JWR,
I just wanted to share one note on the recent boat bug-out letter. There is actually one company I know of that makes fast pontoon boats (more of a combination speed/pontoon boat).
Check out Manitou Pontoon Boats.
I’ve seen some amazing video footage of these boats turning on a dime, and they have very high J.D. Power ratings. Note that I work for a company that does work for them, but don’t gain anything from recommending them. – V.T.
JWR:
After reading the articles on watercraft and some of the great insight put forth, I need to throw out this for food for thought. During my years working in law enforcement, being in bad situations, and learning from outlaws while working undercover, they ways they think both as aggressor or defender, you learn to think out different survival situations and their resulting solutions. I have lived in 15 different states all over the mainland U.S. and Hawaii for the last 50 years.
One survival scenario that reoccurs to me is the need to have a fallback retreat. One that has the best usage of terrain and gives the advantage to the defender. In looking back thru history, high ground was always a primary consideration, but another that is seldom mentioned is the use of of islands, whether they be in a river, lake, sea scenario, or accessed over a bridge.
No matter where I have lived, be it in the northern, southern, or coastal states, I have the ability to find a “castle with moat” defensible areas that deserve consideration. My belief is that what I might lack in numbers can be made up for in a significant amount by the ability to make the assault on a island a lot more negative to a potential attacker. I first discussed this option with friends in Northern New Mexico, while hunting deer, who during the hunting season would swim a half mile to an island in a large mountain lake in order to escape the hunters, we enjoyed their natural ability to escape a threat. I always have felt do what nature provides to most animals, the instinct to survive by utilizing what’s available to them.
There are plus and minus arguments for this scenario, but for a person needing to think and more importantly react beyond the Golden Horde‘s willingness to pick you as a target, you might want to need to consider this option.
1. Most islands be they in a river or a lake or even a coastal location, will be vacant, and able to be occupied in a time of need. This takes the use of a boat to a better level by getting you away from the ground pounders and out to position that cannot be attacked on foot or by a motor vehicle. In addition it reduces, or may eliminate a on foot stealth approach. It now requires a potential attacker to first secure a type of boat in order to get to you. In a situation where people are in a firefight from a defensible position on land, versus a attacking group in a boat(s) my money goes with the defenders every time. The thought of going against anyone while in any type of boat is a reality check to say the least.
2. Most islands will contain trees, shrubs, as a means of concealment and maybe some wildlife as a potential food source. Also should you have some high ground on the island it may add even more advantages to your defensive chances. You also will have a endless water supply unless you pick a coastal island.
3. A direct attack requires the attacker to win in the first attempt (my premise) as they will be open to continuous fire even in an attempted retreat. I pity most people trying to go against a defensive group on land while they are attacking from a boat. I will show no quarter to anyone even if they give up and are retreating, as I do not want to fight them on another front.
4. Attacks at night pose even more problems for attackers then it does for defenders, I am not going to weigh in using night vision.
5. Unlike a land retreat it will be almost impossible to probe or infiltrate the island and return with intelligence prior to an assault.
6. Using dogs for perimeter warning — an island ensures they will not be wandering off.
On the negative side:
1. Requires you to bring most of what you may require for a long term siege situation.
2. You will be isolated, but that’s applicable to most other options also.
3. Will have to maintain/retain the ability to move back to mainland after the threat is reduced or gone.
4. The ability to gather food, and other items are going to be limited.
5. Bug out from an island may be harder to do or limited.
I admit there are items not addressed here, but the intent is to bring more options to the awareness of everyone who is trying to “make do with what you have, where you are.” This is a no cost addition to you survival plans, other than some prior planning and locating. God bless this country, and all of you who now follow him or will in the future.
– John in Arizona