

Ok, we've had our discussion about being boarded at anchor, but the more dangerous and deadly boarding underway is something I finally have to admit is becoming prevalent enough to warrant a serious discussion.
It's pretty much illegal to carry any weapon which might actually be effective at repelling boarders, when traveling internationally on a yacht. Machine guns are out, as are rocket launchers, in fact, any military weapon is out!
These guys try to come along side in small fast boats (4 to 6 times faster than we are) brandishing long guns and machine guns. If they can get aboard, we are toast.
We need to convince the 3 or 4 guys in that boat that we are not worth the risk, or stop the attack with definite finality.
Stun guns are too close quarters and sprays won't get every enemy before they can shoot us. Please don't tell us to quit sailing; that's not going to happen. I'm not interested in trying to defend myself with a converted flare gun or bang stick; we are talking about 2 or more armed attackers, in a boat, bobbing up and down. Molotov cocktails are pretty impractical, as well.
I need a few sensible ideas how we can defend ourselves without carrying weapons that could put OUR freedom and boat in jeopardy from local law enforcement should they be found aboard.
And to make it MORE difficult; we need to get it to us by UPS or mail delivery down here in the Caribbean.
Thanks

 

[Rick486]

Ok, we've had our discussion about being boarded at anchor, but the more dangerous and deadly boarding underway is something I finally have to admit is becoming prevalent enough to warrant a serious discussion.
It's pretty much illegal to carry any weapon which might actually be effective at repelling boarders, when traveling internationally on a yacht. Machine guns are out, as are rocket launchers, in fact, any military weapon is out!
These guys try to come along side in small fast boats (4 to 6 times faster than we are) brandishing long guns and machine guns. If they can get aboard, we are toast.
We need to convince the 3 or 4 guys in that boat that we are not worth the risk, or stop the attack with definite finality.
Stun guns are too close quarters and sprays won't get every enemy before they can shoot us. Please don't tell us to quit sailing; that's not going to happen. I'm not interested in trying to defend myself with a converted flare gun or bang stick; we are talking about 2 or more armed attackers, in a boat, bobbing up and down. Molotov cocktails are pretty impractical, as well.
I need a few sensible ideas how we can defend ourselves without carrying weapons that could put OUR freedom and boat in jeopardy from local law enforcement should they be found aboard.
And to make it MORE difficult; we need to get it to us by UPS or mail delivery down here in the Caribbean.
Thanks

12 gauge shotgun and 00 buckshot and a good place to stash it. I can tell you I would have no problem hiding such a weapon on my boat when necessary where it could not be found but is available if needed. Against the threat you describe, only a firearm will provide the security you need. It is impossible to have the security you need without a firearm of some type and there is nothing better to discourage or repel boarders than a shotgun. Also add aloud hailer to warn them off with voice and pre-recorder weapon discharge sounds.

 

[Joe]

Well, if they're barefoot.... you could sprinkle tacks across the deck. But I think your best defense is an ability to contact law enforcement asap.... vhf, satellite, ssb ?

 

[Joe]

Well, if they're barefoot.... you could sprinkle tacks across the deck. But I think your best defense is an ability to contact law enforcement asap.... vhf, satellite, ssb ?

The answer....traveler's checks.

 

[capta]

Joe
Law enforcement does not exist at sea.
In most cases even in territorial waters law enforcement is involved (gets a share of the spoils, etc.) or couldn't care less, like in the shooting of a yachtie aboard his boat in Bequia a few months, back by an intruder. And Bequia needs the income from the yachts, unlike so many places!
Let's get real here, folks; No one is coming to our aid!
What do you suggest, I ask the boarders to take off their shoes before coming aboard with AK 47's?
Traveler's checks? PLEASE! These guys are taking EVERYTHING off the yachts, EVERYTHING, whether it's installed or not. They leave a bare hull. Traveler's checks; get a grip!
I asked for sensible suggestions, please!

 

[sailaway78]

Best thought I have

First of all, contacting law enforcement is not going to be a bit of help. To think so is just wishful thinking. It might help get the perps caught, but it will be on no help at the moment you need it. But a couple of flares into the approaching boat should slow them down. I would have no problem shooting every flare I got into any boat that threatens. A big enough fire and they gonna be too busy to bother you. I also have a small pistol type crossbow aboard. It is the best I can think of and remain legal.

 

[capta]

First of all, contacting law enforcement is not going to be a bit of help. To think so is just wishful thinking. It might help get the perps caught, but it will be on no help at the moment you need it. But a couple of flares into the approaching boat should slow them down. I would have no problem shooting every flare I got into any boat that threatens. A big enough fire and they gonna be too busy to bother you. I also have a small pistol type crossbow aboard. It is the best I can think of and remain legal.

I appreciate your input, but realistically, how many flares are you going to be able to fire before someone's finger contracts on the trigger of their AK 47 and you are, well, not alive anymore.
Really, the same w/ the 12 gauge: I carried one of those for many years, but these guys are pretty well heeled, not some rag-tag band of islanders.

 

[RAD]

Sounds like you need someone to send you an AK 47 one piece at a time and getting ammo is another challage then find a real hard place to stash the weapon when close to ports
Another avenue is a high tech gas powered BB gun that will take a man down quick.....I fired one awhile back at a friends house but I can't find the link....I'll call him and report back

 

[kielboatsa]

how about one of these. Although the $30,000 price tag is a bit steep.
sound gun

 

[Cool Beans]

Home made flame thrower!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QNu0sR89_BM

If you're not up for active offense (gun smuggling), then maybe you can wear some hobo camouflage?

How many bandits raid the well kept, expensive looking yacht vs the tired old sailboat with dirty sails, palm fronds woven into the life lines and old tires for fenders that are never removed? Hang some dirt laundry out at all times in the cockpit as well

Seriously though, if you are genuinely scared for your safety sailing through a certain area, grab a bucket of mud from the shore and paint the side of your boat and your deck. . .couldn't hurt. . .

EDIT:

Where are you sailing? I would just avoid the area. . .If they board you to rob you, what are the chances they will leave you alive when they are done? And if you open fire at them with a shot gun, what are the chances they return fire from multiple machine guns? Ain't no panic rooms in a sailboat to hide in. . .or bullet proof hulls. . .a couple silver dollar sized holes in your hull. . .you're still screwed

 

[Gunni]

So how, exactly did you manage to wear out your welcome? Or, are you and the crew down there looking like the Duke and Duchess of Boca Raton?

 

[arf145]

You dismissed Molotov cocktail as impractical but it has a lot going for it: can be made from legal, onboard materials, would cover a large area, could do some serious damage.

 

[zeehag]

speargun.....



or a flamethrower-----i always liked this idea....

 

[capta]

flame thrower

or a flamethrower-----i always liked this idea....

Me too, but you've gotta be pretty close, I believe, if I don't want to roast hot dogs on my sails while I watch the bad guys become crispy critters.
If I had a delivery system for napalm????? hum....:stirthepot:

 

[weinie]

or a flamethrower-----i always liked this idea....

Me too, but you've gotta be pretty close, I believe, if I don't want to roast hot dogs on my sails while I watch the bad guys become crispy critters.
If I had a delivery system for napalm????? hum....:stirthepot:

Greek fire?

 

[Mikem]

I think Cool Beans has it right. Avoid the area. Unless you are well armed enough to kill all the attackers with your first salvo, highly doubtful or disable their boat with the first salvo, in which case you are still within their weapons range, you are likely to suffer irreparable damage. Fiberglass is no match for an AK-47 or even one RPG round. And if you don't kill all the crew or disable their boat then all you have done is made them really, really mad. Sooo...don't stop sailing, just don't sail there.

Speaking as a former navycombat search and rescue helo pilot with much experience with Marines and SEALS.

 

[Sailm8]

With the scenarios you describe there is no solution. You will be out gunned and overpowered every time. If you are in a "bad" area keep moving. Why stop? Sail at night with no lights, avoid lonely anchorages. Introduce yourself to the boats around you and work out emergency signaling procedures. Not much help but all I got.

 

[NYSail]

One item that really works in close range is easy off... yes the oven cleaner. It has a good spray nozel and when it gets on a person, it will literally eat its way through any cloths and their skin. I would have a couple cans ready with a few molitov cocktails spray when the come close up and smash a cocktail in their boat... they are going to burn.
But any way you do it unless you take them all out quickly you may be fired upon.

What about sailing in groups.... safety in numbers. I know there are many others sailing the Caribbean

 

[Bob J.]

12 gauge shotgun and 00 buckshot and a good place to stash it.

100% in agreement. Get youreself a pump action with a short but legal barrel.
A shotgun in the right hands is a weapon to be taken seriously.
Also don't discount the flare gun....

 

[Benny17441]

Try stealth. Paint the boat gray and get blue sails. Don't use lights and keep radio silence. How about floating lines to foul their prop?