The Unusual & the Weird

[Johnathon123]

When looking at the gear we need for a long distance cruise it seems there are a million weird and wonderful options.

We all no we need anchors, sails and daily stuff but what is the thing that struck you as weird when you brought or found it that you now find indispensable!

[daddle]

Lime juicer.

[marshmat]

Tiller extension for the outboard. $200 in the chandlery, can duplicate for $20 with some hose clamps and aluminum pipe, and my left shoulder doesn't get sore after each trip anymore.

There are also a couple of million-plus-candlepower portable lights that have become indispensable. They're basically car headlamps with 12 V batteries in a jumbo flashlight case- Dad found one on sale for something like $40, everyone thought it was the silliest thing, and now there are several. They'll light up wildlife on the other side of a 150 m channel, and are great for working in engine bays and plumbing passages- it's like having your own operating room lamp.

[shipofools]

a good garlic press

salt and pepper grinders that don't rust

meat cleaver

vacum seal kit

board games

[SailFastTri]

Who hasn't ended up with a wet butt after a dinghy ride? Not so good when you've dressed for a trip ashore and there's a coat of dew on the dinghy, or if you need to go to windward in a chop.

These "Butt Pads" are just a waterproof skirt/apron that you wear backward, to cover your butt. I bought some at the boat show">Annapolis boat show years ago, and could never find them again online.

We made new ones out of some Naugahyde remnants, 1" nylon webbing for the waistband, and some adjustable webbing snap clasps bought on eBay. They should be long enough to come below your knees and have side flaps that extend wide enough to come around the front of your thighs to protect from spray when you are sitting.

They are flat and fold up small and we carry them in a backpack while we're ashore.

[Dave the Canuck]

Originally Posted by SailFastTri

Who hasn't ended up with a wet butt after a dinghy ride? Not so good when you've dressed for a trip ashore and there's a coat of dew on the dinghy, or if you need to go to windward in a chop.

These "Butt Pads" are just a waterproof skirt/apron that you wear backward, to cover your butt. I bought some at the Annapolis boat show years ago, and could never find them again online.

We made new ones out of some Naugahyde remnants, 1" nylon webbing for the waistband, and some adjustable webbing snap clasps bought on eBay. They should be long enough to come below your knees and wide enough to come around the front of your thighs to protect from spray when you are sitting.

They are flat and fold up small and we carry them in a backpack while we're ashore.

Do you have a picture?

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Dave the Canuck

Do you have a picture?

I imagine a cook's apron, worn backwards.

[skipmac]

Originally Posted by GordMay

I imagine a cook's apron, worn backwards.

I suspect Dave's interest in a picture is more lascivious than desire for technical details.

[Dave the Canuck]

Originally Posted by skipmac

I suspect Dave's interest in a picture is more lascivious than desire for technical details.

Hmmm... they may be onto me... must be less obvious...

[MarkJ]

Dmn! I just stepped in wet varnish thinking about this thread!!!!!!!!

Bugger it! I've varnished myself into a corner and had done the edge of the bloody riser to the nav station, now I've got a big bloody smear and a sticky foot.

Our security grill companionway door. Thought we would only use it when its very hot but its much more convenient than the 'propper' one.

There was something else but the sticky foot thing has wiped my brain clear.

I can't even get to the fridge.

[SailFastTri]

Originally Posted by Dave the Canuck

Do you have a picture?

Will try to post one tonight. Will provide dimensions too.

Maybe that's why the maker is out of business.... probably people looked at it and thought "I can make that". It's too bad, because she wasn't charging too much and the cost of materials is not much less, unless you scrounge remnants from inconsistent suppliers (e.g. eBay).

[Blue Stocking]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Dmn! I just stepped in wet varnish thinking about this thread!!!!!!!!

Bugger it! I've varnished myself into a corner and had done the edge of the bloody riser to the nav station, now I've got a big bloody smear and a sticky foot.

Our security grill companionway door. Thought we would only use it when its very hot but its much more convenient than the 'propper' one.

There was something else but the sticky foot thing has wiped my brain clear.

I can't even get to the fridge.

Another blow against multi-tasking

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

There was something else but the sticky foot thing has wiped my brain clear.

I can't even get to the fridge.

You were probably thinking about the beer in the fridge, Mark. There ya go, your brain's back on track.

No thanks needed...

[MarkJ]

At least I'll know when the varnish is dry.... when my foot stops sticking to everything

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Dmn! I just stepped in wet varnish thinking about this thread!!!!!!!!

Bugger it! I've varnished myself into a corner and had done the edge of the bloody riser to the nav station, now I've got a big bloody smear and a sticky foot.

Our security grill companionway door. Thought we would only use it when its very hot but its much more convenient than the 'propper' one.

There was something else but the sticky foot thing has wiped my brain clear.

I can't even get to the fridge.

If I painted myself into a corner and couldn't reach the beer afterwards I'd be revarnishing...

This is weird but true. A buddy said the first thing he puts in a "new" toolkit is a good pair of scissors. I use them all the time.

Fortunately I am poor and haven't bought many "useless" gadgets from boat show and West Marine type places.