Cruising Essentials?

rnbenton

rnbenton

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Some time ago, back last summer I think, I recall a thread about essential equipment, both need-to-have and nice-to-have, when cruising the Bahamas and out islands. I also recall that there were some very good suggestions in that thread including both reference books and equipment.

The problem is, I've lsot it and can't find it.

Does anyone else remember it and can you tell me where to find it? I'd really like to find it again as opposed to starting a new thread. :)

Bob
 
Since I can't find it either, what the heck:

Spare parts, filter and the tools to use them.

Hand held VHF and hand help GPS.

Proper anchor with a good amount of chain and a snubber if using all chain.

Snorkel gear, gloves, skin, rash guard top (or wet suit) and spears. (remember, it's legal to spear lobster in the Bahamas)

Unlocked cell with BaTelCo sim card. Or BaTelCo pay as you go phone.

Explorer chart kits of the Bahamas.

Couple of cruising guides of the areas you will be going.

Water maker is nice. But not mandatory.

The green long life veggie storage bags.

Either bring a lot of your own beer in or learn to like rum.

Ice maker is nice.

Sunscreen and a big hat.

Polarized sunglasses and the ability to read the water/bottom.

Digital camera. (underwater housing is nice.)

SSB radio receiver to listen to Chris Parker's forecast is nice.

Some kind of WiFi booster amp and antenna set up.

BBQ grill.

Folding beach chairs.

Binocs.

Dock side water filter.

On board filter.

Fishing gear.

"Pickapeppa" sauce.

Some one to show you how to clean couch. (And spell it correctly :-)) conch

Walking shoes or sandals.

Water shoes.

Bug spray.

Light rain gear.
 
SatPhone
Liferaft
EPIRB 1 as a minimum (PLB's & Strobes) on your Mustangs)
Emersion suits
A well provisioned liferaft.
SOLAS Flares
Wet suites with gloves and boots are nice.
A watermaker is a great addition (12VDC)
I always like to have a few ropes under the helm seating with snap clips (stainless) the rule don't leave the vessel unless it is burning. Once you have to leave make sure you are tied to your partner and the raft, I don't want to watch my wife float away, hence the ropes and stainless snaps (caribiners).
Bill
 
Bill:
"The green long life veggie storage bags."

What?????
 
The same things that make a great weekending cruising boat. Plenty of battery power so that genny or propulsion engine will not need to be run just for batterys. Fresh water capacity, lots of it. Estimate 10-12 gal per person per day. Preferably a single diesel with a large tank so that the trip is not determined by where the nearest fuel dock is.

All that other stuff above.
 
Bruce, Bill is referring to "Debby Meyer's Green Bags". Fruits and vegetables stored in them last longer.
 
Depending on your length of stay I'd recommend a small freezer and an inverter. Since your boat is higher up in the water now, I'll say two 8-Ds to 1.5 or 2kw inverter might work well for you. Get a combiner and a heavy duty alternator.

Sat TV or Track-it TV.

The notion of a water maker never paying for itself is legit but when they work they are very convenient and can save 200-300 bucks a month if you are doing laundry. Figure 30 gallons a load of laundry. If you have a small water tank the water maker will make your stay much easier on the brain and your showers will be much more pleasant.

Spare anchor and rode equivalent to the main.

We also got into the Sodastream home soda deal and while it is a questionable return on investment if you use soda with rum or gin like we do you will save space! The syrup bottles are small and provide many liters of soda. A case of Soda is at least 15 bucks a case over here. Just as bad as beer IMHO.

A dink is a must. Preferably RIB. Tow one (carefully) if you must. Seen many do the towing deal.

Spare sunglasses.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Capt. Bill1

Since I can't find it either, what the heck:

Some one to show you how to clean couch.

Click to expand...


Man...it can be a rough world out there some days. :)
 
Just remember that the more weight you carry the more fuel you burn. Just a thought....Is carrying all that extra water compare to the cost of diesel?
 
Dan's right, get a tender of some kind to tow. Opens up all sorts of fun possibilities. Even if it's a cheap aluminum skiff of some kind.
 
Cutlasses and cannon, or more modern firearms to repel pirates, drug runners or other bad guys who wish to do you harm
 
P.S. I might part with our Avon for the right price. :D We're considering an upward move in the dink arena. The Sea of Abaco is too much for it with a foot or two of chop and it's a 340 with 18HP 4 stroke electric start only three years old.

If you go aluminum make sure it has floatation in case things go wrong.
 
Thanks Nancy & Bill: They sound great but I checked the web site but don’t understand how they are better or different than regular bags.
 
Bruce it's all part of the green revolution.
 
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