Must Have for my cruising sailboat??

[sushirama]

Tequila, bag of limes, suntan lotion and ice.

[Teknav]

Sushi...If you're cruising, you must have RUM. From the beginning of times, mariners had kegs of rum on board. Keep the tradition going...

[sushirama]

@teknav, I use rum as mouthwash! and oatmeal conditioner.

[PamlicoTraveler]

Originally Posted by sushirama

Tequila, bag of limes, suntan lotion and ice.

+1 .... And only high grade Agave "100% puro de agave". Even during the worst of the financial crisis and during some personal financial stress, I maintained the "no house brands" rule.

[sushirama]

Ya know, I always believe that when you go too high on the grade of Tequila in a margarita you dilute what is the true essence and the soul of the margarita. Its like using a 1978 Montrachet for your meatball sauce. Sure its $24,000 a bottle, but does your meatball care?

[PamlicoTraveler]

Originally Posted by sushirama

Ya know, I always believe that when you go too high on the grade of Tequila in a margarita you dilute what is the true essence and the soul of the margarita.

You are right - For a Margarita, yes, it's overkill. I'm a Tequila sipper - I like the taste.. In a Margarita it's hard to tell what's in it.

[RTB]

Originally Posted by Tellie

Every person is going to be different. But "Must Haves"? There are no "Must Haves" because a boat in the first place is not a "Must Have" It is a luxury, therefore anything you add to it is a luxury. Get the boat first and play with it for a while then it will become far more clear as to the luxuries you'll want to add that will fit you and the type of cruising comforts you'll want.

Like Tellie says, get the boat first and do some cruising. You'll figure out what you really need (or want). We left our marina near Galveston, Tx. on Nov. 15, and are hanging out in Panama City, Fl. for a bit. We did spend a lot of money before we left, but it was just getting the boat in safe condition. New bottom job, thru-hulls, hoses, rigging inspection, new halyards, new prop, and a nice bimini with filler piece to the dodger. We have no autopilot, windlass, radar, watermaker, davits, solar panels, or chartplotter at the helm, and have not wanted for anything so far. Well maybe, an AP with a 150 offshore hop ahead.

We did buy a Honda EU2000 companion generator, and do need to run it pretty often. Still, a simple, cheap solution for our power needs.

We're driving back to Texas tomorrow for our son's upcoming graduation. Once we get back to the boat, we'll keep working our way to the Bahamas.

http://www.sailblogs.com/member/brogdon/

Cheers, and happy holidays!
Ralph

[goboatingnow]

Originally Posted by TacomaSailor

The things I would not going cruising without

- good autopilot that can steer to apparent wind
- backup autopilot
- windvane
- radar
- easy and deep reefing
- big anchors
- more big anchors
- lots of chain for my big anchors
- lots of extra rode for my big anchors
- lots of snubbers for my chain for my big anchors
- paper charts
- good dodger that will protect me from rain/spray
- watermaker

I may be wrong about the list above 'cause all my cruising has been done with the stuff listed but I've used all that stuff endlessly and would be lost, unhappy, and probably really scared without it.

Two autopilots and a windvane, are you particularly hard on self steering devices ???

Big anchors plural plus more big anchors plural. Lost a lot have we,LOL.

Just joshing you.

I agree with Beth Leonard. Who said that most cruisers just use one big anchor. I like to have that and one backup
After that I am with Oscar Wilde.

Dave

[Cheechako]

*Battery recharging scheme: (Solar, wind, HD alternator),
*Water maker,
*refrigeration.
*Good RIB dingy with davits. (most anchorages are 10-30 miles apart, just pick it up and go instead of spending hours derigging it and stowing it.)
Treat anything you buy with a boat , hoping it will suffice, as suspect. ie: the refrig is working but is it an old R12 unit? Water maker installed, but is it an old electric PUR40-80 unit? (membrane likely bad or not functional) etc.
*Bimini

for Bahamas to Trinidad you certainly dont need a windvane.

[ElGatoGordo]

I'm surprised at the number of serious answers. I have no idea what anyone else needs...I don't need a water maker, radar, or wind generator. I do need several days water stowage, good binoculars and charts, slight solar power, and nice weather. But that's based on where I go, when, and in what boat.

I suppose besides a sound boat, the only sure need would be good ground tackle. Even if you're a Marina hopper, ground tackle is essential for any boat beyond a lake racer...IMO

[sailorboy1]

good company

[rebel heart]

Originally Posted by Don Lucas

I assume we are talking beyond the absolute minimum stuff, so:

good autopilot

Hard to overstate how important this is.

Underway the only things I really worry about are:
- Rudder & steering systems, including auto pilot.
- Standing rigging and primary sails.
- Engine and transmission.
- Ground tackle (chain, anchor, connections, snubber).

With that you can move and stop the boat in a controlled manner. Everything else is really just an accessory. I've seen plenty of people with five gallon jugs of water bungee corded in the cabin. It works well enough.

Don't believe the hype that "helpful" systems are somehow "necessary".

[The Garbone]

A working head and a way to heat water for coffee. Everything else is gravy.

[ElGatoGordo]

Originally Posted by rebel heart

Don't believe the hype that "helpful" systems are somehow "necessary".

No truer words!

Originally Posted by The Garbone

A working head and a way to heat water for coffee. Everything else is gravy.

OK...I admit my mistake! Both are "gotta haves", even if the head is a bucket...gotta have a plan!

[gettinthere]

Originally Posted by The Garbone

A working head and a way to heat water for coffee. Everything else is gravy.

Interesting combination of choices there. A head, hot water and gravy!