I could write an entire book on this topic alone, but I’ll do my best to keep my thoughts both brief and thorough.
You’ll notice I have a canoe strapped to the top of my Bug Out Truck. Even though it looks cool, it isn’t just for looks. That canoe is absolutely a part of my overall Bug Out Strategy. I have planned for an alternate water evacuation route just in case I ever need it. I live on the north side of Indianapolis in Central Indiana. Last time I checked, Indianapolis was the twelfth largest city in the country. Mass exodus is the term used to describe when everyone is evacuating a metropolitan area at the same time. This happens during every large-scale disaster in major cities. Inevitably, traditional evacuation routes (pavement roads) are blocked, especially at choke points, such as bridges and on/off ramps to major traffic arteries. The combination of accidents, empty gas tanks, and increased desperation creates a very hostile and dangerous situation. Oftentimes, roadways become completely and hopelessly gridlocked. Because I live in a metropolitan area I must consider this as a possibility. Ideally, if you can predict a Bug Out, you should get out early. I’ve never in my life seen a traffic-jammed river.
Consequently, I bought a house on a major river that runs through central Indiana. In fact, my Willow Haven Outdoor training facility is located on a tributary to this same river in north central Indiana. My Bug Out Location (BOL) is about a one-day hike from a location on the river several hours south of Indianapolis. This plan does involve ditching/caching my canoe at the final dock site. I’ll consider it a disaster casualty. I’m okay with that. The point is that I can still get out of Dodge and closer to my BOL via waterway even if my BOV is trapped during mass exodus. There are several portages along the way, but my Old Town Pack Canoe is designed to be carried without too much effort.
It’s amazing how you can slip through even a heavily populated city almost completely undetected by waterway, especially with a quiet canoe or kayak. There is no question that waterways are safer than roadways when it comes to threats from people. I could even travel all the way to the Gulf of Mexico from my home if I really needed. The entire eastern half of the United States is interwoven with thousands of miles of waterways that can be used for a potential Bug Out if you have a boat. Bugging Out onto large bodies of water, such as the Great Lakes or an ocean, gives an entirely new perspective to a BOV and BOL. I have a friend whose BOL is an island off the Eastern Coast of the United States. His BOV is a sailboat. This is certainly not my ideal scenario, but it’s pretty cool nonetheless.
In addition to escaping a life-threatening disaster, getting far away from people is a top priority for many who are considering a Bug Out Boat. In the event of a large-scale plague or pandemic, many argue that being isolated in open water is better than being trapped on land with a contagious infection. All boats must return to land at some point, but it is certainly true that exposure to people will be less on open water. Many isolated gunkholes, canyons, and bays can be found to tuck away for extended periods of time if necessary.
Flooding is also a huge concern for many disaster scenarios. The necessity to abandon a BOV, cross a flooded road, and continue by foot toward your destination may be another reason to consider some type of small Bug Out Boat. A Bug Out Boat of some type, shape, or form may make sense for your situation. Before I discuss a few Bug Out Boat options, it is important to discuss some special equipment and needs that should be considered when evaluating Bugging Out, either entirely or partially, by water.
Creek’s water evacuation route diagram
Creek portaging with Old Town Pack Canoe
Flooded roads
Boats present some special travel considerations and circumstances, regardless of the type of boat you use.
Should you decide to Bug Out via river, it’s really important to know if there are portages along your intended route. Now is also a good time to research and locate any existing locks. Large locks may not be staffed and will consequently be impassible unless you can physically walk your boat around them. This fact alone may dictate the type of boat you choose or if it’s practical to Bug Out via boat at all.
A portage may be necessary
If you’re considering an engine-powered boat, you’ll need to also consider extra fuel and/or an extra solar-charging battery. Battery-powered trolling motors are excellent for propelling smaller craft and can also be carried around dams or locks. If you add a solar battery charger and extra battery you’ll have a backup when the main battery gets low on juice, though this would be very limited as even a fully charged battery only lasts a handful of miles. Buried fuel caches in remote areas along the waterway can be a strategy for reducing pack weight and bulk. I would consider an extra oar or paddle a necessity for vessels small enough to paddle. However, if your BOL is downstream, then it’s certainly possible to get there by current alone, Huck Finn style.
Hidden jerry can fuel cache
Just as I recommended caltrops for land traveling vehicles in chapter eight, I would also recommend a prop-fouling device for traveling on water should another craft attempt to chase or follow you. I first heard of a prop-fouling device while watching the TV show Whale Wars. A prop fouler can be made by simply bunching together five to 10 1⁄2-inch (1cm) thick lengths (10 feet [3m] long) of floating rope (polypropylene rope floats). Tying them together at each end and in the middle creates two big sections of multiple net-like pockets that will bind an average boat prop when tossed in the path of a moving boat. The addition of a couple foam floats helps. Some crosscut sections from the cheap foam pool noodles work very well for this. I did test this to make sure it works. When I was a kid we had an old ski boat. I can remember on numerous occasions when the tow rope got twisted up and fouled the prop. This homemade version is basically the same concept.
Camo netting is the easiest way to camouflage a boat if a trip to shore is necessary. You'll be much more vulnerable to attack on shore than in open water.
Vehicle Model: Dukw
Manufacturer: Chicago DUKW, www.dukw.com
Price: varies on condition
If you’ve ever been to the Wisconsin Dells, you’ve probably seen this type of vehicle in action while transporting tourists during amphibious sightseeing Duck Tours. The DUKW was designed for military use during WWII. It was a six-wheeled all-terrain vehicle used to transport troops across land, water and everything in between. It specialized in beach landings. Today, it’s used primarily as a tourist vehicle to transport sightseers over streets, off-road, and through rivers and lakes. A DUKW in good shape would be an incredible multi-environment Bug Out Vehicle/Boat. DUKWs were used as recently as Hurricane Katrina to navigate flood waters and rescue hurricane victims and have numerous other accounts of effective use during disaster scenarios.
DUKW (istock.com/©George-Standen)
An anchor with ample cordage will allow you to camp or rest in open water and should be considered. It can be difficult to maneuver a small boat to shore in fast currents, especially when trying to escape and evade or under stress. I have decided to pack a grappling hook and rope bag (550 Paracord) with my canoe. I can use this to toss ashore and pull myself in or as a quick and easy shore side anchor. This can also multipurpose for other Bug Out needs as well.
Homemade prop fouler
Prop fouler bound up in prop
Multifunction grappling hook
When I’m hungry or thirsty in the wilderness, I head toward water. Not only can waterways be purified, filtered, or desalinated for drinking water but they are rich with food sources as well. A lightweight backpack filter is an essential piece of kit in your Bug Out Bag and can be used to gather drinking water from your fresh water liquid highway. Desalinators (devices that remove salt from salt water) are available in a variety of sizes, from small backpack models to larger onboard units. These are pricey but essential if you’re Bugging Out on the ocean or in brackish water. Solar stills are another option for converting salty or impure water into drinkable water. These have been used by the military for over forty years and can produce anywhere from one to four pints a day depending on sun exposure.
Pulling some trolling lines to catch fish while you travel is a way to extend food supplies should a Bug Out Journey last beyond the expected three days. A gill net is a much quicker way of catching ample fish (and bait). Also consider a small gaff for larger fish to prevent line breaks at the edge of the boat. A quiet bow-fishing rig would be a useful addition as well.
Mosquitoes, biting flies, and insects can be nearly debilitating along many waterways during certain times of the year. I know this from experience. The addition of some extra insect repellent and even heavy-duty bug nets to prevent unrelenting onslaughts will be much appreciated.
I rarely use my binoculars while hiking, but I regularly use them when canoeing and boating. I guess it’s because the field of view is typically much longer when on water versus hiking through the woods. I can imagine that a good pair of binoculars will be a valuable asset during a waterway Bug Out to identify threats, navigate direction, and prepare for portages. While on the subject of navigation, a detailed map of all surrounding waterways is critical. This map should list all existing locks and dams, even if you have to hand draw them in yourself ahead of time while on a trial run.
Sun protection is of utmost importance on open water. An awning, umbrella, sun hat, shemagh, sunglasses, and sunscreen are items that can help prevent sunburn. Severe sunburn can be a debilitating setback and first aid crisis.
An array of sun protection items: sunscreen, umbrella, hat and shemagh
Outfitting a boat with under-the-seat storage compartments not only keeps tools organized and out of sight but also extends storage capacity as well.
Under-seat storage for boating-specific tools
Water-specific tools and safety implements must also be considered. Life jackets, flares, air horns, and a bail bucket are all important emergency items. Sealing your gear in waterproof containers becomes of utmost priority when planning to travel by boat.
I advise you preplan and have some boat launching sites/ramps in mind. Established boat ramps may be clogged, and it’s a good idea to have a few backup locations in mind. You may have to carry some gear from your vehicle to the boat and you should plan for this. Anything larger than a paddle-power canoe or kayak will require a fairly clear launch site. You may have to clear small trees or branches in a pinch.
For all intents and purposes, boats can be divided into three main categories: human powered, sailboats, and motorboats. I have outlined the pros and cons of each below.
Not an official boat ramp but will work just fine for many boats
Before you discount these small labor-intensive vessels as a BOV, consider the fact that individuals have navigated thousands of miles across entire oceans over the course of several months in almost every type of human-powered floating craft imaginable. It’s amazing what’s possible when you combine willpower and preparation.
Size: The size of most human-powered boats is both an advantage and disadvantage. The upside of being small is that most can be packed across land and portaged around dams, locks, and obstacles. They can also be piggybacked on top of other BOVs, such as trailers, trucks, SUVs, and cars to give an evacuee more options.
Flexible: Small lightweight boats can navigate thousands of miles of waterways, rivers, creeks, and lakes.
Fuel: Paddle power requires no fuel.
Discreet: These vessels are quiet, which is always a good thing when traveling through a potentially hostile environment.
Budget: Used canoes and kayaks can be found online to meet any budget. They are perfect candidates for bartering. You’d be surprised at what someone will trade for you to take that old canoe leaning up against the shed.
Maintenance: These small human-powered boats require little to no maintenance. They are EMP-proof and have virtually no mechanical parts. They can’t get a flat tire either.
Water Levels: Small craft can still travel in just a few inches of water whereas larger boats will bottom out. River levels fluctuate and a drought could put a serious glitch in a Bug Out Boat plan.
Ease of Launch: These boat options don’t require specialized boat ramps or launch sites. Any reasonably accessible water edge will do just fine.
Power: You are the power. While paddling downstream is not that difficult, traveling upstream can be exhausting and nearly impossible in some instances. Make sure you’re upstream of where you need to be.
Storage: These vessels aren’t going to hold the same amount of supplies as a vehicle. In fact, they will be harder to navigate and even unstable when heavily loaded. You’ll likely have to keep it light with just your Bug Out Bags and not much else.
Speed of Exit: Don’t expect to win any races out of town. Waterways are rarely ever a direct route anywhere. If the disaster that’s causing a Bug Out is immediately life threatening, the slow going of these paddle-powered boats may be a major concern.
Bug Out Old Town Canoe
Single-person kayak fitted with Bug Out Bag inside of 55-gallon trash bag with additional dry bags of supplies
In my opinion, sailboats represent one of the most interesting classes of BOVs. I have had students at Willow Haven who live more days out of the year on a sailboat than on land. In fact, many people live on sailboats year-round. A sailboat should be seriously considered if Bugging Out via a large body of water is in your plans. Even small sailboats (25 feet [7.6m] or less) can travel safely in the ocean while keeping close to shore. Sailing on rivers can be more difficult, especially those with fast currents and/or shallow depths. Sailing, more than any other type of boating, requires practice. I’d recommend keeping your boat in a slip at a marina. This way it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice. There may be a line at the boat ramp or weather conditions could make it difficult to launch. Trailering and launching sailboats can be tricky, especially larger ones with fixed keels.
Fuel: Sailboats are powered by the wind and can travel nearly infinite distances without fuel.
Storage: Larger boats with below-deck quarters can have ample storage room.
Extended Stay: While a BOV is for getting from point A to point B, many of the boats in this category allow for staying aboard with bunks, water storage tanks and purifiers, sinks, generators, and even bathrooms. This can certainly be an advantage in the event of an unfortunate setback.
Discreet: These vessels are quiet, which is always a good thing when traveling through a potentially hostile environment.
Food: With a few key fishing implements, access to food should not be an issue.
Water: Desalination/filtering/purifying will be necessary but drinking water should not be an issue if you plan ahead and have the necessary equipment.
Affordable: In contrast to what many may believe, used sailboats are very affordable. At the time of this writing, I found dozens of great sailboats on Craigslist locally (all with cabins, sinks, motors, toilets, and all rigging) for under five thousand dollars. A budget of ten to fifteen thousand dollars could buy a real gem.
Speed: Don’t expect to win any speed records with a sailboat. They aren’t very fast. In the sailing community, 10 mph (8.7 knots) is considered cruising along at an admirable clip. A distance of one hundred miles in a twenty-four hour time period is very respectable, even for fancy expensive rigs.
Security: Pirates aren’t just in the movies. When it comes to security while out at sea or on a large body of water, you’re pretty much on your own—especially in a Bug Out Scenario. A boat can be very vulnerable to security threats. Make sure you have a plan to respond to potential attacks.
Communications: Cell phones may work near shore but you’ll quickly lose service when venturing into open water. Be sure to have the necessary communications equipment, such as marine radios, HAM radios, or satellite phones and the ability to power them.
Sea Sickness: Be sure to have medicines, such as Dramamine, to combat motion sickness among the crew.
Ease of Launch: Almost all of the boats in this category will require an accessible (and probably concrete) boat ramp. This fact may be limiting. Sailboats (especially those with fixed keels) can be tricky to launch. Some require long ramps with trailer tongue extensions or even a crane. Make sure you can launch your sailboat or always keep it at the marina ready to rock and roll.
Difficulty: Almost everything is more difficult and dangerous on open water. Consequences of accidents and misfortunes are often greater and more complicated when on water than on land.
Boats docked at marinas are ready to go at moment’s notice
Sailboat
From aluminum john boats with outboard motors to houseboats to pontoons to ski boats to multimillion-dollar yachts, this category is as vast as the ocean itself. Regardless of what size craft or how much it costs, basic Bug Out Transport and Survival needs remain the same. These boats must be capable of getting people and survival supplies to a safe destination within a certain allotted amount of time.
One must be certain that the path of travel is clear and open, free of locks, dams, or other barricades that would require a portage. Most vessels in this category cannot be portaged due to weight and size. The inability to continue traveling by boat would require a Bug Out on foot. A detailed map (or maps) along the chosen waterway is critical just in case this happens.
No matter which style boat, a motor in peak condition is of the utmost importance. Paddling isn’t an option for most of these boats. A second backup motor should be considered, especially if you are traveling far from shore. Ample fuel storage is critical. A small, last-ditch dinghy isn’t a bad idea either for a variety of reasons.
A plan for launching the boat is also critical. If the boat is not kept at a slip, multiple boat launch sites should be identified and tested in advance. This should include at least one “unofficial” launch site just in case the others are jammed, damaged, or inaccessible.
Speed: Most motorboats have the advantage of speed with the exception of houseboats and pontoons.
Maneuverability: Many motorboats will have excellent maneuverability in open water.
Storage: You should have no problem fitting your Bug Out Supplies on most vessels in this category.
Extended Stay: While a BOV is for getting from point A to point B, many of the boats in this category allow for staying aboard with bunks, sinks, water storage tanks and purifiers, generators, and even bathrooms. This can certainly be an advantage in the event of an unfortunate setback.
Food: With a few key fishing implements, access to food should not be an issue.
Water: Desalination, filtering and purifying will be necessary but drinking water should not be an issue if you’ve planned ahead with the necessary equipment.
Ease of Launch: Almost all of the boats in this category will require an accessible (and probably concrete) boat ramp. This fact may be limiting.
Fuel: Motorboats aren’t the most fuel-efficient means of travel. Pontoons, houseboats, and large motor powerboats are among the worst. Be sure to have ample fuel storage to make the trip. A practice trip made in advance is the best way to gauge fuel consumption, though wind and currents can cause significant discrepancies. Always overestimate fuel needs.
Discreet: These are among the louder vessels on the water. The noise from engines may draw unwanted attention.
Design: Most boats in this class are designed to be flashy, often including bright colored and/or metallic designs. Consider toning this down with a DIY spray-paint job or removable graphics.
Communications: Cell phones may work near shore, but you’ll quickly lose service when venturing into open water. Be sure to have the necessary communications equipment, such as marine radios, HAM radios, or satellite phones.
Sea Sickness: Be sure to have medicines, such as Dramamine, to combat motion sickness among the crew.
Creek loading Bug Out Bags on pontoon
Speedboat with Bug Out Bags
Literally, a small house on a boat (Legacy Images/Shutterstock.com)
Bugging Out by boat certainly has a unique set of challenges but I’ll admit the option is intriguing, and I also understand why many people I know have dedicated time and money to making this a viable Bug Out Strategy. Over 80 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water and flooding is commonplace in many disaster scenarios. Most people will find themselves crossing at least one bridge (probably many more) during a disaster evacuation. Water can be both a highway and a roadblock, depending on the options available. Something as simple as a canoe can open up a whole new world of possibilities to a survivor whose life depends on movement.