My top 3 "MUST HAVES" or if it broke I would replace it tomorrow
 

All,
I would like to know what item you have on your boat that you are surprised that it is a "must have" and you couldn't live without it. I am not talking about a "wench handle" but am thinking of the item that is particularly useful for the everyday things that make living aboard a challenge. Is it a head-mounted LED light for reading at night? Something useful in the galley? A Kindle? A type of lip-balm....whatever.

Please provide a short list of the top 3 things you couldn't do without.

Wine (rum), women (wenches) and song (guitar). The rest will take care of itself.

BBurg is a wench similar to the wench handle mentioned in my original post? I feared this would rapidly degenerate. Your list was sort of a "goes without saying" list so AFTER those three do you have anything else?

In no particular order:
1. Heater (PNW, one source of heat ain't enough)
2. Electric windlass (after 20+ years pulling by hand I couldn't go back)
3. Chartplotter at the helm (I would never go anywhere without my paper charts but having the "chart" in front of me all the time is invaluable).

wench: archaic slang term for a woman, usually a woman of lower class; generally derogatory

winch: a device used to create a mechanical advantage in lifting or moving a line or chain.

I don't even want to know what a "wench handle" does.

Just sayin'...

I think the OP specifically excluded wench handles.

I found it on google images but had to remove the "moderate safe-search filter"....don't recommend that.

If we're talking about living aboard, I'd answer: espar heater, computer/internet, pressure fresh water system.

If we're talking about sailing, I'd answer: GPS/chartplotter, autopilot, dodger (and I bet after I get my bimini, I'll add that to the "indispensable" list too)

Refrigeration
Old-time nav equipment
Sail repair tape

This list could be a LOT longer, as probably for most of us.

gps/autopilot/freezer