Baha Mexico - What to bring?

Crewm8 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008

Thanks first off for any help. I have lurked for hours pouring over the vast amount of knowledge on this board. I have a question i can't seem to find an answer to.

I am looking forward to taking my first trip, driving down to sail in La Paz, coming up here in a couple weeks. For the first time, i am going to attempt to do a long-term cruise in the Sea of Cortez. I am heading down there the first week of October to a '76 Tartan 37'. Hosted by an experienced skipper, i will aim to serve the vessel throughout this season, keep her maintained, do what work is needed, keep watch, cook and clean, do a lot of diving, drink a lot of tequila, and if fate allows, begin my travels around the world crewing for others. In other words, i may just continue on around if i can find another crew job from there.

My question is: What would you make sure to bring? As far as gear, for fun, food, items for trade with locals???

I realize the temps will be around 80 through February. I have the basics together, but i am debating several things including my own dive gear, bringing a laptop, etc. I had heard that for example batteries are in high demand and are very expensive down there.

Any other things i should put on my list to bring down?

What in terms of gear would you not want to be without?

I am thankful for that and any advice you can think of, really.

Stillraining · #2 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008

I will only answer with a caution..You are crewing not provisioning..you should be asking your Skipper this question a 37 foot boat dosent have all that much room so you may strain your relationship right off the bat if you expect to drag to much along..

sailingdog · #3 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008

I would second what Still has said. If you're going down there to work as crew aboard a boat, you're going down there to WORK not PLAY. Bring along the minimum you need to do your job and ask about the captain if there is anything else you should bring along. Bringing along a full complement of scuba gear may put a big strain on the boat, unless it is cleared prior to you arriving. Space is generally quite limited on a small sailboat, and a Tartan 37 is a small sailboat. Privacy is also issues on a small sailboat. Theft can also be a problem so limit the amount of valuables you bring.

poopdeckpappy · #4 (**permalink**) 09-14-2008

A couple pairs of boardshorts, some T shirts, Ipod, person hygiene items, a little cash and a bank card of your choosing

Should all fit nicely in a backpack

JiffyLube · #5 (**permalink**) 09-15-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crewm8

drink a lot of tequila,

Doesn't sound like a crew member I'd want. When is he going to be sober to work?

Crewm8 · #6 (**permalink**) 09-15-2008

Thanks for the help.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JiffyLube

Doesn't sound like a crew member I'd want. When is he going to be sober to work?

Jeez who sailing in Mexico doesn't drink??? If you didn't want someone to crew for you because they drink tequila in Mexico i feel sad for you. I am respectful and responsible. I have no desire to drink while underway.

My question more forms around anything unexpected. Considering i will continue on after this trip with another vessel i had hoped to gather information on what might be needed. For example i had not considered bringing a sail repair kit, something most skippers don't carry. Another is i am considering bringing a laptop for entertainment, communication, etc. That's something that wont take up space but it's debatable.

Just looking for a few suggestions, not for someone to help me pack my bag. I aint the kind of guy that will show up with 5 bags and a poodle, so cut me some slack. Just looking for suggestions.

poopdeckpappy · #7 (**permalink**) 09-15-2008

Quote:

I aint the kind of guy that will show up with 5 bags and a poodle, so cut me some slack. Just looking for suggestions.

Sorry but, your OP sounded exactly that

Quote:

My question is: What would you make sure to bring? As far as gear, for fun, food, items for trade with locals???

I realize the temps will be around 80 through February. I have the basics together, but i am debating several things including my own dive gear, bringing a laptop, etc. I had heard that for example batteries are in high demand and are very expensive down there.

Any other things i should put on my list to bring down?

What in terms of gear would you not want to be without?

As mention earlier 37' is not that big, I know, I live on one, and storage is a issue with just the two of us

JiffyLube · #8 (**permalink**) 09-16-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crewm8

Jeez who sailing in Mexico doesn't drink??? If you didn't want someone to crew for you because they drink tequila in Mexico i feel sad for you. I am respectful and responsible. I have no desire to drink while underway.

I don't have a problem with people drinking, I even have a drink or two sometimes myself. I just thought something different when you said "Drink 'lots' of tequila", but I guess you were just being exuberant...sorry if I took it the wrong way mate.