A re-do on a re-fit

[Captainmeme]

Maybe not the best title for the following question but its the best I could come up with. I've spent some time reading blogs, threads and surfing the net learning about getting the boat ready to go on an extended cruise. What I haven't read is what people would do different to their boats based on experience gained from extended cruising. People buy and install all sorts of equipment but given a redo what equipment would they install instead? What equipment did you think you needed but turned out to be ballast?

[ronspiker]

I actually saw a post like that on the Crusiers forum a month or so ago. What I remember about that post was again it was the dreaded "Depends". Most of the time if it envolved safety that was a good thing, it was the extras like a water maker that some couldn't live without while others debated the need. For some chart plotters and GPS were extras while others wouldn't leave the marina without redundent versions. For an extended cruise I am looking for things that make it easy and safe for me to sail, windvane autopilot, charts, sextant, GPS(s) and batteries, radar, SSB radio, life raft, and plenty of books. I also have a manual hand watermaker for emergency use. I don't need the chart plotter, radar, and MFD but I do like them, they make life a little easier, but I don't need them.

[ccriders]

You might like to take a look at this: The INTERVIEW WITH A CRUISER Project.
She asks this very question or a spin on it of everyone.
John

[johnnyandjebus]

What ccrider said, Interview with a Cruiser Project is an great idea and wonderfully executed.

John