Gear Kit for Shore Cruises

[goldingds]

hey all, i'm getting ready to assemble a backpack of stuff that to bring along whenever I go out for a daysail or a small cruise. so far, i'm thinking a leatherman's (any opinions on specific ones?), flashlight of some sort, and maybe a first aid kit? im really not sure where to go with this

what are some good ideas for stuff to always bring with you?

[camaraderie]

Handheld VHF and GPS w/ spare batteries. Duct tape!

[sailhog]

Stool softeners -- you'll want to keep the head operational by any means necessary.

[Valiente]

Originally Posted by sailhog

Stool softeners -- you'll want to keep the head operational by any means necessary.

I have NO idea what you're talking about, but then I grind my own coffee to "brutal" strength. Ten minutes later, it's just me and the Politics section of the newspaper, on "final approach".

[eherlihy]

Because I use OPB, I have a backpack for just that purpose. Here is what I have in it:

• Portable GPS - Garmin GPSMAP478
• Power cord for GPS
• 2 pair Sailing gloves (actually 1.5, cause I lost one glove )
• Winch handle
• Notepad & Pen
• Eldrige Tide and Pilot Book
• CHARTS of where I expect to sail
• Pencils / Compass / Dividers / Parallel Ruler
• Binoculars with compass
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Flashlight - Tekna Lite 4 - it's lexan, small, very bright, and has a lanyard (it's real old too)
• There is a pocket that I keep my Sunglass case in (I usually have them on)
• I don't yet have, but will soon, a handheld VHF - I'm thinking of the iCom M34
• CDs - selected as I leave
• 3 bottles of water
• Rain Jacket

...and something for lunch.

all this for a day sail in fair weather. If the weather looks questionable, I grab my sport bag with the following;

• Rain pants
• Boots
• Stearns PFD Jacket (Type IV)
• Fleece pullover
• 2 pair hiking sox (nothing worse than cold wet feet!)
• Foot powder (Gold bond)

I think that everyone develops their own system...

The boats that I sail have an inventory of spare parts, and tools, as well as the required safety gear (horn/flares/whistle/vice grips/belts/duct tape/etc.)

The owner of the club that I sail with told me of a customer (student) that was learning to sail and who also regularly brought a bag. One day, as the guy was getting in the boat, a handgun fell out of the bag and onto the deck . The guy told him he wanted to be prepared in case of pirates - in Boston Habah?

I hope that this helps!

Ed

[sailhog]

Originally Posted by Valiente

I have NO idea what you're talking about, but then I grind my own coffee to "brutal" strength. Ten minutes later, it's just me and the Politics section of the newspaper, on "final approach".

I saw a PBS documentary on the laying of the transatlantic cable, and they used both methods. I'm not saying that one is better than the other...

[sailingdog]

Ed-

Instead of CDs, you should have an iPod with a waterproof housing... get a lot more music that way.

BTW, I think it is kind of sad that you have to carry your own winch handle... most boats have enough that bringing your own isn't necessary.

[eherlihy]

Yes, I've thought of the iPod, but all I have is a shuffle ... It's my kids that have the 40Gig video versions Also, I'd need an adapter, and not all of the boats have cassette decks. All the boats that I use have CD players.

RE: the winch handle - I have found several times that I haven't needed it! However on the two occasions that I didn't, there wasn't one aboard... I figure that one of the keys to being a good sailor is to be self-sufficient Further, WHEN I get my own boat, I plan on taking the winch handle with me when I leave the boat... In a way, it's like taking your keys from the car when you park.