tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post3380008553904036559..comments2023-09-20T04:07:41.843-05:00Comments on Mid-Life Cruising!!!: NKOTB - Pirates and Crime!Ken n Cherylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03930162790282267827noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-55293178659234930712011-12-21T09:40:20.732-06:002011-12-21T09:40:20.732-06:00Great tips guys! Thanks and we'll definitely ...Great tips guys! Thanks and we'll definitely use some of these when we finally untie the dock lines! Sounds like hornet spray is a cheap, easy and common weapon.Ken n Cherylhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03930162790282267827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-31441558806859227182011-11-16T20:09:53.572-06:002011-11-16T20:09:53.572-06:00In my opinion, in a true pirate situation, I don&#...In my opinion, in a true pirate situation, I don't think any gun a cruiser might have on board would make a bit of difference to what you'd find yourself up against. As for here in the states I would say yes, lock up your outboard motor, and don't leave things lying around loose (just like you would at your house). We had all kinds of people (who didn't have a clue!) warn us that pirates were all over the Bahamas. Mostly all we found there was a bunch of middle aged cruisers like us. <br />Luckily we really don't intend to venture very far from the states but I guess you should always be careful and alert.laura and hanshttp://knottycattales.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-72471865350873585422011-11-12T16:40:34.951-06:002011-11-12T16:40:34.951-06:00We talked about all the things you mentioned befor...We talked about all the things you mentioned before we left for our liveaboard lifestyle. For all the reasons you mentioned, we opted to not "carry"; however, we do have wasp spray, and various other household "weapons" and I hope I never have to use any of them. We also installed a motion detector to use when we are in unfamiliar and unknown areas. We do lock our dinghy. It is our only mode of transportation, and we are extra careful with it. We also have a rule (learned from other cruisers)that we are always on the boat before dark; therefore, we rarely eat out for supper or go anywhere at night. Be smart, know your surroundings and talk to locals and other cruisers about the area. We had a grill stolen - while we were in a marina - in the states! As far as jewelry, I left my good stuff at home. The more glamourous you appear to islanders, the more money it is presumed you have. I rarely wear jewelry anywhere - best to just leave it at home and pick up something that brings you fond memories while in the islands. When you go home, wear your favorite items again it will feel like Christmas!Linda on Troubadourhttp://sailingtroubadour.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-51275394264896765372011-11-12T16:21:23.740-06:002011-11-12T16:21:23.740-06:00We used to carry but got rid of it. Just too much...We used to carry but got rid of it. Just too much hassle. Even carrying it from state to state can be huge issue. God forbid you use the thing.<br /><br />A can of oven cleaner or wasp spray will shoot a solid stream, pretty far and make the bad guy wished he had taken the night off.<br /><br />Some areas are safer than others, common sense will always be your best defence. Then again we do have a dog onboard....S/V Verandahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04738948023678971536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-89505038437264962002011-11-12T07:14:00.325-06:002011-11-12T07:14:00.325-06:00I was reading one of the tech blogs about a super ...I was reading one of the tech blogs about a super powerful LED spotlight, that can actually cause temporary blindness. Combine this with hornet spray, and a good old punch in the groin, and you might have some pretty good defense. Been reading about a Borealis 1050 that many cops use.Latitude 43https://www.blogger.com/profile/09482326023480150403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7580803911138944660.post-28368439011277993222011-11-11T12:16:24.635-06:002011-11-11T12:16:24.635-06:00Hubby and I are retired cops. We carry period. W...Hubby and I are retired cops. We carry period. We always carry. We live in a cesspool too. Lots of gang activity and lots of thieves. <br /><br />You are right to always be on guard. Look people directly in the eye if they are looking at you. Keep your head up and be very aware of your surroundings. This alone can take you out of the victim loop. <br /><br />Pepper spray is good, but you'll have to live with it too after it is sprayed. We carried it when we were working and it can literally take you out of the game. It also doesn't work on some people. Nasty stuff. Don't know what strength the over the counter stuff is like, but the law enforcement stuff is very powerful. <br /><br />Jewelry? If you don't have jewelry then you won't have to worry about it getting stolen. Lock it up in a safe deposit box if you want to keep it. <br /><br />I wouldn't have anything of real value then you don't have to worry so much. Harden your boat and your dinghy. Make it difficult for a thief and they'll find something easier to steal.<br /><br />You seem to be approaching this sailing just the way you should. You have to live your life to the fullest and that means sailing and living on your vessel.<br /><br />Have a terrific day. :)Sandeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06785788498697004273noreply@blogger.com