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Tips for a successful overnighter?

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pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/18/2012 : 10:44:16

This friday, I am planning on taking my family (wife and 2 children - 5 and 11) on our first overnight trip on our boat. We are not going anywhere in particular, just plan to sail around on the bay from late afternoon until sunset, drop the hook near Island Beach State Park and then sail for a little while Saturday morning and head home.

We've never done this, so I am looking for tips for a successful trip. The Admiral is a bit of a tentative sailor but this year has gained some confidence after a few really good experiences. The kids are excited about the trip, but don't know what to expect.

I see accommodations going as follows - the Admiral and I in the v-berth, one child on a settee and one in the quarter-berth (we have not done a mod to allow a nice air mattress across the salon, but might depending on how things go.)

Provisions will be reasonably simple - dinner will probably be sandwiches we bring aboard. Breakfast will be pancakes (ready mix) and bacon and perhaps eggs. There will be ample generally forbidden snacks (chips, candy, etc.) to keep the kids happy.

Ipad will be fully charged and will have games and movies to keep the kids entertained.

Now your thoughts...

Pat Duffy
1984 SK/SR #4113
Slàinte

Edited by - on

awetmore
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1144 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 11:38:45

Schedule in a little bit of on-land time if possible. We've done two overnighters so far, and the one that involved walking around a cute town was more popular than the one where we stayed on the boat for 36+ hours.

I think that the queen bed mod will get in the way on a somewhat crowded boat as kids will need to climb over your bed to get to the head (unless they both sleep in the v-berth). Even just with the two of us that hasn't been a mod that we've found necessary or beneficial.

Edited by - on

Prospector
Master Marine Consultant

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Canada
3159 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 11:59:22

Our first night on the hook, I spent in the cockpit. It was surprisingly comfortable and we were far enough offshore that bugs weren't an issue. I was concerned about anchor set and drifting. At first I went to bed in teh V-berth, but then every time I went to check teh anchor, I woke up everyone. Sleeping in the cockpit meant a quick check just meant lifting my head.

If possible, I would set the hook while you still have lots of daylight. Then you can be sure you have teh anchor set, and you can observe your drift.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 12:18:58

I know this is Wednesday, and forecasts are about as reliable as that groundhog, but have you checked this:
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=39.612036199336956& lon=-74.17144775390625& site=jax& unit=0& lg=& FcstType=text

Claims 21 knots on Friday night....

I am guessing, but I think about 40-50% of my overnighters, or trips, have been blown-out by the weather. However, they are wrong more than they are right. You will need to be flexible if the weather doesn't cooperate.

Anyway, some of the best dinners have been cooked on the boat on the grill. Highly recommend if you don't have one.

Edited by - on

TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 12:24:19

Morning Bloody Mary's

The main key is to relax, this is suppose to be a fun, enjoyable trip, just roll with what happens and have fun. Your attitude will set the tone.

Looks like you have have pretty good plan, remember what worked and what didn't for the next one. Although we have the cabin set up for a queen size bed, most of the time we end up sleeping in the cockpit.

I agree with Prospector, set the hook in plenty of daylight, and don't rush.

Have fun!

Edited by - TCurran on 07/18/2012 12:26:56

John Russell
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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 13:00:30

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> The Admiral is a bit of a tentative sailor <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> From NWS forecast Friday Night: ENE wind 15 to 17 kt. A chance of showers. Seas around 2 ft.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I think I'd combine the first overnight with your trip to that restaurant and stay on the mooring ball. I think the tentative sailors among you might be a little more comfortable. I'd wait for quieter conditions for the first night on the hook.

Edited by - John Russell on 07/18/2012 13:01:20

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 13:43:59

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">From NWS forecast Friday Night: ENE wind 15 to 17 kt. A chance of showers. Seas around 2 ft.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
See, good news, they have already lowered the wind forecast for friday night and that's only been in the last half hour....

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 14:07:21

Weather will, of course, be the deciding factor. There is nothing magic about needing to do this overnight this weekend. I won't even take the Admiral out sailing if it's blowing 20kts.

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 14:08:42

The best thing we have come up with, is a list of things to bring. Almost every trip or overnight-er, we have added or removed something from the list.

The idea for the list came about after one particular trip where we brought the coffee maker and sugar, the hamburger buns and ketchup, but forgot the coffee and hamburger patties......

Edited by - on

Nautiduck
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3704 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 18:15:45

Ten simple steps:

1-Bring an inflatable raft/dinghy
2-Bring a 100' rope
3-Bring a bottle of champagne
4-Tie the rope to the dinghy
5-Tie the other end of the rope to the C25
6-Put the two kids in the dinghy
7-Push the dinghy away to the rope's full 100' length
8-The kids are now 100' away and you and your wife are alone in the boat
9-Pop open the bubbly
10-Enjoy!

Edited by - Nautiduck on 07/18/2012 18:16:03

Stinkpotter
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Djibouti
9089 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 19:16:13

Don't forget sealable garbage bags. And a roll of paper towels.

Keep the cabin ventilated overnight, or the dew will be raining on you from the overhead in the morning.

Edited by - Stinkpotter on 07/18/2012 19:17:28

pastmember
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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 19:42:41

Move the porta potty to the cockpit when you go to bed.

Edited by - on

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 07/18/2012 : 20:23:46

Sailing to a shore excursion is always fun. Have the kids contribute to the list. A board game that everyone can play can fill an evening. Put the kids on the tiller for a bit.

Edited by - on

Joe Diver
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1218 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 07:40:14

Whatever you do food/drink wise....make sure it's good and filling. Nothing can make you and the kids more miserable than unsatisfied bellies and unquenched thirst.

Well...bored kids maybe....we're fine just sitting in the cockpit with a drink...but kids gotta have something...each of them....one iPad may not do the trick.

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 07:50:46

You guys are going to have fun. We are planning on dropping the hook in a cove this weekend ourselves. Sounds like you have a good list. I would definitely bring/buy some battery operated fans. We have some O2 cools on-board, and I just ordered two Coleman fans. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009PUR90/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00

I wouldn't mess with an inflatable mattress either. Bring pillows and blankets. Since we have the L berth, I usually sleep their with my wife. Jackson gets the V berth. Sometimes, I crash in the cockpit.

Plenty of ice, more than you think you need. We use several coolers for food beer etc.

make sure your battery is nice and topped off for the anchor light, cabin lights etc.

I agree, get where you are going and anchor early. This way you have plenty of daylight to make sure you have a good spot and set. The other big attraction for the kids is swimming. We tie about a 30 foot line to a throw cushion, throw it over the side and cleat it off as a place for people to grab onto when the current or wind starts moving them around. Makes it much easier to get back to the boat and gives me piece of mind. The adults actually take our ski type vests, turn them over and wear them like a diaper, and jump in. This way you float comfortably and have both hands dry and free, for consuming beverages, smoking a cigar etc.

I like to take a brush over the side as well, gives me a chance to wipe some slime off the hull while everyone is having fun.

French press for coffee, very popular on our boat.

Plenty of towels. Change of clothes.

Munchies like breakfast bars. Water, beef jerky, trail mix gatorade.

Fishing poles are entertaining for the kids as well. maybe some dice and a cup for a family game of farkle in the evening.

Don't forget the wine opener!!!!!

Edited by - PCP777 on 07/19/2012 07:55:29

JohnP
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1520 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 07:55:32

It's Thursday now and the forecast doesn't look good:

Friday: E wind around 14 kt. Showers and thunderstorms likely. Some of the storms could produce heavy rainfall. Seas 3 to 4 ft.
Friday Night: NE wind 15 to 17 kt. A chance of showers. Seas around 2 ft.

It's likely to rain in the mid-Atlantic region both Thursday and Friday, so Saturday would be a better bet.

Anchoring in the Barnegat Bay sand with your [supposed] 13 pound Danforth anchor may be difficult with 15 kt winds blowing all night. You'd have minimal protection from the NE by the Island Beach State Park landform, and it would be a rocky night on the boat at anchor.

I love anchoring out overnight, but especially when it's clear and calm and you can see the stars swing slowly by the hatch. Windy and rainy conditions are at the opposite end of the fun spectrum for anchoring, in my opinion.

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 08:01:18

John - I've been keeping an eye on the forecast and like Saturday much better. I intend to remain flexible. I'm not hell-bent on doing this trip this weekend. Getting it right is much more important than getting it done as far as I am concerned.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. Please keep them coming!!

Edited by - on

Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 08:28:15

Regarding drying off the boat and dew, we keep a couple of these things in the boat. They work much better than towels and keep soaking up water, over and over.

Available at Wally world or auto parts stores.

Edited by - on

NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 10:15:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by pastmember
 Move the porta potty to the cockpit when you go to bed.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
That is a brilliant idea!!!

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 11:27:21

If the 5 yr old like to draw/color, be sure to bring crayons/markers and coloring books/drawing pad. Put the kids in the v-berth, even if it means you and the admiral sleep separately. You will both feel less cramped for space.

Edited by - on

Ape-X
Admiral

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USA
662 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 13:09:14

diaper PFD = brilliant! I was shown that this w/e and it really works well for bobbing around while enjoying the water. I never heard of this before, and now twice in one week, funny.

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NautiC25
Admiral

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USA
957 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 14:17:29

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ape-X
 diaper PFD = brilliant! I was shown that this w/e and it really works well for bobbing around while enjoying the water. I never heard of this before, and now twice in one week, funny.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I do this while holding onto a tile puller (suction cup), to clean the hull.

Edited by - on

PCP777
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1225 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 14:19:47

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by NautiC25
 <blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ape-X
 diaper PFD = brilliant! I was shown that this w/e and it really works well for bobbing around while enjoying the water. I never heard of this before, and now twice in one week, funny.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I do this while holding onto a tile puller (suction cup), to clean the hull.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Ah, I like this. I had planned to tie lines around the boat for purchase. I alos hold onto the keel etc.

Edited by - on

Voyager
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USA
5444 Posts

Response Posted - 07/19/2012 : 19:32:55

Checkers, playing cards, crosswords, yatzee (we play a variant called yatch so all we need is 5 dice, paper and pencil) and personal music devices (mp3 player with earbuds) are always popular. Binoculars for spotting planets (Saturn and Mars are around in the eve and Venus is visible in the pre-dawn).
A star chart (on your iPad) for identifying constellations.
We have a game we play naming the worst songs we've ever heard (e.g.: "Young Girl" - Gary Puckett and the Union Gap), can you top that? ("MacArthur Park" and "These Boots Were Made For Walking" always come up)! You get points for (1) bad, (2) worse and (3) worser.

Edited by - on

pfduffy
Captain

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USA
317 Posts

Response Posted - 07/20/2012 : 05:02:50

Well...looks like the weather may not want to cooperate this weekend. If you believe this: http://www.windfinder.com/weatherforecast/forked_river_barnegat_bay then it looks like the winds may be acceptable on Saturday evening, but I probably will not take the chance.

Thanks again for your help with this! I'd love to hear any additional suggestions that you may have!

Edited by - on

ruachwrights
Captain

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USA
258 Posts

Response Posted - 07/25/2012 : 07:53:34

Go for it. Nothing beats dusk and sunrise on the water. After many overnighters with my family of five my suggestions run as follows: Bring a sun shower: it makes the evening swim before bed much more enjoyable. Do everything possible to avoid clutter. A family on a boat can make a mess of a 25 foot boat faster than removing a sail cover. Bring duct tape, a good leatherman, a beach umbrella to duct tape to stanchions if too sunny. Eleven year olds some times need to take along friends especially considering the age differential between your kids. Happy kids, even with an extra are better than fewer unhappy kids. A attaching to a mooring (even if pirated) rather than anchoring- especially for your first night at sea, will enable you to sleep. Libation is a good thing but make sure you don't over do it. Your patience and attentiveness will need to be proactive. Sleeping in the cockpit can be fun but you'll get drenched by the pre dawn dew. See if you can find a town with a temporary visitors dock which you can tie up to. This will make your visit enjoyable and simple.

Vern Wright
"Hajime"

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