Oufittng Seahorse

[Chattcatdaddy]

Gonna start out with my list of things that need to be addressed before I start my adventure.

List:

Anchor and rode (Manson Supreme)
Stove (propane) Camping stove to start
Water tankage increase 5 5gal flex jugs
Line (various lengths/sizes as utility)
GPS x2 (basic models)
Depth/fish finder
Fishing gear (pole/net/reel/filet knife)
Galley supplies (Pots/pans/pressure cooker/food storage containers)
Battery (have 1 need another)
Solar panel and mounting system
Voltage regulator
Snorkel/dive gear
Cruising guides (Chesapeake/Bahamas)
Dinghy
Self-steering system (vane/sheet to tiller/ etc..)
LED cabin lights (Bebi)
Tools (any must haves?)
Tether/harness system

Would like to have a nice custom bimini and dodger, but budget does mot allow for these luxuries at this time. Gonna go with tarp over boom and bungees at anchor for a poor mans bimini.

Unsure of my power needs? Currently my demand will be from running lights/cabin lights and charging phone. Currently 1 battery on board with no charging capability and I will add 1 more. Anyone have an idea what size solar panel would keep up with my demand? I was thinking around 40-80 watts would do the job.

What spare parts does everyone carry onboard? Such as blocks/line/fastners/etc...

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated

[ntica]

I do not have the expertice to guide you, so I say Good luck with everything. (And I will keep a close I to this tread to learn)...

[Captain Smollett]

Gonna start out with my list of things that need to be addressed before I start my adventure.

List:

Solar panel and mounting system

Here's the basic design I am planning.  James has also sent me some ideas for modifying to suit my larger panel.

http://atomvoyages.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=222:the-solar-tracker&catid=91:cys&Itemid=527

Unsure of my power needs? Currently my demand will be from running lights/cabin lights and charging phone. Currently 1 battery on board with no charging capability and I will add 1 more. Anyone have an idea what size solar panel would keep up with my demand? I was thinking around 40-80 watts would do the job.

If all you need to power is LED cabin lights and your navigation lights, you won't need that much charging.  Let's say 1-2 amps for 8 or so hours....call it 10-12 amp-hr per day.  You get roughly 5 hours of charging from a panel per day, so, a 2 amp panel should be enough....a 35 Watt panel should be more than adequate.

Here's a thought just for pondering.  When designing the electrical system, most people make a list of everything they want to power and usually include losses and stuff like that.  This yields the energy budget (amp-hours per day).  Then they design a storage + charging system to meet that budget.

I took the opposite approach.  I decided first what charging capability I wanted (did not want) and set my budget around that.  That forced me to "fit" my "wants" into a budget I could realistically provide given the charging limitations I was imposing on my boat.

Other extreme?

Spoke to a fellow last year, a power boater who is thinking of making the move to a sailboat, and he was talking about putting multiple 300 Watt panels on his boat so he could operated an industrial deep freeze cooler.  Just wow.   :o

[CharlieJ]

Some answers, based on 2 1/2 years recently of cruising, Chesapeake, Bahamas, Gulf coast

Anchor and rode (Manson Supreme)-

No experience, but carry a second, different style anchor. Occasionally you run into area where one type won't work, but another will- a Danforth would be fine

(edited to add)- I carry 75 feet of G4 chain (plus nylon) on my main anchor, and was very glad of it.


Stove (propane) Camping stove to start----

Walmart sells a single burner Coleman propane stove that works well. We used one on the recent delivery trip. Just store the canisters outside once opened, and don't remove the one in use from the stove and it should be fine- cost $23.00

Water tankage increase 5 5gal flex jugs-

Plus some one gallon jugs stowed here and there. Much easier to use day to day than a five gallon, plus can be used to trim the boat. Be warned that the flex jugs ( I use Coleman's) don't last all that long. easy to hole, but sail repair tape works well as a patch.


Line (various lengths/sizes as utility)-

Yep- I carry a small bag with all sizes and lengths of line.


GPS x2 (basic models)-

Currently using the Garmin 76 Cx. I like it. Didn't bother with the charts sold seperately. I use chart books, etc


Depth/fish finder-

MUCH better deal than a dedicated depth sounder. Shows type of bottom.


Fishing gear (pole/net/reel/filet knife)-

Yep- and a rod holder for trolling. I have three rods aboard- a heavy one, a light action, and a collapsible ultra light. LOTS of fun in the Bahamas, casting to fish you can see swimming around the anchor chain.

Galley supplies (Pots/pans/pressure cooker/food storage containers)-

Pressure cooker for sure- can be a secure pot in rough stuff- lid locks on. Also a teapot for heating water. For food storage- definitely the very best is the Lock and Lock containers-

http://www.locknlockplace.com/index.php/food-containers/plastic-series-airtight.html

Expensive and worth every penny. I store electronics, batteries, food, spices, in them. Completely air tight.


Battery (have 1 need another)- Maybe, maybe not. Had two, dropped back to one.


Solar panel and mounting system-

Yep- used a 32 watt panel mounted on Bimini. Only had to use battery charger 4 times in 2 1/2 years- two
of those on my single hand trip back home- winter low sun angle, bad weather.

Voltage regulator-

Charge controller? Definitely. I used a Morningstar controller. When it conked out , 5 days before warranty did, they shipped me a new one. Good folks.

http://www.solar-electric.com/mochco.html


Snorkel/dive gear-

ABSOLUTELY


Cruising guides (Chesapeake/Bahamas)-

For the Bahamas, the Explorer chart books are THE best.


Dinghy-

One with a small outboard is the best. Lots of dive, anchoring, fishing places are a long row. Not that you can't row, but a small, OB is sure nice- I used a 2.2 HP.


Self-steering system (vane/sheet to tiller/ etc..)-

And a tiller pilot if you can manage it. Sheet to tiller works very well, and once you work things out, easy to use- Good website here-

www.jsward.com/steering/index.shtml

(Edited to fix above link)

LED cabin lights (Bebi)-

Bebi anchor light for sure. Also for cabin lights.. I got all my interior lights from Defender.


Tools (any must haves?)-

Regular mech tools, plus electrical stuff- wire stripper, crimper, etc. Plus heat shrink tubing. extra wire.


Tether/harness system-

For sure. I have a hard point in Tehani's cockpit just outside the companionway. My tether reaches below, and to the mast with out unhooking. For going forward I rig a jack line and clip to that, but usually don't bother inshore (yeah, yeah- but- my life, my rules)

Would like to have a nice custom bimini and dodger, but budget does mot allow for these luxuries at this time. Gonna go with tarp over boom and bungees at anchor for a poor mans bimini.-

For several years, including two trips Tex - Fl and back, I used a bimini with a frame made from EMT tubing- cost about $30 bucks, not counting fittings. Finally rusted, but held up ok for about 3 years. Sailrite sells a CD on sewing a bimini. Try your best to get one- worth as much as the main sail-(seriously) Tarp for an awning is ok for at anchor- cruised several years in the 80s with that setup

Unsure of my power needs? Currently my demand will be from running lights/cabin lights and charging phone. Currently 1 battery on board with no charging capability and I will add 1 more. Anyone have an idea what size solar panel would keep up with my demand? I was thinking around 40-80 watts would do the job.--

See above. You'll also need power for a VHF and depth sounder (fish finder) but you're thinking is good.

What spare parts does everyone carry onboard? Such as blocks/line/fastners/etc...-

I  set up a plastic box- one with dividers inside, with an assortment of screws and machine screws. I settled on three sizes of machine screws- 14-20, 10-32 and 10-24 -carried a tap and die for each. Also  an assortment of various lengths # 6, 8, 10 pan head and flat head screws. All in one box about 6 x 10 or so.

Spare sail  slugs or slides for main, spare jib hanks, extra shackles for anchor (galv) and for rigging (stainless)

Rebuild kits for pumps- galley foot pump, bilge pump

add a decent pair of binoculars.

Also- I use a pump-up sprayer, which lives in the cockpit, for many things- rinsing dishes, showers, etc. Mine came from Duckworks- comes all set up-

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/gear/shower/index.htm

REALLY like mine and use it nearly every day.

Oh- and have fun!!

[CharlieJ]

Other extreme?

Spoke to a fellow last year, a power boater who is thinking of making the move to a sailboat, and he was talking about putting multiple 300 Watt panels on his boat so he could operated an industrial deep freeze cooler.  Just wow.   :o

I've seen more than one boat out there- with TWO wind generators, and 4 or 5 solar panels PLUS a generator. Makes me just shake my head in wonder.

[jpfx]

If you haven't come across this pdf then give it a scan.

I didn't look around to check if this is covered anywhere else (I'm sure it is) but some things bear repeating:
http://sfbaysss.org/tipsbook/

[Captain Smollett]

If you haven't come across this pdf then give it a scan.

I didn't look around to check if this is covered anywhere else (I'm sure it is) but some things bear repeating:
http://sfbaysss.org/tipsbook/

Wow, what a great resource!  Grog for posting that.

In my first quick scanning read, here's my favorite part so far, founded tucked away in the chapter on electrical systems:

So the singlehander faces two options: first is to
attend university for four years to receive a
degree in electronics engineering; second is to
drastically reduce the amount of electronics on
board. I prefer the second option.

I AM A SAIL BOAT. I NEED ONLY WIND
TO MOVE MY MASTER SAFELY AND
COMFORTABLY TO ANY PORT IN THE
WORLD.

This should be engraved on a bronze plaque and
mounted inside every singlehanders boat.

[David_Old_Jersey]

IMO a Dodger well worth some effort.

For a poor mans Dodger (a Sprayhood over here!) instead of using s/s ($$$  :() use Aluminium as cheaper and easy to bend by self  - or even plastic tube!......won't be as strong as s/s of course but will still be as rigid when deployed (and it doesn't have to be capable of folding down) - won't be able to sit on top of the Dodger frame, but the easy answer to that is - don't sit on top of the Dodger frame!

Sewing will still be a PITA  ;D......................but if you sacrifice some beauty for functionality (and use a bit of cunning - and a Hammer! - to knock in pop studs) then perfectly doable .....you can upgrade to a s/s frame later. or not. Same for parts of the Dodger itself that may not have turned out as hoped - especially if you luck onto someone with a sewing machine  :).

Have Fun  :)

[Chattcatdaddy]

If you haven't come across this pdf then give it a scan.

I didn't look around to check if this is covered anywhere else (I'm sure it is) but some things bear repeating:
http://sfbaysss.org/tipsbook/

Strangely enough it seems I have already downloaded the pdf and completely forgot about it until my pc reminded I already have a file with the same title. ???

Getting some really great advice and cant thank everyone enough.  I am busy making notes and trying to get ready to place some orders here in the next week.

IMO a Dodger well worth some effort.

A dodger would be wonderful. Might have to give the poor mans dodger a good long look. A nice dodger will be my first big project when the time/money is right.

http://www.locknlockplace.com/index.php/food-containers/plastic-series-airtight.html

Expensive and worth every penny. I store electronics, batteries, food, spices, in them. Completely air tight.

Charge controller? Definitely. I used a Morningstar controller. When it conked out , 5 days before warranty did, they shipped me a new one. Good folks.

http://www.solar-electric.com/mochco.html

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/gear/shower/index.htm

Thanks for the advice and links. Solar panel prices are not as high as I imagined. Guess prices have gone down over the past few years.

I really like those containers and the price is not all that bad considering they have locking lids. Problem is trying to figure how many I will need and what sizes to order. Can always supplement with some from Wallyworld if needed.

Also if anyone is interested Wallyworld has 3/8 100ft braided line for $5. I snatched a couple never know where I could use it.

[David_Old_Jersey]

What spare parts does everyone carry onboard? Such as blocks/line/fastners/etc...

Any recommendations are greatly appreciated

Spares - Anything consumable / within my (limited!) skillset for the engine. I also have a box of screws / nuts and bolts / washers etc plus various bits & bobs collected over the years that may be useful for fixing stuff (or cobbling up a temporary fix) - but in practice probably most won't ever be used.

Tools - mainly the basic stuff (Screwdrivers / pliers etc - plus a socket set) but including any special tools for items onboard (my engine has a couple). Am presently finishing off the refurb / refit so the boat is fairly well loaded with tools - certainly far more than will be kept onboard, what I found surprising was when I set up a day to day toolbox that the tools collected in it (as I used them) were fairly limited - except for specific jobs (hopefuly most of these can be dispensed with)......might want to do the same and see what you actually use, in addition to those that would be nice to have onboard "just in case".

[Captain Smollett]

Spares - Anything consumable / within my (limited!) skillset for the engine. I also have a box of screws / nuts and bolts / washers etc plus various bits & bobs collected over the years that may be useful for fixing stuff (or cobbling up a temporary fix) -

At the risk of being seen as ALWAYS counter-pointing, I did want to mention one caution.

It's VERY easy to accumulate too much "junk" on the boat, especially in the form of "I might need this some day."   I'm trying to do better with this.  I'm thinking in particular of the box of screws/washers/nuts I have that does not have any two of the same thing it and I don't know what half of them are material-wise.

but in practice probably most won't ever be used.

This part needs to be repeated to oneself very often.  True, it's better (to a point) to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it, but with some careful thought, "need" can be contained to a rather small set of spares.

Having a KISS boat in the first place helps, too.  Removing things that spares are needed for and you remove the need for spares!  Cool!

That's another reason the "need 45 feet" crowd has gained traction.  Showers, chartplotters, refrigerators, engines, get-sets, wind generators etc all need "time" to maintain but also "stuff" to maintain.  Since it can break any time, and we tend to operate in a state of fear of having some perceived "need" break unexpectedly, we have to be able to repair on a moment's notice.

Hence...two tons of "spares" and the requisite space to store it all.

This is another area where I'm trying to take a backward approach...like the electrical system.  Instead of thinking about what I "need" to carry...I'm defining a space to put it in.  That's the designated "spares" locker, and it must all fit in there.  Period. 

Do I REALLY need to carry x, y and z, or what can wait until I get into port?  Is that for a 'critical system' that the boat must have to operate safely?  I think it was Lin and Larry that advocated the notion of putting off non-critical repairs until they were 'convenient' to do...not to think the everything on the boat had to be "100% system ready" at all times.

I'm taking a hard look at engine spares in this latter category and thinking once again about the concept of pretending my boat is engineless.  I remove a whole bunch of spares and do-dads and tools if I adopt the mindset that "well, if the engine dies, I'll fix it when I get there" rather than trying to have a full-on mechanics shop on board with me.

Truthfully, if I'm motoring and not sailing anyway, I'm most likely near enough to repair facilities and stores to get what I need.

Also, think of all the money tied up in "spares," all that stuff that will likely never get used.  My approach requires the discipline of having a "kitty" for urgent repair parts to be purchased that is never touched....

I'm not talking about a "nothing" approach...just, well, minimalist.  What do I think I will REALLY need?

Engine:  Spark plugs, spare fuel line fittings (those little snap on things tend to wear out a lot in my experience), spare fuel line pump, spare sheer pins, maybe a water impeller and that's about it.

Accommodations: Rebuild kit for the head, bilge pump and waste pump and I cannot think of anything else right off.

The Rig and Ground Tackle will comprise the bulk of my spares I think:  I have two sizes of turnbuckle in the rig, some rigging wire and spare sta-locks, a small set of shackles and similar hardware.

Like Charlie, I like the small set of fasteners approach vice "one of every conceived size, shape and design."  Some wood for emergency repair of a hatch of portlight would add to peace of mind.

There's probably some other stuff, too, but that's the bulk of it.

Compared to the stuff I recently off-loaded from the boat, that's a VERY spartan list.  I threw away probably close to 200 lbs of junk, and I was amazed at how much of my available space that junk was consuming.  99% of it I had not touched since purchasing the boat five years ago.

[tomwatt]

I like the idea of the "I am using it" toolbox being developed/maintained. I also recall reading an article - it may have been by the Pardey's - in which such a proposal resulted in the sudden use of a whole range of tools that had been gathering dust for a while. As a former backpacker, I am big on the idea of bringing along things that can have multiple uses, but wary of things that purport to do everything, but in the end do nothing very well.
Spares, tools, questions etc. prompts me to ponder whether or not I really need something. Is the system really critical to operation or is it just "nice to have"? A coffeemaker is not a critical system, so long as I have SOME method of making coffee. Steering is critical. So is some method of propulsion... and on and on. Size/weight of "spares" makes a difference too. I can more easily carry 2 extra washers than I can 2 extra anchors.

[ntica]

Here's much great info! A question: How long can I "store" water in the boat? Is there any "risk" of "old water" if keept dark and a bit cold???

[CharlieJ]

With a few drops of Clorox in the tank, I've kept drinkable water for over 6 months. Any longer than that, I prefer to empty the tank, shock it with a heavy dose of Clorox, pump it dry, flush it and start over. Of course it's pretty warm down here most of the time.

[CharlieJ]

One thing I forgot in my earlier post,

I ALWAYS have a quantity of underwater epoxy aboard. What I have is known as "Black and Yellow" and gets mixed with wet hands.

When we slammed bottom in a squall and cracked the hull, I dove under and almost stopped the leak with a handful of it. Kept it under control til we could haul.

[gpdno]

I don't keep many spares on the boat, but I do have an extra fuel filter on board.  Even though it's a sailboat I do motor in and out of the ICW.  A motor quitting while your trying to enter the channel the night can offer quite a bit of excitement - trust me  ::)

Greg

[David_Old_Jersey]

I like the idea of the "I am using it" toolbox being developed/maintained. I also recall reading an article - it may have been by the Pardey's - in which such a proposal resulted in the sudden use of a whole range of tools that had been gathering dust for a while.

I would like to say that my "I am using it" toolbox was the result of lots of thinking, but really only came about because I got peed off with never being able to find things!

Still, have lots of refining down on the tools front (am intending a day to day toolbox, Engine work, Socket set, Electrical box and rarely used but damned useful!)  - but my transition to living aboard (end of March?) will involve keeping access to a workshop / store (aka a garage, sans car!), so I don't have to make any hard decisions initially and can revise my onboard toolbox(s) as I go along.

And on the keeping stuff "just in case"? Lol! I understand that only too well! (you should see the garage), I am a magpie, but can also be ruthless on de-cluttering.....we'l see how that works out.

[tomwatt]

And on the keeping stuff "just in case"? Lol! I understand that only too well! (you should see the garage), I am a magpie, but can also be ruthless on de-cluttering.....we'l see how that works out.

Magpie. Sounds like a good name for a cruising boat!
;D

[Chattcatdaddy]

I have been preparing to place an order from Defender and they may make me customer of the month. ;D

Here is the order cart so far:

Manson Supreme 25 lbs
G4 HT chain 3/8" 40ft
Braided Line 5/8" 150ft (would 1/2" be suffice?)
Shackles
Locking wire (cotter pins better?)
Harness/Tether
Padeyes x5 folding (jackline set-up)
Nylon webbing 1" approx 40ft
Sailpatch/tape/thread

Comes to around $1100 w/shipping

Order to placed in the next 7-10 days

The padeyes seemed a little pricey at $28 a piece. Any other alternatives?

[Captain Smollett]

I have been preparing to place an order from Defender and they may make me customer of the month. ;D

Fun Times!

Here is the order cart so far:

...

G4 HT chain 3/8" 40ft
Braided Line 5/8" 150ft (would 1/2 be suffice?)

...

Locking wire (cotter pins better?)

...

Padeyes x5 folding (jackline set-up)

...

The padeyes seemed a little pricey at $28 a piece. Any other alternatives?

Questions/Comments:

Do you really need 3/9" G4 chain?  I'm only using 5/16" G4 on the A-30 and she's almost twice the weight on an Ariel.

5/8" vs 1/2" for the line is to a degree personal preference.  Some will say that going too large will decrease your "stretch damping" effect that the nylon gives you, but then you lower breaking strength, too.  I've got 5/8" on the primary (35 lb Manson) but 1/2" on the secondary (33 lb claw).

By "Locking Wire," do you me for the shackles in the ground tackle?  If so, I personally would stay away from cotter pins.  I use nylon zip ties to secure my shackle pins.

In fact, I've even used those little mild-steel but coated twist ties that come on stuff like a loaf of bread or holding a wire in a bundle.  These are cheap (free) and since they get inspected often, no biggie.  I had several sets stay submerged for 18 months in brackish water and were still intact.  I threw them away at that time.

For that matter, I've even used ordinary fiber string or twine, though not recommended.  In this case, I 'backed it up' with several wraps of duct tape.

I've come to conclusion to generally avoid folding padeyes...I think it was Dan/AdrifAtSea that convinced me a while back they have some big downsides.

Good luck feeding your hole in the water!  ;)