FEMALES: Live Aboard Essentials Help Please

[Reach]

Originally Posted by SimplerLife

I have searched threads and end up spinning so any direct links to blogs or threads or a direct answer would be appreciated beyond words!!! Looking for help understanding the following…

1. What clothing essentials do we need to pack? We have minimal space obviously so packing as light as we can but still cover our basics…just can’t find any good info on what liveabaord clothing ‘basics’ are.


2. Along the lines of clothing – girly question – what fabrics do you tend toward or stay away from like the plague? Particularly bras and such..do you wear them? use swimsuit usually? sport bra perhaps?

3. Kitchenware – We got a lot of hand me downs from our previous boat owner and that is what we have been using when we visit but it is all junk and rusted. Cookware, utensils, plates, cups and gear that will hold up, won’t rust, etc.…recommendations?


4. Personal Hygiene items – seems like for the first year we will have access to various stores and such for toiletry needs and such that arise but likely at a high price. Realistically, should we stock up on deodorant, razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, tampons, etc. in Ohio and bring with us? If so, any gauge on how much to bring...3 mos, 6 mos, etc.?

Sorry if these questions seem silly…we have really only met other boaters that stay in the marinas and moorings and don’t move much so we haven’t gotten straight answers as for them it is pretty much like living in an apartment on water. We would appreciate any help you are willing to share. Definitely willing to do reading and such on my own if you have helpful links and blogs you can offer. Thank you so so much in advance!

Good questions. You will figure out your preferences once living & traveling aboard for sure. I can share some of my experiences that come to mind.

1/2. Clothes & Fabrics: On the boat, I live in bathing suits every day & keep a few pullover dresses to cover up if I want. I also look for colorful bras & panties and sit around in them on occasion - kinda looks like a bathing suit. Someone taught me that trick in Puerto Rico

When going into town, I wear capris or pants. I like having breathable synthetic capris for comfort, e.g. for bus travel, etc and cotton tank tops. In South & Central America you almost never see local women in shorts and I've given them up too. It is nice to wear casual skirts/dresses at night for socializing.

3. Kitchenware: I'd chuck any rusted items. I find a basic TFAL pan set, deep saute pan/wok and glass bakeware cover most cooking needs. You can find plastics & glass kitchenware, metal pots/pans in almost every country in hardware stores, so if you're missing something you will be able to supplement along the way.

4. Personal hygiene: I stock up on my preferred "brands" when in the States or with access to them and these usually last me until the next visit (~yearly). Nothing fancy, but you can't beat some of the prices in the US so I stock up.

Also, I have very thick curly hair that needs some taming, but found that using conditioner onboard uses more water and creates more residue in our shower than I'd like. So I get Pantene spray conditioner/detangler and it works great as an after shower conditioner.

Hope this helps - Enjoy!!

[Prairie Chicken]

It is so different in every area! Yes, you can get the essentials virtually anywhere, but finding a brand that you like can be frustrating and expensive. I'm all in favour of trying the local stuff, expanding your repertoire of 'what works' , but carry what you really need or must have until you find a few alternate brands. Be prepared to have some care packages sent while you find your new norms.

You can buy a toaster anywhere--but in Europe anything electrical or electronic will be WAY more expensive than in North America. Plus, for anything electrical you need to be thinking of the appropriate plugs & whether it is 110 or 220 v. Also, you aren't going to be going to your favourite discount store--you'll be going to the first & perhaps only store you find that carries what you need. If that is in or close to the marina it will be expensive.

The cost of experimenting to find brands you like can be high, and even if you find a brand you know & trust it may be a different formula than what you knew at home. I haul enough Dove antiperspirant with me as I've found the Dove in Europe is the pits, and all others I've tried I've ended up tossing out. Similarly, I never found any tampons in Spain that I liked and hauled those with me too. Because we go back & forth twice a year I have that luxury. On the other hand, the European Special K tastes better than the American version, and we haul tubes of mustard home because we prefer it.

Clothes: Mix & match is the key. Natural fibres are good, some slinky synthetics can dress up well, and don't forget light-weight wool. No-iron, no wrinkle is essential. Clothing is optional (and much easier on the laundry) in warm climates with no neighbours--otherwise bathing suits. I tend to only wear 2 or 3 pairs of shorts even though I carry more; a few more tops. A long-sleeved blouse can double as a light jacket on a warm night. Sun dresses or cover-ups are a multi-purpose blessing. You will also want to buy some new & different things along the way so leave room for new treasures.

Makeup tends not to happen except in port so you may not need all you did back home.

As far as boat bits are concerned, that doesn't seem to be the focus of this thread but some places have excellent tradesmen who can custom-make better than off-the-shelf; other places that just isn't an option.

Networking with other cruisers who have come from where you're going is really worthwhile. You'll find your way, and that is all part of the adventure. Enjoy!

[SimplerLife]

Everyone - Thank you so much!!! This information has been so incredibly helpful! Good to see that we have a lot covered already such as ensuring we have spare parts, share labor and have many 'comforts' covered already. Thank you all for sharing your experiences.

[Dulcesuenos]

Wife loves her stainless nesting cookware, and uses a pressure cooker often. It uses less gas and cooks fast and keeps cooking with gas off. Were weight and space concious so also use silicone bake ware etc. :-) we use a stove top tea kettle and a french press for coffee on the hook, unless shes cooking and then she may run the inverter and electric coffee maker.

[SaucySailoress]

Why do people keep talking about women living in swimsuits on a boat? That is such a stupid idea. Granted, I was a diving instructor for ten years, also as a commercial diver and a watersports instructor etc, so I have perhaps spent more time around the water than most women in less nautical jobs... BUT it does mean that I know that wearing swimsuits all day in wet hot conditions is NOT a good thing to do.

I had no choice in Kuwait - HAD to wear them, unfortunately.... but have cast them off now. Barely touch them unless visiting a public pool. If naked isn't appropriate on the boat, then cotton knickers (and yes, you CAN get sexy cotton knickers now!) do the job. And cotton mix vest tops with built in support - I couldn't live without them. Buy them in bulk when I see them, even!

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by chuckr

but if were to fill the suit cases with anything it would be boat spare parts -- we are headed back to the usa in late feb and will be there for 2-3 weeks - we will carry back 2 large backpacks that will be empty and will come back with them full of boat parts....

Originally Posted by Liunatic

I will look forward to the FEMALES answering this thread -- and hopefully they will stay on topic and not give ridiculous answers like, just pack boat parts

Liunatic and SimplerLife, Chuck's advice is spot on LOL, as was Saucy's in the previous post.

The critical stuff is truly tools and boats parts. Unless you are extremely generously endowed (not a problem here LOL) which bra (if any) you put on pales into insignificance when systems break down and you are struggling to repair them or waiting for parts to arrive. We moved to the Med from Australia, so everything had to be transported by plane. My husband's suitcase contained nothing but tools and parts and tinned wire. His wet weather jacket pockets were stuffed with undies LOL. The first couple of trips over I indulged in bringing over a few favourite pieces of china and good bed linen (the boat was to be our new home and for me these were 'essential'), but since then my suitcase too has contained nothing but parts etc.

Pack light on summer clothes, they can usually be readily picked up most places. Good quality wet wet weather gear is the only real essential and whatever shoes you consider best (I use crocs exclusively). In summer lazing around on board you will wear very little.

Unless you are marina hopping and like to dress up, you will only use a fraction of the clothes you think you need. I find cotton the most comfortable in hot humid conditions. Towels used are the extra large microfibre camping ones as they was and dry very easily.

Kitchen stuff is very personal and it depends how you cook or are prepared to cook. I had a huge kitchen fully equipped with all the gadgets back home. I have no electric appliances now apart from a stick mixer and I am perfectly content. Utensils including cutlery fit in one small drawer. Four good knives are used (bread knife, large chef's, small and a filleting one). Ladle, masher, whisk are silicone, as are all cake/loaf pans. It is a dream to use on board - does not rattle or rust, it very lightweight and squashable. Two saucepans (medium and small), a fry pan and a pressure cooker (all beautifully made German Fissler) are all I need. The initial outlay is higher, but they will last a lifetime and are a real pleasure to use, so I consider them good value.

I have two good wooden chopping boards, but only use them for serving things as I find the cheap plastic ones are so much more convenient on board (drill a hole in the top of them and hang them on the inside of a galley cupboard door).

China and glassware used are again personal. Some people prefer plastic, others crystal and bone china. The latter can be stored safely if layered with non skid stuff (as is used under rugs). Tall glasses store well wrapped in bubble wrap in plastic pasta containers. You just need to decide what you are happy with.

Good luck with your planning and preparations .

[carstenb]

Lastly it nice to have your own personal space which is off limits to your SO. Remember your space is your space and his space is mostly your space also. [/QUOTE]

Having a wife and had 2 daughters I can truthfully say this is entirely incorrect.

Their space is their space, and your space is their space. Your clothes are also theirs. Kinda like socialism in practice.

I'm male, but I do the all the cooking. I keep it simple, only electrics are a blender staff and a handheld mixmaster. We use real china, because food just tastes better. We have cheap glasses (but a set of real crystal - wine definitely tastes better in real crystal!).

Cast iron pans and saucepans, silicon bread forms etc. stainless flatware.

I don't wear bras, and my doesn't either when on board. She has one or two with her if we go to a better restaurant. Both of us wear mostly cotton, shorts or long pants, vinni has a selection of cotton skirts. Almost exclusively cotton t's or similar.

I like boat shoes, vinni likes sneakers mostly. If really hot - barefoot or sandals.

[JK n Smitty]

SimplerLife, welcome aboard.

CF posters that keep harping on the tools and spares, I don't think this is a big deal. If my guess is correct, the name of her boat is Wild Card (might sound familiar to anyone who reads Cruising World). And SimplerLife and her boyfriend have one of the better founded boats and got instruction from one of the best yachtsman out there.

To her initial questions, I can't comment on the clothing but when my wife had a similar question I pointed her to the Life Alfoat Archives. There is some really good advise on this blog. The writer is a member and poster here but might not have seen your question yet because they are currently cruising down the ICW.

Another good resource is the Monkey's Fist. It is a collection of cruising and sailing blogs and they will post on various topics. There was one on laundry and some of the posts talk about fabric choices for being on boats.

On personal hygiene items, if you have specific brands that you like it will mostly likely be cheaper to buy them in the states than the Caribbean. However, Mexico could be cheaper if you plan to do any cruising there. Just keep in mind that weight can be a problem. I would guess you would want to start with a 3-6 month supply of the items that you are particular about.

On the kitchenware, someone already suggested the Boat Galley. That is a great resource. There is also a post on the Monkey's Fist about things that make life better for living aboard. There is also a post on advice for freshman cruisers.

Personally, I find blogs to be very helpful in filling this kind of gap in my knowledge as I prepare to go cruising. You can get some first hand experience that might save you from making a costly mistake. If you see a topic on a blog that gets close to what you are looking for but not exactly there, don't hesitate to post a comment asking the question or send an email to the blog owner. All that I have conversed with are very helpful and don't mind sharing their experiences to help someone else with the same interests.

I hope to see you out there some day. Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse

[JPA Cate]

If you presently own a crushable little cotton sheath dress that you love, and that you can easily dress up a bit, bring it. You never know when you might need it. Trust me on this. Life just presents you with the most amazing experiences! Before we left the US, I made a top, shorts, and skirt outfit, (the skirt for going in to town, just buttoned over the other), and I used it till it wore out, some years later. I have also made a number of skirts out of local fabrics, some wrap-around; incidentallly, locals like them for gifts out in the SP. Most places we've been, adult women do not wear shorts in public. FWIW

Ann

[SimplerLife]

Originally Posted by SaucySailoress

Why do people keep talking about women living in swimsuits on a boat? That is such a stupid idea. Granted, I was a diving instructor for ten years, also as a commercial diver and a watersports instructor etc, so I have perhaps spent more time around the water than most women in less nautical jobs... BUT it does mean that I know that wearing swimsuits all day in wet hot conditions is NOT a good thing to do.

I had no choice in Kuwait - HAD to wear them, unfortunately.... but have cast them off now. Barely touch them unless visiting a public pool. If naked isn't appropriate on the boat, then cotton knickers (and yes, you CAN get sexy cotton knickers now!) do the job. And cotton mix vest tops with built in support - I couldn't live without them. Buy them in bulk when I see them, even!

Yes, I don't plan to live in a swimsuit everyday purely out of fear of that mcuh skin exposure. CAn you help me udnerstand what a "mix vest tops with built in support" is...like a tank top with a built in bra? I need a bit more suppor than that so I guess cotton bra is the way to go. Love this info...thank you!

[zeehag]

tools and spares can be had anywhere.
bisquik and comfort are harder to achieve.
comfort is harder than even bisquik ....
go for the comfort.

cotton yes. anything else will itch like a b...oops.....

[SimplerLife]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

If you presently own a crushable little cotton sheath dress that you love, and that you can easily dress up a bit, bring it. You never know when you might need it. Trust me on this. Life just presents you with the most amazing experiences! Before we left the US, I made a top, shorts, and skirt outfit, (the skirt for going in to town, just buttoned over the other), and I used it till it wore out, some years later. I have also made a number of skirts out of local fabrics, some wrap-around; incidentallly, locals like them for gifts out in the SP. Most places we've been, adult women do not wear shorts in public. FWIW

Ann

This is very interesting...I am all about buildign a simple, versatile wardrobe that can be utilized for different occassions that arise. Can you expound on "top, shorts, skirt outfit"...3 pieces that you interchanged or was it a cool 1 piece that can be contorted into different shapes/outfits?

[SimplerLife]

Originally Posted by JK n Smitty

SimplerLife, welcome aboard.

CF posters that keep harping on the tools and spares, I don't think this is a big deal. If my guess is correct, the name of her boat is Wild Card (might sound familiar to anyone who reads Cruising World). And SimplerLife and her boyfriend have one of the better founded boats and got instruction from one of the best yachtsman out there.

To her initial questions, I can't comment on the clothing but when my wife had a similar question I pointed her to the Life Alfoat Archives. There is some really good advise on this blog. The writer is a member and poster here but might not have seen your question yet because they are currently cruising down the ICW.

Another good resource is the Monkey's Fist. It is a collection of cruising and sailing blogs and they will post on various topics. There was one on laundry and some of the posts talk about fabric choices for being on boats.

On personal hygiene items, if you have specific brands that you like it will mostly likely be cheaper to buy them in the states than the Caribbean. However, Mexico could be cheaper if you plan to do any cruising there. Just keep in mind that weight can be a problem. I would guess you would want to start with a 3-6 month supply of the items that you are particular about.

On the kitchenware, someone already suggested the Boat Galley. That is a great resource. There is also a post on the Monkey's Fist about things that make life better for living aboard. There is also a post on advice for freshman cruisers.

Personally, I find blogs to be very helpful in filling this kind of gap in my knowledge as I prepare to go cruising. You can get some first hand experience that might save you from making a costly mistake. If you see a topic on a blog that gets close to what you are looking for but not exactly there, don't hesitate to post a comment asking the question or send an email to the blog owner. All that I have conversed with are very helpful and don't mind sharing their experiences to help someone else with the same interests.

I hope to see you out there some day. Good luck and fair winds,

Jesse

Guess I said too much!!! LOL I was trying to be somewhat under the radar Yes, Wildcard is us. We have a great boat, excellent guidance and are stocking up to have more spares and backups onboard than creature comforts...as our mentor yachtsman taught us LOL

[JPA Cate]

[

It was a scoop-neck, attatched at the waist to the shorts jobbie, that had 4 or 5 buttons down the front so you could get into it. The skirt was a "A" shape, with an elastic waistband and pockets in the side seams. I am a pocket fanatic (sea shells, whatnot). The outfit's main benefit was that visually, it turned a sun outfit into a sun dress. None of the wraparound skirt patterns had pockets. I have since made up and installed patch pockets on wraparound skirts with good results. If you decide to whip up this sort of thing, two tips: one, mosquitoes tend to like to land on darker fabrics; two, prints that make light soiling visually disappear are a plus.

Mostly, though, have fun with it!

Ann

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by SaucySailoress

Why do people keep talking about women living in swimsuits on a boat? That is such a stupid idea. Granted, I was a diving instructor for ten years, also as a commercial diver and a watersports instructor etc, so I have perhaps spent more time around the water than most women in less nautical jobs... BUT it does mean that I know that wearing swimsuits all day in wet hot conditions is NOT a good thing to do.

I had no choice in Kuwait - HAD to wear them, unfortunately.... but have cast them off now. Barely touch them unless visiting a public pool. If naked isn't appropriate on the boat, then cotton knickers (and yes, you CAN get sexy cotton knickers now!) do the job. And cotton mix vest tops with built in support - I couldn't live without them. Buy them in bulk when I see them, even!

Any pics?