I found this onthe NEW Sailnet ( yup it is back in business )
Small Boat Necessities
In the minimalist world of small boat cruising you acquire systems that you learn to love, some that are profoundly mundane. Here are some of those that I keep aboard:
A simple rig with roller furling and a fully battened mainsail equipped with lazy jacks.
Four anchors: CQR as primary, Danforth hung on the bow pulpit, and a Claw that lives in the lazarette. I have set these three numerous times, occasionally all at once, but the fourth, a folding grapnel, has never been wet.
Clamps, in a variety of sizes, like those used by woodworkers. They keep the chart pages from blowing around, hold things being glued back together, keep laundry on the life lines in heavy breezes and, most of all, allow me to clamp screens over the hatches and companionway. The tiny bugs called no-see-ums that inhabit the southeastern coast of the US will go right through a normal screen, so I bought several yards of bridal veil material at a big box store and I clamp that into place on hatches before the first one shows up. That stops them.
Reflectec, an insulating material available at home supply stores. It is a sandwich of air bubbles between layers of foil film and it's rated for R16 insulation. I cut three sheets to fit the top of my ice chest, which is huge, and layer them over the ice and groceries. It nearly doubles the life of the ice. Meat and cheese always find their way into the water at the bottom, so I keep them in a plastic box with a hinged lid. It is about the size of a shoe box and cost me one dollar.
My pots and pans. One is a pressure cooker, of course, which is the largest pot on board. The others are the Ingenio line made in France by T-Fal and available at department stores. These have detachable handles that make storage and washing up simple, and they also have snap-on lids for storing leftovers. The stove is a two-burner Origo, which has proven to be a good choice.
Pocketmail and a cell phone. Pocketmail is an e-mail device (about $100) like a Sharp Wizard personal organizer with a built-in acoustic coupler. Pocketmail is a service with a monthly fee of about $15. The fee includes access via an 800 number. You can send and receive e-mails up to about 4,000 characters from any phone, including digital cellular phones. So there is no need to hunt for an RJ11 connection to hook up the computer, you can do your e-mails anywhere you have a cellular signal. It is not an internet connection, however. (Find out more at www.pocketmail.com.)
An inverter. This small black box costs around $50 and converts DC battery power to AC power so you can plug in and charge up your drill, computer, and hand-held VHF, or operate the boom box from the boat's batteries. We also have a black and white TV with a five-inch screen. It plugs directly into a cigar lighter plug.
Pillow shams. These pillow covers are available in bed and bath stores and are a great place to store sweaters, fleece clothing and extra bedding, and turn them into back rests.
Autohelm and hand-held VHF, both essentials for sailing alone.
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Great site!
Like all small boat cruisers I go through a constant refining process of what are the must haves and what can I not live without.
CaptK suggested the french coffee press stays - I am in agreement there.
Some are creature comforts, some are boat related.
I have a roller furled 135% headsail and a main sail, both new this year. For extensive cruising do I need to carry my old suit of sails? I expect not if I reef early and don't try to break hull speed records on a regular basis. How about things like storm sails, Genakers or spinnakers? I looking at cruising the Caribbean and any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm planning on at least 6 months, but really it depends on how quickly I choke the cruising kitty.
The Atomic IV was rebuilt and so was the transmission. I know a diesel would double my range, but if the Atomic IV can't handle it, I would be moving on to another boat. Engines spares include belts, coil, plugs, but not much more right now. Any suggestions?
Thanks in advance of all of your insights.
John
One of the best parts of having a small cruiser is that they are so light that usually you don't blow out your sails. The boat just keeps going faster and faster until you have no choice but to reef or drop them. Also they react so much faster to the wind that a complete set of storm sails becomes unnecessary to maintain balance in storm conditions. Either a trysail or a storm jib is usually adequate but both don't need to be flying to maintain control and steerage way. I use a trysail as the bow tends to fall off more with the cutaway forefoot on Amorous.
Did you change to electronic ignition on your A-4? If not take points....lots of points!
Good ground tackle. I have two CQRs a 25Lb and a 45Lb. I also cary a Danforth in the storage area in the cockpit. Always nice to feel secure in a bad blow.
A boat! Me can't do without a boat!
I prefer one that float and no leaks thank you!
I would carry the old main and at least one old working jib, just in case you know...
Anchors - a variety of heavy anchors and a lunch anchor, lots of chain,
rode and a 10 pound sentinel. Having a shallow draft, I like to get close to shore when I anchor a lot of the time. Since I'm alone, I don't want to have to be rudely awaken. No, I don't throw them at uninvited guests :D.
Solace -
This is/was a great thread question - Thanks! :)
I'm going to watch what people say, because I think we could take some of the answers (like "Anchors") to use in polls similar to the "Fuels" topic Chris ("s/v Faith") started down in Boat Bits.
In fact, those kind of polls may well be best in their very own topic area. I'll think about this, it seems like it would be a good way to gather data about what people are using and why, in an easily displayable form, all in one easy to find spot. Hmm...
It may be after Christmas before I can do anything about it. I'll ponder in the meanwhile...
now this is not meant to be funny.I am a licensed and certified skydiver D-18325.the skydiving rig is about 3500 dollars worth of nylon that really has no place on a small boat but I am not giving it up.I keep the unit itself protected from the marine environment by keeping it in 2 concentric suitcases.I check it occaisionally for mold and mildew and it seems to be ok,but before I start jumping again I am having the unit inspected by the manufacturer.It is only a few years old and hasnt been used much.
Starcrest,
Are you my jumpmaster? ....the Vietnam vet who taught me my PLF's from a rock on the beach in San Juan, PR, back in 1970? :D
no I missed that war by one year.plf....thats a term that now means parachute leg fracture.
Oh, Yah ::)
Ground tackle is a definite - I agree on that - don't want to start anything up about chain vs rope rode (I use a combination - and really depends where you are anchoring how much of what).
I currently run with a Bruce, and intend on replacing my CQR (which I mistakenly lowered without connecting the chain to the rope 3 seasons back - argh - gone forever).
The skydiving thing is interesting but off topic - I've jumped a few times myself but don't consider a parachute a "can't live without" item - but to each their own. Now a parachute anchor - maybe.
Like to keep this going - come on - I'm sure some of you have some great suggestions.
I might agree on the storm sails - how about the other way? A DRS or spinnaker?
Thanks to all for your suggestions.
John
In response to Amorous's suggestions for points - I have indeed made the switch to an electronic ignition - anyone else with an Atomic IV - I highly recommend the electronic ignition.
I also carry a spare coil and plugs as spares.
Thanks again!
John
I haven't made the electronic conversion yet, but am doing so before spring launch. Has everyone used the kit from Moyer, or will any 4 cylinder kit work? There's quite a price difference.
As far as sails go, I carry all hank on sails which give me peace of mind but are a pain in the ass, so I am considering roller furling. My sail locker includes; Main w/2 sets of reef points, slab reefing. 70% working jib which I hardly ever use. 110% jib which I use as my working jib both alone, and with the main set. 170% genoa which is fun if there's no one around to run into and the one I am considering recutting for a roller furling system. And I carry a spinnaker and pole for light air....I hate motoring!
I use the pillow sham idea too! Thought I was the only one!
I also have not made electronic conversion yet, One of the winter/rainy season projects...
I installed the electronic ignition offered by Indigo electronics 3 years ago. I purchased it with a spare coil and am pleased to say I haven't had the occassion to use it. I replace the spark plugs every season, so I have no idea how long they would last - just a maintenance thing for me.
The Indigo ignition is the only one I can speak of. I can tell you they sent a kit with very clear instructions (which makes a huge difference) and everything installed cleanly. Several times I have had some engine troubles (rebuilt it completely earlier this year) but never once has it been the ignition (in spite of loads of dockmates suggesting it was).
They can be found at: http://www.atomic4.com/
Good luck.
Looking for Caribbean cruisers's opinions on DRS sails.
Thanks again
John
Geeze BEER or Rum - the lack of an ice maker is a pain but a good kooler keeps the beer kold for about 5 days aftrer that switch to a nice sipping rum.
Other than that - I keep very little as far as extra sails on board (drifter Asym chute and a tri radial chute) the spare main and some hank ons may find there way on for a trip. My main and 150 roller are about 3yrs old and have about 130-150 sailing days on them.
For the engine (8hp outboard) extra fuel line and bubble spare plugs and a bottle of foot lube - for a trip I would add another 12gals of fuel mix and a gal of oil - maybe a spare prop and impeller
I keep spare new line for halyards and that does not get used for anything else and I have old halyards that I can use as heaving lines or ???
My 'ditch bag' has a towels, shirts and shorts, bottled water, some power bars, first aid kit and I throw all the valuables in that when I get on the boat - money id etc
other essentials: binoculars,HH VHF, HH GPSs,bottled water, music and beer
Quote from: Amorous on December 28, 2005, 04:06:41 PM
I haven't made the electronic conversion yet, but am doing so before spring launch. Has everyone used the kit from Moyer, or will any 4 cylinder kit work? There's quite a price difference.
I remember reading somewhere on a A4 site, that many many parts and kits for a volvo will fit the A4
Okay, this may sound crazy but most of the mentioned I consider necessary and have on my boat. The first thing I installed was a new sound system with speakers down below and in the cockpit. When we leave the breakwater and shut off the engine the first duty of my first mate (wife) is to put on the music. Nothing better than the sound of the wind, full sails and beautiful music. This is my favorite time on the boat.
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This morning it looked so nice out I thought I'd leave it out.
S/V "Tina Marie" Cal 2-27
I turn on the music while I'm getting the boat ready to leave the mooring - it's the first thing that happens right after the beer cooler is put away.
Easy answer. How could I live without an autopilot. Can't reach the rum and ice without it.....
Other than the obvious of sunscreen, drinking water and coffee???
The OFFICIAL Flag!!!!!
(http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b289/Kailyst/Misc%20Pics/JollyRogerMartiniFlag.jpg)
LOL! I love it! :D
So OK what do you do for fun when your at anchor or underway. Here is what I have on board for those odd moments.
1. A pocket Kite Para sail design multi colors. I have sailed it underway it a blast or sail it when anchored . If Im meeting someone its easy to find my boat just look for the kite you can see it for miles. Might be good in the rescue kit too.
2. Water Cannon self explanitory
3. Balloon Launcher
4. Shrimp dipper always fun for kids at the dock.
5. Bubbles I usually have a few bottles of bubbles from the dollar store to give away to the kids or just have fun with. Might try one of the big bubble toys.
6. Project in work = Deck Cannon for announcing arrivals , waking the anchorage or repeling boarders .
I keep Backgammon, Mancala, and BattleShip on the boat. I was gonna add a tennis ball cannon but decided that having to go around to pick up the 'ammo' would be a pain in the ass.
Might be a pain but think of the uses - you'll be waiting for those wake masters of the deep - or practicing your aim at jet skiiers (overheard one sailor down the St. Lawrence refer to jet skis as River Lice).
LOL ;D
I'll second the Kite. Something just seems right about flying a kite from a sailboat. :)
Snorkle(sp) gear, I swim whenever it is warm enough, mask also helps out when scrubbing the bottom. Funny, you can see some interesting things in places you might not have expected.
Fishing gear, (not always a toy though). Once was asked if 'you can fish off that thing...?' Answer, any boat my wife steps aboard is a fishing boat. ;D
Hey I forgot about the games. There all on the lap top too. Even a sailing simulator.
Zen's Gaming Supplies:
Kites (2), backgammon, Mah Jong, Chess, Chinese Checkers, computer/video games
Holy s..t 'Chinese checkers'..haven't thought of or heard of that game for YEARS...cool. When I was young I used to play with a friends Granny (and now I'm old enough to be a grandpa)
hahaha
I am a grandpa! :o
Ah...a simple item used daily,can't have enough of(they jump overboard)and have multiple uses.........'cloths pins'
Plain old deck of cards, wife and I play strip poker. (When its warm out)
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This morning it looked so nice out I thought I'd leave it out.
S/V "Tina Marie" Cal 2-27
Simple necessities:
Anyone have experience with Dutchman products?-One is a sailflaking system with lines from the boom to the topping lift threaded through the sail. The other is a boom brake/jibe preventer.
I have the Dutchman sail system on my boat. I am VERY pleased with it. Only thing I do not like its I can not put a tarp over the whole boom, because of the lines, so I do just a section of it. over the cockpit
Main sail is very easy to use. Does a great job on making it easy to get the sail put away. I can EASYLY do multi-reefing. I had to get the sail cover special made but found someone to do it on Ebay, for under 200.00 with special touches I wanted.
I almost had the preventer, but I did not bid enough and missed the sale on Ebay. However I have heard good things about them.
LOL @ Dave. :)
Books and games. I do have a kite, but its been in the car for 6+ months, maybe I'll manage to get it down to the boat this spring. :)
I've got a nice Mancala board, and a number of small, folding games from the $1 Store (chess, chinese checkers, 'gammon, etc) as well as playing cards.
A couple of knot/splice books, and fids.
A StarScope for if it's nighttime.
I need to find someone to try out Dave's strip poker idea with... Now *that* would be fun! ;D
Speaking of kites. I once saw a couple of guys on a sailboat 30' or so, in the Indian River who had one of those BIG sailboard kites flying. The wind was real light in the protection of the river and they were just screwing around with the sails down, but they were moving!
Well, this is wandering off-topic, but there is a company selling kites intended to outperform spinnakers in many instances.
Kiteship (http://www.kiteship.com/index.html)
Currently they do not really recommend use of their kites by singlehanders (see FAQ's page), but I would like to experiment with the things, or something similar, with an eye towards Milk Run sailing. If you could set it and forget it, I can see where it would have some advantages even over twinned headsails, such as no chafe.
Maybe someday... :)
I left Carrabelle Marina to cross the Gulf to Tarpon Springs. Another boat of 3 guys headed out at the same time. Along with beer drinking, they were shooting skeet off the bow of the boat and hitting golf balls. TOO FUNNY!!
I keep wine, fishing and snorkle gear and Latts and Atts. :) I love to dingy to the beach and take walks.
way back in the late 1970s my father had a 23 foot motor boat.... well we were anchored so this counts....while scuba diving off of molasses reef in the florida keys......no spearfishing allowed in the state park...and the patrol boats had all sorts of confiscated spearguns to prove it....but rod and reel fishing totally acceptable....we would take fishing rods ...complete with bait and all ...down to the reef and go fishing under water.great fun.... but the hooked fish actually did attract sharks.... so we had to leave the water once. ;D
Hate the dutchman system. We have it on several boats in our fleet (http://www.windworkssailing.com/) and each one has given us problems, from extra chafe on the sails to having the lines pin on the leach to having the sailcover not line up after a year or two of shrinking to not being able to adjust the topping lift to etc etc.
It's a great idea in theory, like so many other things, but in practice I think it takes a great deal of setting up and working through to get it right. I still prefer a full batten main with retractable lazy jacks.
:o
QuotePillow shams. These pillow covers are available in bed and bath stores and are a great place to store sweaters, fleece clothing and extra bedding, and turn them into back rests.
I was at the REI store (http://www.rei.com)in Corte Madera, and found the perfect 'next step' for this idea. I have never used pillow shams, but having slept on jackets and the like as pillows I usually wind up with a button, or a zipper right where my face wants to be.
The REI store (http://www.rei.com) had these Pillow stuff sacks (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47943690&parent_category_rn=4500447&vcat=REI_SEARCH) that had a fleece liner. You would probably fill them up with nearly anything and sleep well. I have my extra blanket, and spare clothes in two of them. Wish I had picked up one more.
I also bought a couple of their really heave duty mesh stuff sacks. Much better quality then the flimsy ones you usually come across.
Craig -
Taking a fleece jacket, and stuffing it into it's own arm works as pillow pretty well. That's what I use when backpacking. :)
I think it is in Cost Conscious Cruiser that the Pardeys talk about using fleece-lined stuff sacks, turned inside out and filled, as spare pillows. It's a good idea.
Watsongs - Thanks for the info, its valuable to hear what people who have certain systems/gadgets have to say about them. Also, I looked at your site and checked out the charter rates, since I'd like to sail that part of the coast sometime, but don't see myself getting there any time soon in my own boat. Looks good! If the opportunity comes up, I'll be in touch regarding that. Welcome aboard sailFar, too!
I just purchased some zippered pillow shams from Ikea. They are intended for the long cylinder style bolster pillows. We are using them for clothes storage. The last time my girls came with me for three week cruise they came with all kinds of clothes. We have managed to narrow that down but still have an issue as to where to keep all of the extra clothes. We are remodeling the cabin somewhat and decided to add a couple of cushions which will make the settess look more like couches and less like sleeping berths, during the day. The small area that is created behind the new cushions will hide these clothes holding pillow shams - at least thats the plan.
Cheers!
John
See the pillow in this picture? It's one of four that we have aboard Tehani. That's a Mola from the San Blas Islands on the front, made by the Cuna Indians.
There's a velcroed opening in the back of each one of them. Several have blankets, one has a set of long johns and a sweater for Laura.
Can't temember where I got the idea, but we've used it on our last two boats now. Really works great and simple to make- hey- Even *I* could probably do it :)
(http://downloads.c-2.com/photos/1141786468.jpg)
Quote from: Jack Tar on January 02, 2006, 02:04:12 PM
So OK what do you do for fun when your at anchor or underway. Here is what I have on board for those odd moments.
1. A pocket Kite Para sail design multi colors. I have sailed it underway it a blast or sail it when anchored . If Im meeting someone its easy to find my boat just look for the kite you can see it for miles. Might be good in the rescue kit too. ......
FWIW, just re-stockled my kite locker. Was walking the ship's master - at - arms past the dollar store this weekend. They had kites, 2 for a buck! in the window.
hard to go wrong with a $.50 kite.... (well, I will let you know how they work out.) ;D
I have to remember to get a kite and try it, never have. Maybe it would be more fun naked...but only on a warm day.
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This morning it looked so nice out I thought I'd leave it out.
S/V "Tina Marie" Cal 2-27
My essential item (other then the obvious stuff) is some really good waterproof flashlights. Not too big, not the signalling spotlights...just penlights or bigger so that you have personal light when you need it to handle fissly jobs at night or when something goes kersnap behing the engine. I alos have a few of those multi LED headband lamps on board, also nifty and usefull.
One of our other essentials is a big 4 litre pump-top thermos. This allows us to boil water in the morning and not need to do anything for a hot cup of tea or coffe other then hold the cup under the spigot and press the button a couple of times for most of the rest of the day. Surprisingly good for morale.
After hand steering for 14 hours on the same tack, I would have to say one of my essentials is a cute little waterproof nean-bag type cushion that can be wedged into any position and assumes any shape to give you a comfortable place to sit. I'm not kidding, 14 hours with a couple of 2 minute breaks to attend to nature's calls and my butt was only numb at the end of it. My brain was all the way to poridge.
Autohelm. For the best justification see above paragraph.
Alex.
I'd agree about the flashlights... I have about ten stashed all over the boat. A lot of them are the tiny LED type lights that have stupidly long battery life, and most have been loaded with the Energizer Lithium AA batteries to boot.
Two things that I can't be without aboard any boat—a good pocket multitool and a good rigging knife. The multitool I carry is a Leatherman ChargeTi, which is nice and light, but has full-sized pliers, a small set of scissors, and a screwdriver with interchangeable bits. The rigging knife i carry is a Boye's Cobalt Carbide knife. Has a marlinspike and locks open. It will never rust either. :D
Other things that I find useful:
A two-gallon bug sprayer bottle filled with fresh water. This is great for rinsing things down, including the crew on a hot day.
Instant hand sanitizer gel—helps keep your hands clean, and gets the smell of gasoliine out of your skin pretty well too. Also works to remove "sharpie permanent marker ink" from a lot of surfaces.
Microfiber camping towels from REI—These are light, compact, reallly absorb water, and dry pretty fast. They're made for campers, but are really great for sailors.
Mesh nylon storage bags—I use these in all sizes for all sorts of stuff. I have the spare blades for my composite prop and the prop nut wrench in one, I keep my toiletries in another, I keep a large one, lined with a trash bag, for trash (paper, plastic, etc). Another large one acts as a hamper.
I just acquired another gadget. ;D My MP3 Player arrived yesterday. I purchased a 20 GB Creative Zen in honor of our very own Zen. I thought it has to be good if it has a name like Zen. Being from the generation of albums, this is another "out of comfort zone" purchase. :D Since my big stereo will not fit on PD, not to mention draw power, I thought this was the ticket to my music needs.
Now to figure it all out. :D
Indeed Connie!!
THose are great, I got a smaller version myself! You will Love it!! ;D ;D
MP3 Players, whether Creative Zens or iPods are a great way to store a lot of music in a very compact space. I use an iPod in a waterproof housing out on the Pretty Gee all the time.
I am so excited!! I found some time to download some music on my MP3, purchased an FM tuner and played it this weekend on PD through my stereo. COOL!!!
So far the hammock and the MP3 player were gadgets I had to have after the trip to Pensacola trip. I had no idea what I was missing until then. When my sailing buddy Jenny heard about it, she ordered one off internet for her boat too. Just like highschool only now we are trading CD's instead of albums. :D
Hmm... trading CDs... better make sure that there are no RiAA spies on this site... ;)
a) Corkscrew and bottle opener
b) Spare Warm Clothing (for when yer thought the weather would be ok, but it weren't or when you get unexpectedly wet)
c) A Compass, a Watch, a Tidal Stream Atlas, a paper chart and a pencil - and the knowledge how to use them to get yerself home. and several GPS sets - (just in case ;D ;D)
d) A Knowledge of how your boats systems work, if not to fix them - so as to be able to work around the problem
e) An ability for the boat to function (and IMO preferably without much problem) without Electricity.
f) A "Proper sized" Anchor. and as much chain as you can carry.
g) Black Bin Bags, for wrapping up Clothes and Bedding when stored away.
h) Paper Towels - for cleaning hands and "stuff" when doing messey jobs.
i) Spare Engine Oil, plus basic spares for the Engine and tools for every nut and screw on the Engine - including the odd shaped ones :'(
j) A good tool kit - even if you can't use it all yerself, someone else might be able to.
K) Binoculars
l) Spare prescription glasses.
m) Cigarettes - lots of them ::)
o) A BOAT I HAD CONFIDENCE IN.
N) An ability to make a cuppa Tea..........nothing appears quite so bad after putting the kettle on 8) 8)
Obviously their are a few things on this list I would go to sea without............and I am sure I have missed a few things off ;D ;D ;D...........I might make a list / thread of things I would consider essential - to see how folks views compare........
I think this thread has wandered off from necessities the way people like the Pardeys would define them to "important comforts." That's great. I think we all know we need sails. It's the other things that bring comfort and enjoyment that are so interesting to consider.
The kite and pillow sham ideas for example are one's I'm thrilled to steal from y'all.
For my part (on a slightly larger boat on which I live aboard), I carry a laptop with a cellular card. On long day runs (like Annapolis to Solomon's Island, three times last year), with the laptop under the dodger I can surf the net, do work, or watch a DVD. I also have an iPod, playing cards, and backgammon for entertainment.
My PETZL is just fantastic. For reading, night repairs on deck etc., etc.
I can't do without it.
Best, Ged
Quote from: Ged on March 15, 2007, 06:58:52 AM
My PETZL is just fantastic. For reading, night repairs on deck etc., etc.
I can't do without it.
Best, Ged
FWIW i second that. I have a few of them(or the cheaper copies) all around the place. Great little helper.. Good for late reading too.
one oz fishing weights...good for fishing and for Personal Water Craft!
SHADE and more shade. We have a bimini for summer use with zippered side, back and front shades and a dodger with a tail piece again with zippered side and back shades. We made the side shades using HomeDepot UV window shade material. We also have full tent type covers bow to stern for use when sitting at the dock with the AC going.
:o You have A/C???