[JoeyZac]

Hello all, been meaning to buy a "real" ditch bag for some time. I'm a small boat never more than 10 miles from shore, so I want something reasonable; not the best, not the worst. Keep coming back to the ACR Rapid Ditch (19' x15" x7"), around $50 w/shipping on ebay.

I'd rather buy from a Barn sponsor if possible. What do you all use and/or recommend? Any sponsors out there sell this product or something different/better they recommend?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

 

[Capt. Chad B. PE]

Thats what we have. Its not very big but easy to stor, but it has the pocket for the EPIRB and we have first aid stuff, handheld GPS and VHF, flares, etc in it.

 

[JoeyZac]

I'm not really looking for something all that big as my boat isn't all that big. PLB, handheld radio, airhorn/noise device, flares, some kind of reflector, seals good, and FLOATS well. That's about all I'm looking for. The ACR looks like it comes with gear to easily mount it as well, which is a plus for me.

 

[Salty Tricks]

How 'bout a small cooler with a positive sealing top?

 

[2vees]

email sent

 

[tight lipped]

That's what I have, hald my portable gps, VHF and epirb, flares, lightsticks. I will be adding a strobe, mirror, some water, power bars and if I can get some sea dye it will be in there.

 

[mcmillan]

Doubled Space Bag. Put a one or two flotation cushions in with your stuff and make sure you tie your epirb to the cushion. I would also encourage their use on the plane. It will save you $$$$.

 

[JoeyZac]

Not exactly sure what you mean by doubled space bag? Pic? Link?

Purty please?

 

[swab1985]

Joe, the ACR bags are the way to go! We have a bigger model, and I couldnt be any happier with it

Brian

 

[Moe]

ACR bag all the way. I have the bigger one also and can fit everything and then some in it.

 

[zar2754]

joey do you have a life raft?

 

[JoeyZac]

joey do you have a life raft?

No I don't. Been going back and forth on that for a while now. I don't have the room for one. If I ever needed it though, and live, I'd say "I should've made room".

Trying to find the happy medium.

 

[mcmillan]

Not exactly sure what you mean by doubled space bag? Pic? Link?

Purty please?

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...110944&ci_sku=B000M9NBUU&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

 

[JoeyZac]

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.htm...110944&ci_sku=B000M9NBUU&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

Ah, thank you. I had a feeling that's what you meant.

It probably works just fine, and is certainly an economical way to go, but on this one, I'm going to go with something a bit more "official".

 

[mcmillan]

Ah, thank you. I had a feeling that's what you meant.

It probably works just fine, and is certainly an economical way to go, but on this one, I'm going to go with something a bit more "official".

Official meaning a cheap bag that has no waterproofing? Enlighten me how that ACR bag is better. Purdy Please.

 

[pelagic2530]

ACR is water resistant, which is CYA speak for waterproof. also, it is inherently buoyant TO A POINT. also much easier to work out of than a giant ziplock bag. either way, once you open that thing sitting in the water (or even most likely in a raft) if theres any kind of weather everything in its going to be soaked, so the waterproofing doesnt really matter all that much. my solution is to individually ziplock/vacuum pack anything that cant get wet (although, in the majority of cases, something that cant get wet isnt going to be much use to you in a maritime survival situation anyway) and to buy as much stuff that is individually waterproof as i can. the most important thing is to ensure that whatever you do put in the bag DOESNT EXCEED THE BUOYANCY or you will be in trouble. best way to figure that out is to weight the bag, then weigh the bag with all the stuff in it. more than 22 lbs i think and the bag is toast. good way to check is the old bathtub dunk (remove EPIRB first). adding a tether to the outside isnt a bad idea either.

 

[fmTuna]

I've got the big ACR bag and honestly, it is almost too big for what I have to put in it. But it is better to have the extra room and buoyancy capability as long as you resist the urge to overstuff it so it does not float.

 

[JoeyZac]

Official meaning a cheap bag that has no waterproofing? Enlighten me how that ACR bag is better. Purdy Please.

Never said the ACR was better, although I will say it is certainly more "official". Not looking to ruffle feathers; I'm grateful for all suggestions. I was leaning toward this, thanks to a suggestion from another member.

http://www.waterproofcases.net/waterproof-duffle-bag-60-liter-yellow.html

 

[RIKTRONIC]

I have the large acr bag on a 28 cc. it is too big but it serves its purpose well. I got it from EMC (electronic marine concepts) best price around. they can get all of the safety equip you need for running offshore. they can also service your liferaft or epirb

 

[beber]

I am not trying to be critical of anyone, when I ask this question, but what is the advantage of an ARC bag, or other high end ditch bag, vs a standard duffel bag or similar?

Currently my "ditch bag" is a PFD storage bag I bought for $20 at boaters world just before they went out of buisness. It stores 5 pfds inside, so it floats, and has several zippered pockets in which I keep my flair kit, first aid kit, hand held VHF, some rope, air horn, extra knife, and few other odds and ends. I do all of my fishing within site of land so I'm not too worried about things like EPIRBS yet.

I'm just not sure if I'm missing something in regards to what the higher priced ditch bags offer.