Flares?! Why bother???

[LakeMac26C]

So I was going through my boat getting it ready for sailing season and I opened my emergency toolbox. I checked the flares' "expiration" dates making sure I had a current set, but still have plenty of "expired" flares, too. Why not? They don't actually go bad. So I took an old one out in the backyard to try it.

What good are these things anyway???

I lit it and was immediately blinded by bright red light, noxious smoke that made me choke, and splattering hellfire that shot out in all directions. I can imagine plenty of things going seriously wrong holding a signal flare at arms reach on a small, plastic boat with plastic sails and a gas tank nearby.

Are these things used for any serious rescue attempt? How are you supposed to use this without harming yourself or the boat?

And btw, I accidentally stepped on a small piece of the still hot slag from the extinguised flare with my bare feet and it hurt like hull! It seems like a bright strobelight would be a MUCH safer option.

[pitchpolehobie]

Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress Signal Kit with Daytime Distress Flag and Whistle - CG Approved - Legally Never Buy Flares Again

https://a.co/d/chZHwvc


I got this last year. I agree. Flares risky when lit. In an emergency when u might really need them on thr Mac there is a good chance there could be a gas issue too.

[Russ]

Agreed. Those pyrotechnic flares are dangerous.

The electronic flares (see above) make so much better sense. And they don’t expire.

[Highlander]

So I was going through my boat getting it ready for sailing season and I opened my emergency toolbox. I checked the flares' "expiration" dates making sure I had a current set, but still have plenty of "expired" flares, too. Why not? They don't actually go bad. So I took an old one out in the backyard to try it.

What good are these things anyway???

I lit it and was immediately blinded by bright red light, noxious smoke that made me choke, and splattering hellfire that shot out in all directions. I can imagine plenty of things going seriously wrong holding a signal flare at arms reach on a small, plastic boat with plastic sails and a gas tank nearby.

Are these things used for any serious rescue attempt? How are you supposed to use this without harming yourself or the boat?

And btw, I accidentally stepped on a small piece of the still hot slag from the extinguised flare with my bare feet and it hurt like hull! It seems like a bright strobelight would be a MUCH safer option.

I,ve found that expired flares & such have about a 40-60% failure rate just my observation , I remember yrs ago while on a regetta we were all drinking around a camp fire & someone dared me to walk thru the fire so I did but had my runners on "not barefoot" Mmmm ! , had a few drink,s but certainly not "drunk" Mmm ! I was also wearing my shades LOL Mmm !

https://siriussignal.com/

https://www.google.com/search?q=led+fla ... Mmc-Yb-xPY

Just sayin That,s All

Anyways its time I staggered over to the Liq Store , Oh sorry I meant Swagger over !

J

[Wyb2]

And, not often, but occasionally they kill people.

(translated Dutch article)

https://nos-nl.translate.goog/artikel/ ... _hist=true

[LakeMac26C]

Yeah I think I'll buy one of those electronic flares. Seems like a great option. I don't like anything that uses disposable batteries, but, as has been discussed, Lipo batteries pose their own risks. I have AA NiMh batteries that have a C size adapter, but they are not as long lasting and can be a bit loose fitting.