Winter boating on Northern Champlain?

[karl]

Two questions:

1. North of Burlington, are there any fuel docks that remain open in Winter, assuming that there is no significant ice?

2. What's the response time for a man-overboard from USCG Station Burlington before hypothermia kills? It appears that they have zero aircraft assets...

It seems like most marinas have very short operating seasons, regardless of weather...

Anyone?

[instigator]

I dont think there are any on the vt side, the response time I dont know either, have been frostbiting 25 years plus and never need them, the sad side though is every one I KNOW WHO FELL IN DIDNT MAKE IT,,,caution is key,,
Reggie

[Surprise]

Karl, I'm with Reggie. Stay out of the water.

If in trouble do what you can to save yourself. Get to shore anywhere. You cannot drown on shore. You can get a new boat.

The Coast Guard should be assumed to do RECOVERY and not Rescue.

Know your limits and keep a ready eye for quick weather changes. Get to know the Frostbiters here and on the water with a radio. Make friends and Join the fun

Have a look at this video it's sobering and I have done this a long time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... 1xohI3B4Uc

Randy

[Black Ghost (Ken)]

It is also imperative that we wear a pfd.

Its a rule on my boat in winter.

Ken

[Gecha (Gerry)]

Great Video Randy.
New PDFs are now very comfortable, there is no reason you should not wear one.
In my boat, everyone wears one when boat is moving.

[jusgrinnin]

I bought a float coat from ONYX a couple years ago best $100 I ever spent!
BARRY

[fishmaster176]

Wearing a PFD is the same as a seatbelt. You may never need it, but if you do..... It's a habit when you do it for a while. I also demand wearing a PFD if the boat is moving.

[karl]

On the NY side of the lake at least, it's mandatory to wear a PFD from Nov. 1st until May 1st.
That's half the year, folks. Not sure if VT requires it or not. [I'm guessing that in NH, "live free or die applies...]

Getting back to my original questions:

1. Are there any Winter fuel docks open in the Burlington/Plattsburgh areas?

2. Who can/will rescue (as opposed to recover) a man-overboard during Winter in that same area, before hypothermia takes over? Is there any point even having a handheld VHF (or, a PLB) if there's nobody who will respond?

[Surprise]

I guess go back and read ....

All the marinas close in Mid November. All the bigger boats I know refill with 5 Gal cans or fill for the season.
It really is a short window, normally.

Fish with a friend and tie yourselves together with a rope.

In Mexico they put a Plastic Jesus on the helm

A RADIO will get off a MAYDAY and if you are on the fish maybe someone else is out too, unless you have made friends and have their Cell number.

GOOD LUCK!

[Reel Delight (Walt)]

Karl the USCG will respond immediatly if they receive your May Day distress call. How long before they get to you will depend on your location to the Burlington Station. They will also dispatch a local fire dept., State Police or other law enforcement depending on your location and the availability of such local rescue folks. Naturally the time of year and weather conditions will make some difference in rescue time. When it comes to response time and time it takes to die from hypothermia, without a good PFD, you may lose your life in the very first 60 seconds when your body is paralysed from the cold water and you can't react, swim, or breathe and you may drown. The USCG really doesn't use air response units on most inland lakes due to lack of any USCG stations other than small boat stations. Even stations on the eastern coast shoreline in ME, CT & NY are supported by air support from Boston, MA. It is very difficult to rescue survivors from a C130 airplane or a helicopter, they like to use rescue boats designed for the job.

Seriously wear your PFD and if your vessel is not equipped for the elements or possible conditions, then don't go out on the water. You really want to be safe, then invest in a cold water immersions suit. Those coast guardsmen or women will most likely be wearing one before they head out looking for you and they will also be wearing a PFD.

[karl]

Ok, well said.

However, I had visions of rescue swimmers deployed from a helicopter, within a few minutes of activating a PLB (or VHF with GPS/DSC)...guess that won't happen on Champlain...damn.

[Matt]

Good questions.

[Black Ghost (Ken)]

If you want the best chance of a prompt CG response, fish within view of the Burlington CG Station. They have a look-out on duty and in winter there might not be anyone else to watch but you.

I assume you could stop by the Station, say hi, and talk to them first hand. I have a project coming up there and I will do just that. Afterwards I'll do a post.


Ken