Safety gear recommidations

[milesoftheocean]

Hello, years ago I had a cat22 that I sailed extensively, mostly on a lake in Texas, but also around Houston. Long story short I geared up for a good trip in it, but faced equipment failures that caused me to make the choice to turn back and tow it home, tail tucked between my legs. I was much younger then, but now I have a much better boat, a 1968 Bristol 33. Its pretty sound, standing rigging is solid, hull is solid, so I want to start with replacing the running rigging and electronics.

My goal this year is to take her out on a few excursions, around the gulf, then down to Corpus, and eventually to Florida, where I'm hoping to get some island experience with the Keys and dock it.

Here's why I'm posting, I was hoping to get some good advice on more affordable gear or perhaps even just good brands or must have's that I as a very rusty and never truly experienced sailor isn't thinking of. For example, I know I need to replace my radio, but have no idea where to start as far as brands and price tags goes. Or, I want to replace the running rigging, but don't really want to take a blind bet on line that could be cheap and unreliable. I know a lot of what I need in an emergency bag, are there some good bundles out there or probably best to build it myself?

Any input, advice, or opinions are appreciated. I am in the very beginning phase to doing all this and am trying to start formulating a list and gathering information. I have plenty of time to plan, so thanks for yours and thanks for reading!

[leecea]

Seems like New England Ropes Sta-Set is a pretty solid bet for running rigging.

If you think it's important to have less stretch on your main halyard you could go with something like New England Ropes VPC (that's what we used).

[psk125]

World Sailing refers people to their Special Offshore Regulations for safety guidelines at sea.
These Inshore rules might be worth following:
Part B Portable Equipment A boat shall have:
Regulation Item
3.23 one strong bucket with a lanyard and of at least 9 litres (2.4 US Gal) capacity
3.24 one compass (a hand-held is acceptable)
4.05 one fire extinguisher required if electrical system,
engine or stove on board
4.06 one anchor
4.22.3 a lifebuoy with a drogue
4.22.7 A heaving line, no less than 6 mm (1/4") diameter, 15
- 25 m (50 - 75’) long, readily accessible to cockpit
Each crewmember shall have:
4.25
A strong, sharp knife, sheathed and securely restrained shall be provided readily accessible from the deck or a cockpit.
5.01.1
A personal flotation device which shall: (a) be equipped with a whistle
(b) clearly marked with the boat’s or wearer’s name (c) if inflatable, regularly checked for air retention Unless otherwise specified by a boat’s applicable class rules or by sailing instructions, personal flotation devices shall have at least 150N buoyancy, arranged to securely suspend an unconscious man face upwards at approximately 45 degrees to the water surface.
We also mount a Lifesling on our taffrail and have all the USCG required gear.