Advisable to keep a firearm on a boat when out in the Gulf of Mexico around Mobil AL?
02-26-2017, 10:32 AM
#12
I planning a trip down to Mobil AL with my Formula 242 to do some boating in Mobile Bay, the intercoastal towards Pensacola and out in the Gulf. Buddy of mine is flying down and going to go with me. He is suggesting to take a shotgun just in case of alligators or sharks if we have any problems with the boat. Is this a good idea? How do the Coasties or local PD react to this?
Is this a joke? (I took it serious until I saw the sharks/alligators mentioned!)
You do not need firearms for sharks/alligator defense! People, well that is a different story but I don't think a 242 would attract too much unwanted attention.
02-26-2017, 11:52 AM
#16
Registered
Because he'd be carrying on a Michigan CPL, and because Michigan is a "duty to inform" state, I'd say declare the firearm if stopped and produce the CPL. But Alabama is a "if asked" state, so...... ?
02-26-2017, 11:54 AM
#17
Registered
02-26-2017, 12:29 PM
#18
Registered
I think the reciprocity reply was good and valid. I would store the firearms in a secure private location out of sight on the boat and only answer if directly questioned. Local water cops can only stop you for a safety inspection (without suspicion). They have no authority to search without PC (mobile conveyance doctrine). The Coasties can also stop and board you for a safety inspection. If you give the locals or coasties a reason to search like leaving a joint laying around then they have free reign to search. Only US Customs (CBP) officers and some cross designated Coasties (with title 19 authority) can board and search a vessel in customs waters with NO suspicion (Customs border search). I think most cops feed off the attitude of the operators. If you operate your boat in an unsafe manner you're gonna call attention or act like a jerk during a safety inspection. Good luck.
Any b-rated movie watcher knows , a Good Double Band speargun works every time
The flare gun works but you have to get that Suna***** Gator or shark to open wide to get the Acetylene tank in his mouth 1st.
Last edited by tommymonza; 02-26-2017 at 12:37 PM.
02-26-2017, 05:51 PM
#20
Gold Member
Nothing worse than saying to yourself "Sh!t, I wish I had my gun"
On a trip back from the Bahamas my father on a 63' Ocean SF came across a 25' center console with 3 shady looking PIB waving their arms in distress, he stopped and asked what was wrong, they stated that they had broken down with engine trouble and had no VHF, my father offered to radio for assistance, it was then that they noticed that he had a .44 SW Model 629 in his waistband and the first mate had a 12 Ga standing off to the side, their engine troubles suddenly disappeared as they started their boat and sped off.
On a trip back from the Bahamas my father on a 63' Ocean SF came across a 25' center console with 3 shady looking PIB waving their arms in distress, he stopped and asked what was wrong, they stated that they had broken down with engine trouble and had no VHF, my father offered to radio for assistance, it was then that they noticed that he had a .44 SW Model 629 in his waistband and the first mate had a 12 Ga standing off to the side, their engine troubles suddenly disappeared as they started their boat and sped off.
