Re: saftey gear?
Check ebay for life jackets. Lots of kids ones, etc, there. I think it's better to get a good quality jacket used than a cheap new one. They won't pass inspection if they're torn or anything, so only bid on good newish ones.<br /><br />Flares are expensive to transport so you'll have to shop around locally. You likely won't find much of a range of prices though. If you intend to stay in boating, buy your flares from whoever seems to be selling lots of them. They have a short shelf life and you don't want to be buying the time they sat on the shelf.<br /><br />Consider writing to your regulatory body about allowing waterproof strobes an option to flares. I think they're safer, would work better, more reliable, and less expensive than flares. It's really foolish that in this day and age we still carry pyrotechnics on all our boats.<br /><br />I agree that boating shouldn't be exclusive, no matter how much they try to make it. But the wording in your first post suggests you intend to cut corners on safety, rather than make safety affordable. I think I understand you properly now, but when I first read your post that's the impression I got. Last, it would be rude for us to suggest a direct competitor, so don't expect it.<br /><br />I truely hope that helps!
