When Rig Comes Crashing Down, Rental EPRIB Calls for Help

SOUTHPORT, NC — Last Saturday morning, the 36-foot catamaran “Cata-Tonic” was 80 miles southeast of Southport, NC in a 20-knot breeze when without warning, the boat’s mast and rig suddenly crashed down on deck, dangerously spilling sails, mast and rigging into the sea. While none of the three sailors aboard were injured, the tangled mess soon became more than a simple inconvenience when it began to drag underneath the boat, its sails catching the sea, threatening to capsize the boat or punch a hole in the hulls.

The loss of the mast also meant the loss of the boat’s VHF radio antenna. The captain then did what most sailors hope they never have to do: he activated the BoatUS Foundation rental Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), and grabbed a handheld VHF to call a mayday, knowing that the little radio may not have the power or range to be heard from so far out to sea. “Redundancy is essential for offshore passagemaking,” said owner Jon Rodnon. “But we didn’t see any vessels on the horizon, and we were 40 miles offshore and 80 miles to the nearest port.” Read more

Fishing, General

Developing the Single-Shot Mentality

By Glen Wunderlich

Many years ago, while in the third grade, my father decided I was going to play the violin.  I never showed any interest in music, but because he had played it, so would I.  At least I went through the motions during music class and even private lessons.

I recall being in my bedroom – probably in the first week of my short musical career – and sawing on those strings as fast as I could.  The sound emanating from the instrument resembled a combination of fingernails on the blackboard and that of a cat when its tail is stepped on.  Even I couldn’t stand it; it was obnoxious noise, pure and simple.

Similarly, during firearms deer season, it’s inevitable that some hunter with a case of buck fever, will flail away at a running deer until the gun runs dry.  My instinct is that such hunters are as skilled as this young violinist once was with the same result:  nothing but noise.

A simple solution to eliminating the fruitless, knee-jerk, firepower response is to develop the single-shot mentality.  My epiphany took place some 40 years ago, while afield with a single-shot pistol hunting squirrels.  An unsuspecting fox squirrel scampered across the trail no more than 50 feet in front of me and all I could do was smile.

Much like the violin, good shooting techniques must be developed.  Having a magazine stacked to capacity won’t do it, either.  In fact, it may lead to the very nature of missing by relying on backup shots. Read more

General

Brunswick Boat Group, Mercury Marine Lend Support to E15 Fight

FOND DU LAC, WI – Brunswick Boat Group and Mercury Marine are encouraging boaters and dealers to follow the lead of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) as they continue to advocate the “Look Before You Pump” campaign aimed at the prevention of E15 in marine engines. E15 is gasoline that contains 15 percent ethanol and is extremely harmful to marine engines. Read more

Fishing

HK Launches New Striker Fired VP9 Pistol

“Heckler & Koch’s reputation for producing superior quality, innovative, and reliable products is well established in the U.S. and international markets. The new VP9 is just such a product. It’s been through just about every test possible – NATO and U.S. NIJ drop tests, extreme environment testing, durability shooting, and the most comprehensive ammunition testing with the widest variety of 9 mm imaginable. It came through those trials with flying colors,” said Wayne Weber, President of HK-USA. Read more

Firearms, Self Defense

USCCA Rallies Support for Almost Sunrise – a Veterans Documentary

The United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) rallied its community to garner support for ‘Almost Sunrise,’ an up-and-coming documentary that brings to light a new and unfortunate epidemic of suicide among the country’s veteran community.

It’s no surprise that the United States Concealed Carry Association—a Delta Defense, LLC company—is passionate about the Second Amendment. Read more

General

Browning Featherweight Knives

Morgan, UT –New for 2014, Browning’s Featherweight Knives offer heavyweight performance. The line of Featherweight Knives will include seven different models to meet the needs of virtually every hunter and outdoorsman. All of the models feature a stylish retro design.

Models in the Featherweight line include a Fixed Drop Point, Fixed Semi-Skinner and Fixed Drop Point with Guthook. A Large Folder, Small Folder, Big Game and Multi-blade with scissors are also offered. The Big Game model features a drop point blade, guthook blade and saw. Read more

Fishing, Hunting

Tristar’S New 20 Gauge Raptor Shotguns

TriStar Youth Muddy Girl

Youth shooting sports have always been important to TriStar Arms. To celebrate and garner interest in youth shooters, TriStar has expanded its popular Raptor line in 2014 with the addition of a 20-gauge Raptor Youth model dipped in Muddy Girl camouflage and a version featuring the Vista Next Micro Print pattern.Both new models are gas operated, with a 24-inch barrel, and come with a fiber optic front site, swivel studs, and three choke tubes (IC, M, F).

20 Gauge Raptor Features:
  • Manual E-Z load magazine cut-off
  • Vented rib with matted sight plane
  • Fiber optic site
  • 5 round magazine (shot plug included)
  • Chrome-lined chamber and barrel
  • Swivel studs
  • Average weight: 6.1 lbs
  • Stock Dimensions: 1 ½”x 2 ½”x 13”

The Raptor also provides a 3-inch chamber to take 2 ¾-inch or 3-inch shells and allows shooters to use both light and heavy waterfowl loads.  Read more

Ammunition, Firearms, Hunting

The 544 Warhawk

Monticello, Arkansas-Team Ward, Inc., makers of the well-known War Eagle Boats, announces the addition of the 544 Warhawk to their line. The 544 Warhawk is built on a 6Ëš Vee hull, offering great maneuverability. The 544 model has a low front deck and a rear cross-seat for tiller operation. The 21″ wing design transom and Vee bottom give the hull more lift for shallow running, great turning ability and a smooth ride. The 544 Warhawk has a sharp bow and turns on a dime, making navigating through the flooded timber and marshes nice and easy. Read more

Fishing
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