Association Forum - Weekend Ocean Equipping

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Weekend Ocean Equipping

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

Member Avatar

USA
1180 Posts

Initially Posted - 07/28/2005 : 19:03:32

I'd be grateful if folks would chime in on what I would need to do to equip Swimmer for weekend stays on a mooring when I move her to the ocean. Having her on the lake has been fairly easy planning wise, since I only need to bring with me that day or evenings' supplies.
What would you all suggest as "must haves" when the store/bathroom/car isn't a short walk from the slip?
Also, what equipment would you recommend for bay sailing, not open blue water mind you, but island hopping type of sailing, but with coastal sailing as a real likelyhood?

Books or article recommendations also welcome.

As always, THANKS!!

Rick

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2005 : 20:17:07

Solar panels. I have 3 United Solar Flex-11s. These put out 2.5 amps.

Dinghy and kayak. I have both.

Inverter. I have the West Marine 400 watt and it powers my laptop and cell phone.

Autopilot for that island hopping.

GPS. Just a basic, no chartplotter needed.

Fishfinder. Cheaper than a depth finder and so much more useful.

Reliable xxl shaft 4 stroke outboard. At least 5 to 6 gallons of fuel. (I have 10 plus carry gas cans to make 20).

2 anchors minimum. I carry 3, plus 40 to 50 feet of 1/4 inch chain on each (I have 5/16) plus 200 to 300 feet of rode for each.

Food, goodies, snacks, drinks always on board. Coffee and tea.

Foulies, blankets. You are not a day sailor anymore!

Anchor light.

Rail mount barbeque.

US Coast Guard required safety items.

Edited by - on

Tom Potter
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1913 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2005 : 20:39:01

Here's some more things that may come in handy.
Bug screens
Beer
Joy soap for baths
VHF
Beer
Fans
First Aid kit
Aspirin/Tylenol
Beer
Solar Shower
A good Loos gage

(inside joke)
Extra sheer pin/spark plug for your outboard -

I need to get me one!
Backup for anchor light, I use a LED lantern.
Beer
BINOCULARS

Edited by - Tom Potter on 07/28/2005 21:06:24

seastream
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
242 Posts

Response Posted - 07/28/2005 : 23:20:34

Jim must have several batteries and/or major current draw to want three panels. I recently bought an ICP solar panel, rated for 1.2 amps@15 VDC (18W). I figured that panel exposed to 4 hours or so of sun per day during the week should be enough to keep my two 80 Ah deep cycle batteries up. My current draw isn't that much normally anyway (depth sounder, VHF, maybe stereo, and 12V fans for hot nights), but I knew that running the outboard with it's 4 amp alternator only 4-6 hours per weekend would help but not be enough.

I use my GPS with laptop and appropriate software to supplement my charts for navigation. Chartplotters are fine, but the screens are small and I already had the laptop. Always carry and know how to use charts; they keep working after wet or dropped. I need a second, heavier anchor. I'd like an autopilot.

We bought a large softsided cooler which we keep in the cockpit to hold all beverages (pronounced beer in some circles, as noted above). Foods that need be chilled reside in the cabin icebox. We use a small Weber propane grille that takes a one pound cylinder which we set up on the starboard cockpit seat (minus cushion) when we need it. Catches fire...toss it overboard.

We have two 6 gallon tanks; one in the port fuel locker, the other in the cockpit under the tiller as reserve. We've never burned more than four gallons a day running the 6 miles to/from the ocean, but I'd rather have too much than not enough. Never know when you'll have to burn fuel circling, waiting for a bridge lift. We signed up for BoatUS membership, insurance, and towing. We took the unlimited towing package for an extra $104/year. Not really unlimited, they stop at $1000 in towing fees to their nearest facility, but it should be more than enough coverage.

Dinghy. I tried the $100 blowup version, didn't work well for me, since my mooring is about 1/2 mile from the dock. Details on request. Wound up with a new Zodiac and 2 hp Honda, works well for me. A slip at my marina is $110/ft, making it $2750 vs $1200 flat for a mooring...and the mooring was available first. The dinghy will have paid for itself in two seasons. Although a mooring takes more planning for getting 'stuff' to/from the boat, we're finding we like it...it's quieter since there's no noise from others traversing the docks. Doesn't mean we'll never do a slip.

I'm off next week, so we'll drive to home port (Great Bay Marina, Newington, NH) and overnight Sat to Sun. Sunday we'll run downriver to Prescott Park, Portsmouth, NH (just outside the Memorial Bridge, Route one bypass) and stay there Sun to Tue. Then, the BIG trip <G>...18 miles south by ocean to Newburyport Harbor Marina, Newburyport, MA, where we'll stay Tue to Thu, then run back to Prescott Thu, and back upriver to home port Fri. Of course, we'll play offshore each day, exploring further south if time permits. Yes, we're taking this slow, a bit at a time, since this is our first season off the lake. If I have to choose between being overcautious vs being dead from accident, I'll choose overcautious anytime.

Bob

Edited by - on

seastream
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
242 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2005 : 07:57:59

I should clarify that the round trip to/from the ocean is actually 12 miles.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2005 : 12:23:20

To be honest, day sailing from a mooring, one panel would be fine. 3 weeks offshore sailing with no outboard alternator requires more juice. I like to play computer games, watch DVDs, play the stereo, etc.

I have 2, 55 amp hour Gel Cels, so yes, they are fairly small.

Edited by - on

takokichi
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
321 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2005 : 15:52:07

Almost none of the above.

Think about it in packages (and pack the same way). You need

FOOD
CLOTHING
PERSONAL CONSUMABLES
BOAT CONSUMABLES
SPARES
NAVIGATION GEAR
FUN STUFF
FIRST AID KIT

(I'm leaving out the dinghy/kayak, because if you got out the boat in the first place, you have one or the other)

We pack in clear rubbermaid totes to make life easier

FOOD
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snacks/Fluids
Basically self explanatory. If you don't have your stove on the boat, a Magma or similar grill on the aft rail is nice to have.

CLOTHING
I hate, absolutely hate, being wet. So - I overpack. Never been sorry I did yet. The key is one more set of summer clothes than the number of days you're going for. Two warm upper body items in case on gets wet. I would invest in some decent rain gear. No need for it to be true marine foul weather gear unless you're going off-shore. (You're not, yet

). I wear Teva's so I don't have to worry about my shoes getting wet. Put a garbage bag in your clothing bad. Use it for laundry. One key - each person on the boat packs separately. Helps a lot not to have someone else going in your bag, or you in theirs.

Sleeping bag or blankets.

PERSONAL CONSUMABLES
Sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, advil or similar.

BOAT CONSUMABLES
Fuel, 2 stroke oil, lots of paper towels, some kind of cleaning spray, Nylon wire zips - so useful. Is there a head on swimmer, I forget - if so, head gunk.

SPARES
Depends on the boat - outboard spark plug and shear pin are good ideas. Some extra line of some type. Fuses and bulbs for the cabin lights.

NAVIGATION
Chart book. Full size charts are a PITA. You've seen my chart book - its spiral bound and nicely sized. Buy one! Also, for Maine, you need the cruising guide, but that's going to be Jessica and my gift to you when you get here.

GPS is absolutely optional - its nice to have, as you know, I have one, but you simply don't need one. You'll hear lots of noise about indispensable chart plotters but there simply a nice crutch. I'd start out with a basic GPS if you get one at all.

FUN STUFF
This is the point, after all! Books, cards, backgammon, whatever. We're a big fan of the crank powered blender, ourselves.

FIRST AID KIT
Bring what you know how to use. Learn what you don't know now.

For cruising the islands in Casco Bay, you're going to be just fine. Navigation is line of sight. There are boats everywhere to assist and direct you. There are moorings in most coves to pick up and good anchoring just about everywhere. Don't over buy! We have an awful lot of crap at home that I once thought indispensable on the boat.

Finally - this is the most important list for cruising in Casco Bay

tako kichi
Rita P
Stornoway
Bay Dream
Pilgrim
c-c-c-Courage
Aria
Cupcake
Commotion
Thumper
Sophia
Kije

One any given weekend or holiday at least some of these boats will be on the air and any of us will have just about anything you need. Just ask! Also, remember that if you moor in Falmouth, Handy Boat is in the anchorage and can hook you up with most things.

Justin

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2005 : 20:30:37

After cigarettes the most sought after commodity amongst our troops in the desert during manoeuvers is......baby wipes.

I carry a good supply on board. They are great to "bathe" with, when sweaty in summer heat, before going to bed, and to keep sensitive areas from developing a rash.

Edited by - on

takokichi
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
321 Posts

Response Posted - 07/29/2005 : 20:35:17

Good call Oscar - we keep a supply on hand at all times. If you're going to be washing in salt water, some baby powder isn't a bad idea, either.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2005 : 13:06:29

Am I the only one who keeps a tool kit on board? I have been buying stainless steel tools whenever they go on sale.
I also have an electrical tool kit with meter, bulbs, fuses, connectors.
I have a VHF radio with mast mount antenna, plus a backup hand held VHF with lithium battery pack.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2005 : 13:07:23

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2005 : 14:00:36

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">...I have been buying stainless steel tools whenever they go on sale. I also have an electrical tool kit with meter, bulbs, fuses, connectors. I have a VHF radio with mast mount antenna, plus a backup hand held VHF...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote"> Me too! And two bass pro sized tackle boxes crammed full of of spares and fasteners. I didn't get a lot else out of the Boy Scouts, but that "Be prepared" thing stuck with me.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2005 : 14:37:35

>"Am I the only one who keeps a tool kit on board?"

Me three on that... build up a 'possibles' kit for anything you have that might break...
shackles, pins, turnbuckles, nuts, bolts, sealant, DUCT TAPE, pins, bulbs for lights, some wire, connectors, a couple 'quick shot tube of epoxy', etc & yada.

A couple coastal/open water safety items, aside from what's already been mentioned...

Strobe Light (very inexpensive, can be seen for miles)
High-powered rechargable spotlight... possible lifesaver if someone goes over in the dark.
Put some SOLAS reflective tape on your boat and PFD's... can be seen from a long ways off.
MOB pole.
Air Horn
Swim Ladder or other means of getting somebody back aboard.

Edited by - on

existentialsailor
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1180 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2005 : 22:19:02

I really want to thank everyone for all the excellent suggestions. I would never have thought of extra spark plugs. I will have to figure out what a sheer pin is. Most of the safety stuff I have as it isn't a lot different than kayaking which I've been doin for many years. The harness info is invaluable. I think this should be a tech tip subject quite frankly.

Justin: You're suggestions are of course immensely valuable as you know the area so well, thanks for chiming in. I figured I'd corner you at the landing for advice, plus, I get to look around on the 20th and see how you're equipped...and, you spelt Jim wrong <inside joke>

Tools: I'm of the school that you can never have enough tools. Loos guage included Tom.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 07/30/2005 : 23:26:10

>"what a sheer pin is."

Shear pin... a little pin that drives into a hole cross-drilled through the prop shaft and propeller hub. It is supposed to shear off if you hit something... protecting the drivetrain and powerhead from damage.

Edited by - on

Oscar
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
2030 Posts

Response Posted - 07/31/2005 : 22:26:49

<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Am I the only one who keeps a tool kit on board?<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote"></font id="quote">

Lots of tools...tapes tubes bits and pieces....and, the most used tool on my boat is the DREMMEL!!!! That thing has saved the day more times than I can count. Yes you need an inverter, but it can be a cheapie modified sine, and I think 200 watts is probably enough.

Edited by - on

Bruce Baker
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
402 Posts

Response Posted - 08/01/2005 : 13:00:02

This is from the J-World site. They're talking about bareboating for a week, but there are some applications for a weekend trip.

http://www.jworld-sailing.com/packing-bareboat.htm

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.