What's my day bag missing?

[merlin2375]

Originally Posted by sailingdog

Didn't see binoculars... or a hand bearing compass. Both are very useful to have. The Steiner 8x32's are fairly compact and are excellent optically, except at night, when their smaller objective lens makes them a bit dark to see through.

As for testing the inflatable. It's a good idea to test it at least twice a year... manually inflate it and leave it inflated overnight to see if it leaks. Also, jumping in to test the inflator mechanism is a good idea after you've owned it a year, and have to replace the salt tablet and CO2 cartridge anyway. Also, before you put it on—check to make sure the CO2 cartridge is properly seated—EVERYTIME... since, that is a common cause of them not inflating in an emergency.

Ah both a good call (binoc and hand bearing compass). I have binoculars but don't have a hand bearing compass How much do those run, can you recommend one?

This jacket is hydrostatic, not salt tablet based. It's basically an MD3184 (mustang survival) with a WM patch on it.

Originally Posted by CLucas

Some may consider the strobe overkill (I admittedly don't have them yet, but they're on my spring sale "watch list"). My family enjoyed a few evening/night sails last summer and I would have been more comfortable out there with them -- also in any poor weather with reduced visibility. As far as the PFD goes, no need to go in the water -- the test checks two things: the firing mechanism for the CO2 and the soundness of the seams. It will require purchasing a re-arming kit (guessing that WM overcharges for them) to test properly. You can inflate using the manual inflation tube to see if it holds air, but you won't know about the firing mechanism.

The rearm kit runs about $50. I will blow it up and leave it overnight to start.

Originally Posted by T34C

I always carry my foulies along, harness, teather, and a couple lengths of line of different sizes. (in addition to things already mentioned) It is shocking the number of times I have had to go into my bag for the line to fix/ rig things on various boats.

Thanks, good list! Can you recommend a good tether that's decently priced and of good quality?

[CLucas]

Originally Posted by merlin2375

Ah both a good call (binoc and hand bearing compass). I have binoculars but don't have a hand bearing compass How much do those run, can you recommend one?

Practical Sailor did a review recently of handbearing compasses and the subject has been brought up here several times. A popular one, and highly rated, is the Plastimo Iris 50, available at Defender for $79, but also on eBay (if you're so inclined).

Originally Posted by merlin2375

Can you recommend a good tether that's decently priced and of good quality?

Wichard tethers are pretty much the standard. Good prices at the usual retailers if you look around but generally they are not cheap. The best ones usually have two tie-in points so that, when conditions warrant, you never have to be unsecured (e.g. clip-in one point before unclipping on the other). They are available here (on Sailnet) -- another fav resource is Landfallnav.com.

You can start going overboard with this stuff very quickly... (baaaad pun but I'm serious). Recommend you consider the type of sailing you'll be doing before you go bankrupt on this stuff. I'm a huge believer in being safe and equipping myself for any foreseeable circumstance (along with a few unforseeable ones...), but the most expensive equipment in the world doesn't make you a safe sailor and won't save you from yourself if you make bad choices or exercise bad judgement. If you're sailing or crewing on someone else's boat, make certain you're comfortable that the owner/captain maintains and fits out the boat properly. Okay, lecture over...

BTW, you still need a sextant, an exposure suit and, by now, a bigger bag...

[GySgt]

I like the Military lensatic Compass for sighting and dead reconing, mostly because I am used to it.

[Alden68]

As Clucas has pointed out find out how much of this gear is already on the boat. Otherwise, you will need to crane your day bag onto the boat each time you go out!

[sailingdog]

I'd second the Iris 50, it's light, small and easy to read and use.

As for tethers... get one that is ORC/ISAF approved... and has a snap shackle at the body end and a double-action safety clip, like a Gibb or Wichard, at the boat end.

[sailingdog]

BTW, most of what he's got will fit in a single small daypack...and it isn't a bad idea to be relatively self-sufficient IMHO. You have the stuff to save the day on-board with you, it really increases the chances of being asked back.

[merlin2375]

Thanks for all the replies! At this rate, I will need another bag! I am not going to purchase anything until the season actually gets underway and I have a better grasp of what I'll actually use but it's always good to hear opinions.

[Robby Barlow]

If and when I were ever in such a distressful situation, apart from the items mentioned above, personally I would also like to have a 23 yr. old blond with big t....

Sorry no picture, as it would be censored anyway.

[BarryL]

Hello,

What is a day bag? I haven't heard that term before.

And, if you have a GPS, why do you need a compass? And, what would you do with the compass?

Thanks,
Barry

[T34C]

Originally Posted by merlin2375

Thanks for all the replies! At this rate, I will need another bag! I am not going to purchase anything until the season actually gets underway and I have a better grasp of what I'll actually use but it's always good to hear opinions.

When in doubt, take beer. That way you will always be asked to come back.