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Shadow · 08-06-2009, 09:02 PM

As some of you know, I've become very active with a State/Nationwide Search & Rescue organization, based in the bay area.

We're a marine based unit utilizing Airboats and amphibious tracked vehicles to conduct search, rescue and recovery operations in conjunction with law enforcement, FEMA, USHS, and other public and private rescue groups.

We were in the Orlando area last weekend working with some other groups on a major search. I can't release the details at present, but let's just say it was successful.

We were searching area lakes, ponds, retention areas, etc, using side scan sonars and underwater cameras attached to our airboats and Hydratek@ amphib., when we ran into a little unexpected problem.

One of the areas we were attempting to search, due to the steep banks and heavy overgrowth of larger bushes and trees, was totally inaccessible to anything other than a jon boat!!

And that brings me to my reason for posting.

We are desperately in need of a 12' aluminum jon boat.

We don't need a motor (we have a kicker for it), a trailer (we'll haul it up on the rack over the tow vehicles) and it doesn't have to be pretty.

It simply needs to float!

We are a NON-PROFIT (501 c-3) organization and totally self funded. Everything is out of pocket and no one gets paid.

So...does anyone have or know where we could get, a CHEAP (I mean $100-200.00) or possibly a free (donated for a tax write off), 12' aluminum, flat bottom, flat bow jon boat?

The boat will be cleaned up as necessary, painted in our rescue teams design & colors, and will not be used for private use!!

We will be happy to place the donors information (name/company name, etc) on the stern of the boat to give them credit for supporting us.

We will also make it known at the various public relations events we attend every year.

We'll be doing one of the major Orlando attractions in a few months.

In lieu of that, donations are always helpful as again, we're self supporting and privately funded.

I hate to ask friends, but we're trying to do something good for people and damn! We just didn't count on this. The kitty is getting dry after the last several searches and until we build up the coffers a bit, we're somewhat dead in the water. We're still operational for rescues and searches, but other expendatures have to wait

If anyone has any questions, just post them here and I'll be happy to answer them.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Stay safe.

Gordon

08-06-2009, 09:02 PM	#1
Shadow Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: port of indecision Posts: 5,604 Name :	12' Jon Boat As some of you know, I've become very active with a State/Nationwide Search & Rescue organization, based in the bay area. We're a marine based unit utilizing Airboats and amphibious tracked vehicles to conduct search, rescue and recovery operations in conjunction with law enforcement, FEMA, USHS, and other public and private rescue groups. We were in the Orlando area last weekend working with some other groups on a major search. I can't release the details at present, but let's just say it was successful. We were searching area lakes, ponds, retention areas, etc, using side scan sonars and underwater cameras attached to our airboats and Hydratek@ amphib., when we ran into a little unexpected problem. One of the areas we were attempting to search, due to the steep banks and heavy overgrowth of larger bushes and trees, was totally inaccessible to anything other than a jon boat!! And that brings me to my reason for posting. *We are desperately in need of a 12' aluminum jon boat.* We don't need a motor (we have a kicker for it), a trailer (we'll haul it up on the rack over the tow vehicles) and it doesn't have to be pretty. It simply needs to float! We are a NON-PROFIT (501 c-3) organization and totally self funded. Everything is out of pocket and no one gets paid. So...does anyone have or know where we could get, a CHEAP (I mean $100-200.00) or possibly a free (donated for a tax write off), 12' aluminum, flat bottom, flat bow jon boat? The boat will be cleaned up as necessary, painted in our rescue teams design & colors, and will not be used for private use!! We will be happy to place the donors information (name/company name, etc) on the stern of the boat to give them credit for supporting us. We will also make it known at the various public relations events we attend every year. We'll be doing one of the major Orlando attractions in a few months. In lieu of that, donations are always helpful as again, we're self supporting and privately funded. I hate to ask friends, but we're trying to do something good for people and damn! We just didn't count on this. The kitty is getting dry after the last several searches and until we build up the coffers a bit, we're somewhat dead in the water. We're still operational for rescues and searches, but other expendatures have to wait If anyone has any questions, just post them here and I'll be happy to answer them. Thanks for your time and consideration. Stay safe. Gordon __________________ Remember: Artificial Intelligence is no replacement for Natural Stupidity! Be Polite, Be Professional...and have a plan to kill everyone you meet. Last edited by Shadow; 08-07-2009 at 08:52 AM.