My two bits (inflation) on signal mirrors. I am a very strong believer in them, have twice used mine (hard aground in my sailboat in the 60s, lost shear pin on a small cruiser, being blown on a rocky bluff in the 90s) and still have my GI model I wore in my flight suit for 6,000 plus hours flying amphibious helos and fixed wing aircraft as a Coast Guard SAR pilot. As a freelance writer, I have sold several articles on them, recently in Good Old Boat and the CG's "On Scene" publication. In researching them, I found the very best were the ones recommended by Howard Audsley <http:// www.rescuereflectors.com/index.html>. Some of the cheap (and small) ones were no better than a credit card or CD. Yes, they have both worked! If you don't carry one on your Monty, shame on you! Buy the best available from Rescue Reflectors. I know Malcolm Murray personally. He makes them, and he is meticulous in hand making AND testing every one he sells. Some of the cheap ones (included in "Safety Kits") are so bad the beam of light does not go where you aim it! False economy. Does anyone (besides me) know how far the old Army Signal Corps sent and received messages during the Indian Wars with "Heliographs"?
First M15 was Joy, '83 #264 Now sail Rejoyce!, '86 # 361 John R. Butler No, my e-mail address is not salacious, it just refers to my last sailboat, "The Old Cat." Check her out at <http://www.unicorn- systems.com/theoldcat.htm> ... _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
