Call “AAA“

It will probably happen to most of us in our Iceboating career, that we will have a breakdown on the ice. If we are lucky it will happen near the launch where tools and spare parts are nearby. Usually though it happens somewhere a mile away leaving us to our own resources to effect repairs or make it back with a long walk. If you happen to be on a small pond or bay. This is not too traumatic. On the other hand, long distance cruising can make a mishap a major undertaking.

The first thing you might want to consider is what I call, “pocket parts”. These are small things that take up little room but when needed can really save the day. Things such as, quick pins, slit rings, clevis pins, cotter pins, runner bolt and nut, 10 feet of spectra line, a few spare screws of varying sizes, a small crescent wrench, and the ubiquitous Swiss Army knife. A small shackle is also a great backup item. Since I have stay adjusters, I keep a couple of spare pins in the unused holes. It’s always nice to have more than one in case you see a mast down due to a lost pin. On the other hand if it’s a frayed stay, the spectra line can be rigged to at least get you home. Check out some videos on how to splice loops or tie knots as spectra acts a little different than other line material. Screws can refasten that block that pulled out or maybe even be used to hold the fuselage to the runner plank due to a broken stud. I did have a large fender washer to help in that case. Captive pin shackles on the halyard are a good choice. That way if it does let go you don’t have to search the ice for the missing pin.

If your craft has storage space feel free to add whatever you feel comfortable carrying. You don’t have to go too overboard though. My BDX and older DN has good storage behind the seat back. My super DN doesn’t have that luxury but I did make a set of saddle bags using some crampon bags from my old mountaineering days. I’ll usually carry a throw bag everywhere I go just in case. I’m working on a small backpack for my skimmer that will hang off the back.

Ice repairs can be quick and easy with the above mentioned parts. If, however, you suffer a RUD, ( rapid unplanned disassembly), more creativity may be needed. Sometimes all you can do is tie the pieces together and slog on back. Maybe some kind atv fisher person will help you drag the pieces back. Try to make it as slidable as possible such as lashing the runner plank on. Or if that is in two pieces, overlap and lash. I did have the opportunity to have this work as a fellow boater dropped a runner in a hole. The plank was still whole but no longer attached. After kick straightening a bent runner, we put our Boy Scout skills to work and tied everything together. The next piece was new to me as I played tow truck. The owner could sit in his boat and steer and sitting on the lashing also helped keep it tight. We then used my throw line to tow him back about 2 miles. We had two reefs to cross so I was concerned about releasing the tow rope quickly if needed. Therefore I suggested we just hold onto it at both ends, that way either of us could let go quickly if needed. My old arthritic hands said you’ll have to work on a better quick release system. He did have to push the last 100 yds but the tow worked.

Hopefully this will help anyone who feels they are still learning about this great pastime and with good ice still available, happy sailing, but be prepared.