Small boat Necessities - what can't you live without

[Zen]

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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[Solace]

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

[Amorous]

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!

[Jack Tar]

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. 

[Dougcan]

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...

[The Edge]

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.

[CapnK]

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...

[starcrest]

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.

[The Edge]

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

[starcrest]

no I missed that war by one year.plf....thats a term that now means parachute leg fracture.

[The Edge]

Oh, Yah ::)

[Solace]

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

[Solace]

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

[Amorous]

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!

[Amorous]

I use the pillow sham idea too!  Thought I was the only one!

[Zen]

I also have not made electronic conversion yet, One of the winter/rainy season projects...

[Solace]

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

[captedteach]

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

[Zen]

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

[Skipper Dave]

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