I have always maintained some emergency gear n the runabout and the RIB but recently decided to formalize the gear and put it all into a carrying case.

THE WIFE came up with the perfect case; it is a small zippered heavy cloth tool bag about 10x4x6 inches complete with an external pouch also zippered. $5 at HARBOR FREIGHT. It is easy to carry and to move between the two boats.

The gear is not for survival but for comfort until help arrives. At this time we use the dinghy when traveling on our trawler style CCRIDER and on the bayous and lakes near home. The runabout is usually used even closer to home on the bayou on which we live. On it I have a fairly complete tool kit, flare pistol and daytime distress flag among other miscellaneous gear.

The contents of the kit are as follows:

Spark plug
Plug wrench
Adjustable wrench
Phillips screwdriver
Flat screwdriver
Pliers
Folding knife with serrated edge
Nylon string
Distress flag
Flair
2 Ponchos, with hoods
2 Thermal blankets
2 Trash bags
Nylon string
Mirror
Mending tape
First Aid Kit (HARBOR FREIGHT, $3)
Propane lighter
Washcloth
Insect repellant
Whistle

We also take a VHF handheld and Cell Phone and there is room in the bag for them. I consider this a minimum and can certainly be expanded to meet expected conditions.

A good way to avoid the use of any of the forgoing would be to keep firmly in mind the following Rules:

Turn to the right...
Stay to the right...
Give way to the right...
Big is right.

Which compliments the 4-imperatives of safe boating...

Keep the people in the boat...
Keep the boat in the water...
Keep the water out of the boat.
Keep your ship together.