What's my day bag missing?

[merlin2375]

Here is what I have in my day bag, am I missing anything? Looking for your experience

2 knives (one with marlin spike) - 1 stays in my pocket
VHF Handheld - HX370s by Standard Horizon
Battery tray for radio (so I can run it on AA if rechargeable dies)
Battery charger for cellphone (so I can charge my cell from AA)
Sunscreen
Mini Dry Bag
3/4 finger gloves

1 Auto inflate life jacket, 1 standard life jacket

Not pictured: a lot of AA batteries.

[TrueBlue]

You will not regret the addition of some high protein snacks - whatever your tastes may dictate. I like to bring along energy bars, trail mix or even beef jerky, whenever day sailing. Bottled spring water - in case boat supplies run low, is also a good idea.

[merttan]

Handheld compass, flares, flashlight, water...
Other than that you are good IMHO...

[merlin2375]

Ah yes, thank you! I always bring food and water along, trail mix is a good idea, don't usually do that

[merlin2375]

Originally Posted by merttan

Handheld compass, flares, flashlight, water...
Other than that you are good IMHO...

Good call! I forgot to put that in the picture. I have a waterproof flashlight, compass, and handheld GPS

flares, I don't have!

Keep it coming

[CLucas]

I see a lanyard of some sort on your PFD and suspect there's a whistle on the end of it, but in case there isn't... I recommend a safety whistle attached to your PFD (and all others on the boat) and tucked away in a pocket or someplace else easily accessible, but not in your way. Also, your WM auto-inflate PFD looks as though it's still in the original packaging -- if your haven't done so, I suggest trying out the inflation mechanism and making certain it doesn't leak -- cheap insurance. Now is the time to find out, not when you need it.

As far as flares go, I keep them on the boat along with a flashlight. I like to keep a fresh flashlight in my bag also. You could also consider a small strobe to attach to your PFD (ACR makes one for <$30, I believe). I'd add a hat, too (I keep extras on the boat for guests and if/when one blows overboard). Sunglasses and some kind of jacket (whatever the weather dictates -- my foulies are on board but a light windbreaker or shell is nice).

[merlin2375]

/\/\ great reply!

There is in fact a whistle attached to one of my PFDs, I will pick up another one, so I don't have to remember to switch when depending on which jacket I use.

I am planning to get a c-strobe by ACR so I can be seen.

I don't own my own boat so I can't leave things on the boat but I always have a jacket/hat/sunglasses whenever I head out.

Hmm, I hadn't thought to hop in the water to test out the jacket. It is new, I got it in the offseason and haven't tested it. Does everyone does theirs out? Would need to get a refill kit or do you mean just blow it up manually (I think that's possible)

[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.

[CLucas]

Originally Posted by merlin2375

/\/\ great reply!

There is in fact a whistle attached to one of my PFDs, I will pick up another one, so I don't have to remember to switch when depending on which jacket I use.

I am planning to get a c-strobe by ACR so I can be seen.

I don't own my own boat so I can't leave things on the boat but I always have a jacket/hat/sunglasses whenever I head out.

Hmm, I hadn't thought to hop in the water to test out the jacket. It is new, I got it in the offseason and haven't tested it. Does everyone does theirs out? Would need to get a refill kit or do you mean just blow it up manually (I think that's possible)

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.

[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.