Ice

[VitaBene]

Hi,

Please be extra careful out there. The winds have really affected ice formation. If you hit water accidentally, stay on your throttle. When my family is out on water, we always carry ice picks around our necks. http://www.angelguardproducts.com/rescueequipment/pickoflife

Story from the Globe about 4 snowmobilers presumed drowned (1 confirmed):
http://www.boston.com/news/local/maine/2012/12/31/maine-snowmobilers-may-have-crashed-into-lake/amA8pQWpOFayjkztqHpilL/story.html?camp=obnetwork

[NHWakesurfer]

I bought those picks last year as well thats great advice for any ice activities. I was wondering about any personal floatation devices while snowmobiling on the ice to buy extra time in the event of a really bad outcome of going through the ice. I looked at Mustang automatic inflation life jackets but you really can’t wear them under a coat as they’d expand too much and they don’t seem to fit over a big jacket. Mustang seems to have some snowmobile jackets with some type of floatation but haven’t found anyone around that carries them to try on for fit. I’m very paranoid about being out there even when it seems be very safe if anyone has any extra safety tips other than the obvious one don’t go on the ice that would be great thanks.

[Chaselady]

Several years ago I bought my husband a Mustang flotation jacket with built in flotation, in bright orange. I'm not sure wher I found it, but possibly on the West Marine website. He loves the jacket, and even weArs it when he's not sledding.

[Belmont Resident]

I bought those picks last year as well thats great advice for any ice activities. I was wondering about any personal floatation devices while snowmobiling on the ice to buy extra time in the event of a really bad outcome of going through the ice. I looked at Mustang automatic inflation life jackets but you really can’t wear them under a coat as they’d expand too much and they don’t seem to fit over a big jacket. Mustang seems to have some snowmobile jackets with some type of floatation but haven’t found anyone around that carries them to try on for fit. I’m very paranoid about being out there even when it seems be very safe if anyone has any extra safety tips other than the obvious one don’t go on the ice that would be great thanks.

I believe the best course of action is, if you need to have a flotation devise then you are not sure about your surroundings and probably should not be on the ice.
I just heard last night that 4 people went through the ice in Rangley. Also one went through up here in Jackman but no death. Although this is really sad every club in the state has been saying the ice is not safe stay off of it, unfortunately for some this is not enough and they must learn the hard way.
We will not venture out on too Moosehead until the trail across is marked by the club and there is a fleet of bob houses, trucks, ATV's and snowmobiles on the ice and the locals have been out to measure thickness. Even after all this we will not stop on the ice unless we are either up on a shore or in an area with lots of ice fishing activity.
Be safe out there, there is no reason worth your life to be out on the ice unless you are 100% sure it is safe to be in that spot.

[Lakegeezer]

The ice on snowmobile route 15, over the ice from the powerline trail to Ambrose cove is probably safe, as it is has been formed for several days and is now making stress crack noises, but anything south of there is fresh ice -just formed last night. Way down into M'boro bay, south of Elkins point, it is still open water. A light coating of snow fell this morning, showing where the ice is, and isn't. There hasn't been any human activity on the ice around here yet, and you probably don't want to be the first (but someone has to be).

As for ice-spikes. Definitely a good idea and you can make yourself a pair for little money. Buy a 1 inch dowel and cut it into two 8" rods. Drive a nail into one end, then cut off the nail head at an angle, so there is a point that will dig into ice. Put a cork on the exposed nail. Drill a hole across the other end of each dowel rod, at least 1/4" from the end, loop some heavy cord through that and tie it off. The cord should be long enough to go up your arm, around your neck and down the other arm. When you venture on the ice, loop the cord around the back of your neck and hold the dowels in each hand as you put on your overcoat. Then, tuck the dowels up inside your sleeve. If you fall into the ice, the dowels are handy. Don't forget to take the extra second to pull off the corks.

It is good to test an emergency system before it is needed, but in this case, it is better to just practice getting them out of your sleeve and imagine the rest.

Happy New Year - be safe

[Merrymeeting]

Hi,
When my family is out on water, we always carry ice picks around our necks.

They can also be found on Amazon and other sites for about 1/3rd the price of the ones above.

[Blue Thunder]

Several years ago I bought my husband a Mustang flotation jacket with built in flotation, in bright orange. I'm not sure wher I found it, but possibly on the West Marine website. He loves the jacket, and even weArs it when he's not sledding.

I have one of them as well. They are available all over the internet for around $200. http://www.landfallnavigation.com/smj6214.html?cmp=pricegrabber&pg=smj6214&utm_source=smj6214&utm_medium=shopping%2Bengine&utm_campaign=pricegrabber

[SIKSUKR]

I would think that the inflatable ones you see MP wearing would work pretty well.

[upthesaukee]

I admit I have not researched the inflatables. If they are graded by the weight they would support, it would be adviseable to perhaps factor in that when we get wet, our outerwear increases in weight substantially. If an inflatable was rated at 180 lbs, and we weigh 170 and end up in the drink, soaked from head to toe with boots filling up with water as well, we may not have enough flotation to keep us above water.

Just a thought.:rolleye1: