What to bring

[davidpm]

I'm trying to sail on as many different boats as possible. I’ve been sailing a lot on a Catalina 30 this year, last year a Catalina 27.
I invite myself, buy stuff, drop names, flash the poor me expression, whatever it takes to get out for an afternoon. Last year I raced on a Niagara 35, took a daytrip on a homebuilt Catamaran etc.

Since I don’t know these people very well or at all, I know I'm risking life and limb. Assuming I'm going to continue with this risky behavior, I am, what should I bring with me?

This is what i have in my bag now.
1. Extra pair of reading glasses
2. Hand bearing compass
3. Chart
4. Pair of long jeans
5. Light jacket
6. Foul weather top
7. Dividers
8. Chart for Long Island Sound
9. Electronic Compass and clock
10. Flashlight
11. Headband flashlight
12. Ziploc sandwich bags (2)

The captains I'm going out with range from 40 years experience to bought the boat yesterday took no classes etc.
I'm thinking I should have my own radio at a minimum just for a backup.
I'm willing to have two bags.
Bag one with the basics. Bag two if I go on board and decide I need to go back to the car and get the bag with tools and
a cable cutter.

Anyone one within about an hour or two driving or so of Madison, CT is encouraged to invite me aboard, it would be great to meet some more SN members, but the purpose of this question is to refine my list of what is prudent to bring along.
Not just safety items but convenience items too.

[Boasun]

What? No binoculars
or a digital camera?
An inflatable PFD?
Some of the boats you sail on would have about half the items you carry. But on a newly acquired vessel there would be a need for all of the nav. tools you have in your kit.

Why the camera? Because the people you crew for would really enjoy any pictures taken in one form or another.

[JohnRPollard]

That's a pretty good list of gear for daysailing and overnighting.

Given that you are sometimes sailing with people of uncertain qualifications, in your shoes, I'd want to have my own handheld VHF in my kit. Preferably that new one from Standard Horizon that incorporates a GPS receiver interfaced with the DSC capability -- so it serves as a locator beacon as well (if you go overboard in coastal waters -- assuming you keep it on your person!)

I'd also add foul weather bottoms. Edit: Also, as Boasun mentioned, get your very own inflatable PFD!

[retclt]

My "To Go" bag is soft . . . never bring a hard one aboard someone’s boat.

My list:
My own inflatable PFD (West Offshore 4000 with integrated harness) with strobe and flashlight combo attached . . . you never know what they're gonna throw at you if you fall over.
Tether
Spare re-arming kit sealed in a plastic (with a silica pack) bag for the PFD.
Knife . . . on a lanyard for when it's not in my pocket . . . It's ALWAYS on me.
Upper AND lower foulies.
Deck Shoes and boots.
Compass
Binoculars
4 D cell flashlight. I amazed at how many folks I see looking for markers with a pen light.
Extra shorts and t shirt
Hand held radio
Small digital camera (Bosun’s right!)
Cell phone charger

That’s just the grab it fast and go bag. It’s always packed, zipped, and ready. It all fits nicely in a 10 dollar water resistant duffel bag I got at Boaters World.

[nk235]

Mine would include an extra bottle of rum, and a fresh pack of smokes. But thats just me...

[retclt]

Yes . . . Rum.

Note to self:
Pick up large flask on the way home today. It's Sunday in Texas so I can't get rum 'til tomorrow . . . . . . . it's always something.

[fullkeel7]

Guess gloves are a given....but I always carry an extra pair in case someone else forgets theirs.

[merlin2375]

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...g-missing.html

[tommyt]

Agree with Boasun, pictures that you later shared would be nice.
I think that, depending on the captain, beer or wine or something to show your appreciation might help you in getting invited back. It could also get you invited aboard other boats as you bring something to the table besides your desire to sail.

[davidpm]

Is this one one your talking about?
Welcome to StandardHorizon.com

Originally Posted by JohnRPollard

That's a pretty good list of gear for daysailing and overnighting.

Given that you are sometimes sailing with people of uncertain qualifications, in your shoes, I'd want to have my own handheld VHF in my kit. Preferably that new one from Standard Horizon that incorporates a GPS receiver interfaced with the DSC capability -- so it serves as a locator beacon as well (if you go overboard in coastal waters -- assuming you keep it on your person!)

I'd also add foul weather bottoms. Edit: Also, as Boasun mentioned, get your very own inflatable PFD!