First time cruising, what should I have on board?

[sailorman7225]

Bonine. It works better than Dramamine. It's sold over the counter.

[engine1218]

Few suggestions (sorry if it looks random)
- consider jack lines and tethers
- insurance for sailboat
- rig knife
- seat cushions
- head lamp
- solar shower (for small boat without head shower)
- camera
- lighter stick for lighting stove/grill

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by onestepcsy37

Get a towing policy with SeaTow or TowBoatsUS. About $150 and well worth it if you ever need it. I used it once in 30+ years of boat ownership but still buy it.

And a fixed mount VHF radio with a masthead antenna.

Do I really need a tow policy? My boat only draws 4', and I'm being fairly conservative with plotting our course to avoid shallow areas. I know that it's good to have regardless, but what are the chances that I'll actually need it?

The boat came with a fixed VHF, and I'm planning on picking up a handheld backup with DSC.

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by engine1218

Few suggestions (sorry if it looks random)
- consider jack lines and tethers
- insurance for sailboat
- rig knife
- seat cushions
- head lamp
- solar shower (for small boat without head shower)
- camera
- lighter stick for lighting stove/grill

Excellent ideas! All of them have been acquired or are on the shopping list.

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by sailorman7225

Bonine. It works better than Dramamine. It's sold over the counter.

I was told that Stugeron is the best, so I ordered a couple boxes on eBay (apparently it's not available in the US). Is Bonine better?

[wrwakefield]

Hi RadioZ,

It sounds like you have the most important preparations covered: an open mind and some worthwhile sailing experience.

This group will help set you on the right path.

If you don't already have these books in your library, I would also recommend a copy of Nigel Caulder's Boat Owner's Mechanical and Electrical Manual and perhaps his diesel engine book. And as you get into it in the future, Beth Leonard's Voyager's Handbook is invaluable.

These books amount to your boating encyclopedia set. Augment the rest of your boating library as needed...

We wish you a wonderful (and uneventful) maiden voyage!

Cheers!

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by RadioZ

Do I really need a tow policy? My boat only draws 4', and I'm being fairly conservative with plotting our course to avoid shallow areas. I know that it's good to have regardless, but what are the chances that I'll actually need it?

The boat came with a fixed VHF, and I'm planning on picking up a handheld backup with DSC.

Yeah I used to smugly say I didn't need a tow policy, until that one time when... By the way, I may have missed it, but what is the size, make and year of the boat? And you are checking you know how to drain the water out of the fuel filter too, right? I had an engine quit right in the middle of a shipping lane and everyone was too seasick to hold the flashlight for me to drain the filter. You'll have a great time and your first set of sea stories to embellish upon as the years go by... Oh and I got a handheld VHF with GPS, its great for a hundred bucks more.

[Don C L]

Originally Posted by FamilyVan

I think this is an excellent point. 100 miles day my rear end- that's for open water passages by experienced crew. Aim for 40 mile days, but don't be surprised if you need to pull in after 25 or 30. Seasickness, weather, mechanicals, the cold, they are all uglier than you think.

Sent from my SGH-I547C using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Yeah, that's definitely true. And mark off (become familiar with entries to) some good places along the way to stop if you need to. I was glad I did recently when my friend (the owner) was so sea sick he had to get off the boat.

[AnamCara-A]

What I found essential was a good note book (A5) and various Pens, a 12" steel rule and a couple of different coloured highlighters. Get a good quality hard covered notebook with thick pages. Good for making notes to remember things, doodling, writing check lists, shopping lists, planning you next trip etc. Not as formal as your Log Book.

[mcneilms]

If the boat has been setting up for a while you will be changing a lot of filters. As said before, a fuel / tank polishing service or at least have the tank drained and refilled with new fuel. 20 gallon tank shouldn't cost much and will save a lot of headache and downtime.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[hamburking]

I like to have an extending boat hook...very handy. Also, lots of LED flashlights.

A good anchor and chain/rode is a must. A cruising guide for the area would likely help too.

Bring more fresh water and canned/dry food than you think. If you get stuck someplace due to bad weather, or mechanical trouble, the last thing you want to think about is dinner.

Bring a good attitude, and a great sense of adventure.

You can do it, yes you can!

[hamburking]

Bring a notebook and calculator. Start with a full fuel tank, and try to work out your fuel consumption rate. Knowing how much fuel is in the tank and your range is valuable information. Keep a running list of things you need to buy when you are sailing...as soon as you get into port its easy to forget. Also, start your TO DO list. Understand that the TO DO list will never end...ever.

[sapient sue]

Originally Posted by FamilyVan

Yessir, unless you're wife happens to be the likes of Ann Cate, Zeehag or sailorchic, odds are she likes the idea of cruising a lot more than the realities of it.

Keep her comfortable and be prepared to do most everything at first. If she shows an interest in a particular element of cruising, nurture and encourage.

And don't ever ever yell at her when something goes wrong.

Sent from my SGH-I547C using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

If more Captains followed this advice there would be far more of "Happy and contented" female cruisers. We are now in our 20th year of cruising and we still remember our first passage. You seem to be well prepared and willing to take advice so go with confidence and enjoy. From the Admiral and Captain of Yaraandoo II.

[Volkeno]

My insurance from boatUS came with an hour of towing included on Vessel Assist. I would definitely get a tow policy of at least one hour ($150). I've been towed twice on my various boats and a $600 tow bill is no fun, but neither is bobbing around with no wind and no engine and strong currents.
I also would familiarize myself with the seacocks so you know when they are open or closed( just in case the former owner or surveyor closed the engine cooling water).
Don't forget to relax and have fun.

[Stargazerroatan]

Make sure your radio works properly. Check the weather before you leave for problems .

Fair winds and a good trip.

Jim