Feedback on my Packing List

[KelseyB]

If you've been following along other posts I've made in the past few months you already know that I have a 30 foot steel sailboat that I've been refitting to take down the ICW and hopefully to The Bahamas, covid permitting. It's come to the point that I've made my grand packing list, and I'm looking for input: anything I'm missing? anything I can go without? any specific brands or alternatives to things I have on here?

I'll be solo more than I'll have crew, so that was taken into consideration. Another thing of note is that the engine has fewer than 50 hours on it, and is a Volvo, so I'm hoping that means I won't have to be making any major repairs but it is still in its shakedown phase and settling in.

This is my "boat gear" list and doesn't include "my" things like clothes, books, toiletries, etc. It also doesn't include the super obvious large things like "dinghy."

I also hope that this might be helpful as an outline to anyone else who is provisioning a boat from scratch

Anyway, here is my very long list:

Paper Things
• Engine manuals
• All the other manuals
• General trip logbook
• Specific engine maintenance, hours, etc logbook
• Reference books:
o Nigel Calder’s big mechanical and electrical book
o Waterway Guides
o Perhaps a USCG rules book
o Marine Electronics book
• Registration, title (in waterproof container in secret compartment)
• Passport (also waterproof container in secret compartment)
• Cash
• Driver’s license, credit and debit cards, etc
• Paper charts

Safety Equipment
• Swim ladder, and a way to attach it (still working on that)
• Line, 30+ feet with knots, to throw aft when solo in rough weather
• Lifejackets – at least one per person on board, so bring 5 or 6 just in case
• Throwable cushions
• Harness(es) and jacklines
• Lifesling
• EPIRB
• Flares and distress flags – I need a minimum of 3 day use + 3 night use or 3 day/night use distress signals
• Courtesy flags
• Spare anchors (2 – 1 mounted to stern and 1 in the cabin)
• Fire extinguishers – B type (1 near the engine and 1 forward)
• Air horn
• Bailing buckets
• Bailing sponges
• Big electric bilge pump with hoses (30 gal/second)
• Manual bilge pump
• All relevant stickers in the right places (fuel tank, VHF)
• Plugs attached to thru-hulls
• Spare plugs – like the soft ones for any size hole
• Flextape?
• Manual start override for engine
• Padlock for head overboard discharge
• Locks for interior and exterior of companionway

Ditch Bag
• Bright colored dry bag that floats and has a carry strap
• Handheld backup VHF radio (floating) with GPS
• Extra batteries for VHF radio (use alkaline – longer shelf life)
• Some bottles of water
• Protein bars/some high-protein high-carb food
• Emergency blanket
• Flares
• Waterproof flashlight
• Knife
• EPIRB – put it here
• PLB (personal locator beacon) (do I need both it and an EPIRB? They seem very similar)
• Basic small first aid kit (disinfectant/alcohol spray, trauma pads, self adhering bandages)
• Waterproof matches
• Cold weather/wool socks, gloves, head and neck covering

First Aid Kit
• Emergency blanket
• Band aids of various sizes
• Ibuprofen/Advil
• Sudafed/Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Antihistamines
• Meclizine (for motion sickness/vertigo)
• Diamode/Diotame
• Aloe vera
• Chapstick
• Cortisone cream
• Disinfectant spray/cream
• Trauma pads, gauze, self-adhering bandages/wraps
• Tweezers
• Hand sanitizer
• Alcohol swabs
• Quick snap cold packs
• Lidocaine cream (or aloe vera with lidocaine)
• CPR mask, since I already have one

Tools, etc.
• Winch grease, winch oil
• WD-40
• Basic sail repair/patch kit
o Whipping line, other thread, needles, fid set (including heavy sailmaker needles)
o Waxed dental floss
o Lighter
o Emergency press-on sail patches
• Ospho
• Rustoleum primer
• Deck paints
• Bikini Blue freeboard paint?
• Amercoat 235
• Quick epoxy
• Varnish – since I already have some
• Paint brushes
• Epoxy cups
• Paint stir sticks
• Nitrile gloves
• Cordless power drill and bits
• Acetone
• Hammer
• Crescent wrenches
• Screwdrivers of various sizes (including stubbys, and one very large flathead))
• Spare hardware, including nuts and washers of various sizes
• Pliers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Scissors
• Razor blade/exacto knife
• Vise grips
• Electrician’s pliers
• Socket wrench set
• Allen key set
• Mallet hammer
• Chisels/scrapers/wire brushes
• Clamps
• Multimeter
• Wire stripper/cutter
• Crimper and various sizes of crimps, terminals, connecters, and heat shrink
• Electrical tape of various colors
• Butane soldering iron
• Extra wire
• Bolt cutters
• Pry bar
• Tape measure
• Duct tape
• Painter’s tape
• Zip ties
• Shock cords
• Weather seal tape
• Hose clamps
• Tool bag(s) to put all of this in
• Some form of container for paint/other liquids that can spill to be stored in
• Mousing wire
• Silicone caulk
• Caulking gun
• Blue Loctite
• Teak oil – can also get as needed
• Stainless polish – can also get as needed

Spares
• Should I bring my old sails? Will they work with the new rigging? Should I try to make them work with the new rigging?
• Extra sail cars for main, since I have them
• Spare shackles?
• Some spare blocks?
• Extra dock lines, extra lines in general
• Oil filters
• Fuel filters
• Impellers
• Spare fuel injector?
• V-belts for the alternator
• Spare alternator?
• Seals for the water pump">raw water pump
• Spare heat exchanger?
• Spare water pump shafts? Apparently this is a Volvo issue
o https://www.practical-sailor.com/blo...ruising-sailor
• Engine fluids (oil, transmission fluid, coolant) – how many quarts of each? Keep empty quarts/have something to drain fluids into for proper disposal
o Need to go back and look at what types/weights for each one
• Head rebuild kit
• Ring dings
• Assorted cotter pins and clevis pins
• Extra sail ties
• Extra genoa sheet car?
• Battery operated backup bow and stern lights

Galley
• Watertight containers/Tupperware
• Chip clips
• Nets
• Hooks
• Koozies
• Organizational system of some sort
• Nonskid mats
• Water bottle
• A thermos or several
• Small, foldable dish drying rack
• A container for doing dishes so I can have a pseudo-double sink
• Sponges
• Dish towels
• Pots and pans
• Silverware
• Dishes
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Knives
• Spatula, other things in that category
• Cutting boards
• Percolator for coffee
• Denatured alcohol for stove
• Electric water heater? Probably don’t need it if I have the microwave
• Trash can – where is this going to go?

Cleaning Products, etc
• Non-smell-stuff for head
• Vinegar
• Bromide tablets
• Simple Green
• Dish soap
• Krud Kutter
• Barkeeper’s Friend
• Little brushes for sea strainers
• Laundry detergent (maybe in pod form?)
• Mini shop vac
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels

Other Misc. Gear
• Fenders
• Docklines and extra docklines
• Snorkel, mask, and fins
• Bike lock for dinghy and outboard
• Bosun’s chair
• Flashlights and lanterns (ideally waterproof)
• Oil lamp
• Spare batteries – ideally alkaline
• Jerry cans
• Collapsible reusable water jugs
• Sailing knife
• River-bag dry backpack for going ashore
• Outboard harness, and a rig to use the boom as a motor lift
• Reusable shopping bags
• Boat hook
• Scrub brushes for deck (don’t really need a whole deck brush)
• Binoculars
• Generator
• Alcohol heater
• Wind scoop
• Sheets
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Towels
• Sleeping bag(s)
• Nets
• Bath mats as rugs
• Shade tarp
• Shore power cord (30 amp)
o Any sort of adapters?
• Washdown hose + nozzle
• Transom grill
• Clothespins
• GoPro/camera and gear
• Jetpack WiFi

[Spot]

Very nice list.
-Yes to Flextape. Not that I have tried it but a recent unbiased video confirms it's good for about everything except city water pressure.
-Princeton Tec Impact XL LED diver's flashlight approx 30$ and a LED headlamp, rechargeable or battery type.
-I keep a small knife, whistle, and LED light in my PDF. One time I needed the knife and did not have it. Another time I lost my biggest LED light (switch broke) on an unpowered/unwired sailboat at sunset and the baby one on my PDF got me a half mile in, under oars, off the water and back onto the trailer.

[CarlF]

The best way to build your list is to do as many 2-3 day shakedown trips as you can.

A few things I didn't notice in your list:

AIS transponder. While the majority of 30ft boats don't have this, it is the single best thing you can do to not be run down by a commercial ship since you show up right on their AIS system with all the rest of the ships they're trying not to hit. It also makes everything easier because you can see the name of the other boat/ship right on your screen and call them on the VHF - and visa versa.

I didn't see you anchor. What is it?

You really don't need much of a ditch bag on your planned cruise. You'll be picked up within four hours of activating the EPIRB in the waters you're considering - probably with your boat still afloat. Hardly anyone these days ends up in the water. Personally, I would skip the EPIRB and just carry a PLB in the ditch bag (and wear it around your neck on a lanyard if things ever get bad). No need for a GPS in the handheld VHF because the PLB is broadcasting your position. If you've got spare budget, I'd also consider a Garmin InReach which let's you exchange two way messages to explain what sort of help you need or tell someone you're behind schedule so don't panic. But you'll only need this once you leave the ICW so why don't you wait for now.

Get a tub of "stayafloat". Much more useful for leaks than round plugs since most holes are not perfectly round.

What's your plan for a life raft? Again, with your plans you don't need a full offshore life raft. The dinghy might be enough. Or consider an orange "Gumby" survival suit. It will keep you afloat fine until a chopper arrives.

Use a biocide like Biobar JD every time you take on diesel to keep algae from forming in your tanks and clogging your filters. And carry at least six spare fuel filters. If you take on bad fuel, you go through a lot of them.

Make some awnings for at anchor. One big one over the boom and then some sort of wind scoop/awning over the front hatch to shade the bow and funnel air below at anchor. That steel is going to heat up once you get south.

Carry some bleach to keep your water safe. Just a few drops will be enough in a typical jerry jug. Get a "taste" water filter to make your drinking water taste better. Use this calculator. 1ppm-2ppm is a good concentration. https://www.publichealthontario.ca/e...ion-calculator

Get evacuation coverage from DAN before you leave for the Bahamas. My understanding is that they've paused new memberships during COVID but I'm sure they'll get going again soon. It's especially important in the Bahamas where many islands have no medical facilities https://danboater.org

Carry a spare prop for the outboard in case you hit something and bend it.

[JPA Cate]

Originally Posted by KelseyB

If you've been following along other posts I've made in the past few months you already know that I have a 30 foot steel sailboat that I've been refitting to take down the ICW and hopefully to The Bahamas, covid permitting. It's come to the point that I've made my grand packing list, and I'm looking for input: anything I'm missing? anything I can go without? any specific brands or alternatives to things I have on here?

I'll be solo more than I'll have crew, so that was taken into consideration. Another thing of note is that the engine has fewer than 50 hours on it, and is a Volvo, so I'm hoping that means I won't have to be making any major repairs but it is still in its shakedown phase and settling in.

This is my "boat gear" list and doesn't include "my" things like clothes, books, toiletries, etc. It also doesn't include the super obvious large things like "dinghy."

I also hope that this might be helpful as an outline to anyone else who is provisioning a boat from scratch

Anyway, here is my very long list:

Paper Things
• Engine manuals
• All the other manuals
• General trip logbook
• Specific engine maintenance, hours, etc logbook
• Reference books:
o Nigel Calder’s big mechanical and electrical book
o Waterway Guides
o Perhaps a USCG rules book
o Marine Electronics book
• Registration, title (in waterproof container in secret compartment)
• Passport (also waterproof container in secret compartment)
• Cash
• Driver’s license, credit and debit cards, etc
• Paper charts

Safety Equipment
• Swim ladder, and a way to attach it (still working on that)
• Line, 30+ feet with knots, to throw aft when solo in rough weatherI don't think this line is long enough, either for you to reach if you fall in and the boat is under way, or as a drogue, just mho, but would suggest at least 100 ft.
• Lifejackets – at least one per person on board, so bring 5 or 6 just in case
• Throwable cushions
• Harness(es) and jacklines
• Lifesling
• EPIRB
• Flares and distress flags – I need a minimum of 3 day use + 3 night use or 3 day/night use distress signals
• Courtesy flags
• Spare anchors (2 – 1 mounted to stern and 1 in the cabin)
• Fire extinguishers – B type (1 near the engine and 1 forward)
• Air horn
• Bailing buckets
• Bailing sponges
• Big electric bilge pump with hoses (30 gal/second)
• Manual bilge pump
• All relevant stickers in the right places (fuel tank, VHF)
• Plugs attached to thru-hulls
• Spare plugs – like the soft ones for any size hole
• Flextape?
• Manual start override for engine
• Padlock for head overboard discharge
• Locks for interior and exterior of companionway

Ditch Bag
• Bright colored dry bag that floats and has a carry strap
• Handheld backup VHF radio (floating) with GPS
• Extra batteries for VHF radio (use alkaline – longer shelf life)
• Some bottles of water
• Protein bars/some high-protein high-carb food
• Emergency blanket
• Flares
• Waterproof flashlight
• Knife You'll need two, one for the bag and one to wear.
• EPIRB – put it here
• PLB (personal locator beacon) (do I need both it and an EPIRB? They seem very similar) Up to you, of course, but not too hard to imagine a scenario where you get separated from the EPIRB, and would be glad of an AIS type PLB.
• Basic small first aid kit (disinfectant/alcohol spray, trauma pads, self adhering bandages)
• Waterproof matches
• Cold weather/wool socks, gloves, head and neck covering Yes, and your nitrile gloves will keep water and wind out.

First Aid Kit
• Emergency blanket
• Band aids of various sizes
• Ibuprofen/Advil
• Sudafed/Acetaminophen
• Aspirin
• Antihistamines
• Meclizine (for motion sickness/vertigo)
• Diamode/Diotame
• Aloe vera
• Chapstick
• Cortisone cream
• Disinfectant spray/cream
• Trauma pads, gauze, self-adhering bandages/wraps
• Tweezers
• Hand sanitizer
• Alcohol swabs
• Quick snap cold packs
• Lidocaine cream (or aloe vera with lidocaine)
• CPR mask, since I already have one

Tools, etc.
• Winch grease, winch oil
• WD-40
• Basic sail repair/patch kit
o Whipping line, other thread, needles, fid set (including heavy sailmaker needles)
o Waxed dental floss
o Lighter
o Emergency press-on sail patches
• Ospho
• Rustoleum primer
• Deck paints
• Bikini Blue freeboard paint?
• Amercoat 235
• Quick epoxy
• Varnish – since I already have some
• Paint brushes
• Epoxy cups
• Paint stir sticks
• Nitrile gloves
• Cordless power drill and bits
• Acetone
• Hammer
• Crescent wrenches
• Screwdrivers of various sizes (including stubbys, and one very large flathead))
• Spare hardware, including nuts and washers of various sizes
• Pliers
• Needle-nose pliers
• Scissors
• Razor blade/exacto knife
• Vise grips
• Electrician’s pliers
• Socket wrench set
• Allen key set
• Mallet hammer
• Chisels/scrapers/wire brushes
• Clamps
• Multimeter
• Wire stripper/cutter
• Crimper and various sizes of crimps, terminals, connecters, and heat shrink
• Electrical tape of various colors
• Butane soldering iron
• Extra wire
• Bolt cutters
• Pry bar
• Tape measure
• Duct tape
• Painter’s tape
• Zip ties
• Shock cords
• Weather seal tape
• Hose clamps
• Tool bag(s) to put all of this in
• Some form of container for paint/other liquids that can spill to be stored in
• Mousing wire
• Silicone caulk
• Caulking gun
• Blue Loctite
• Teak oil – can also get as needed
• Stainless polish – can also get as needed

Spares
• Should I bring my old sails? Will they work with the new rigging? Only if you have roomShould I try to make them work with the new rigging? Start with them, you could have the new sails you're waiting on shipped to you in FL.
• Extra sail cars for main, since I have them COLOR="darkred"]yes[/COLOR]
• Spare shackles? yes
• Some spare blocks? two of the most versatile, like snatch blocks, if you have perforated toe rail.
• Extra dock lines, extra lines in general [COLOR="darkred"]You need at least two dock lines and two spring lines. For extra line, bring what you can. At least one the length of the longest line you need on your boat--it can go a shorter place, but you need to be able to replace the longest one if it chafes through in the middle.

• Oil filters At least one, and a whole oil change worth of oil
• Fuel filters At least one, only 50 hrs. on engine
• Impellers two
• Spare fuel injector?if you have one that has been serviced, then yes; however, we don't carry any.
• V-belts for the alternator two
• Spare alternator? if you have a spare
• Seals for the raw water pump
• Spare heat exchanger? I If you're going round the world, yes, but just for a trip to the Bahamas and back to the States, no.
Low hrs. on engine
• Spare water pump shafts? Apparently this is a Volvo issue
o https://www.practical-sailor.com/blo...ruising-sailor Kelsey, you're going to have a storage space problem at some point, and some of the nice to haves will have to not come along. This one, if a known problem, you could be really glad you have it.
• Engine fluids (oil, transmission fluid, coolant) – how many quarts of each? Keep empty quarts/have something to drain fluids into for proper disposal We always carry enough for one whole oil change (and we change the tranny oil at that time, also).
o Need to go back and look at what types/weights for each one
• Head rebuild kit No, but we carry gasket material so that we can make our own gaskets.
• Ring dings
• Assorted cotter pins and clevis pins Yes
• Extra sail ties Four's probably enough
• Extra genoa sheet car? No, can replace sheave if it fails.
• Battery operated backup bow and stern lights No, but you might want spare bulbs, or LEDs.

Galley
• Watertight containers/Tupperware
• Chip clips
• Nets
• Hooks
• Koozies
• Organizational system of some sort
• Nonskid matsbuy it cut off rolls; measure first, and bring extra, as you discover more places.
• Water bottle
• A thermos or several Have your crew bring one, too. Nice to have two large ones, but not essential.
• Small, foldable dish drying rack
• A container for doing dishes so I can have a pseudo-double sink use a pot
• Sponges
• Dish towels
• Pots and pans
• Silverware
• Dishes
• Glasses
• Mugs
• Can opener
• Bottle opener
• Knives
• Spatula, other things in that category
• Cutting boards
• Percolator for coffee
• Denatured alcohol for stove
• Electric water heater? Probably don’t need it if I have the microwave
• Trash can – where is this going to go?

Cleaning Products, etc
• Non-smell-stuff for head
• Vinegar
• Bromide tablets
• Simple Green
• Dish soap
• Krud Kutter
• Barkeeper’s Friend
• Little brushes for sea strainers
• Laundry detergent (maybe in pod form?)
• Mini shop vac
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels

Other Misc. Gear
• Fenders
• Docklines and extra docklines
• Snorkel, mask, and fins
• Bike lock for dinghy and outboard
• Bosun’s chair
• Flashlights and lanterns (ideally waterproof)
• Oil lamp
• Spare batteries – ideally alkaline
• Jerry cans If you're headed out into the Pacific, you'll need a couple.
• Collapsible reusable water jugs I'd suggest one hard water jug, too; secure it in the cockpit for emergency water, covered with a Sunbrella cover (to protect it from UV degradation). It will float, so if you have a liferaft, you can take some spare line, and secure the water to it.
• Sailing knife
• River-bag dry backpack for going ashore
• Outboard harness, and a rig to use the boom as a motor lift
• Reusable shopping bags
• Boat hook
• Scrub brushes for deck (don’t really need a whole deck brush)
• Binoculars
• Generator
• Alcohol heater
• Wind scoop
• Sheets
• Pillows
• Blankets
• Towels
• Sleeping bag(s)
• Nets
• Bath mats as rugs
• Shade tarp
• Shore power cord (30 amp)
o Any sort of adapters?
• Washdown hose + nozzle
• Transom grill
• Clothespins
• GoPro/camera and gear
• Jetpack WiFi

Well, those are some comments. I have this sense that this is a list for a 36 foot boat, so expect to want to trim it.

Ann

[mlydon]

Spare fuses & bulbs of all types
Rubbaweld or ‘emergency tape’ (stretchy, self amalgamating
Utility cord (ne ropes - the little stuff that’s great for SO many things
I highly recommend a fenix hl60 headlamp and extra batteries - couldn’t live without it
12v USB chargers - good for charging up the above, as well as phones, iPads, etc
Velcro wraps - the kind with hook on one side and loop on the other - awesome for organizing
Some spare hose in various diameters, and a good collection of hose clamps
A heat gun - good for varnish removal, as well as getting white hose on fittings

Didn’t see sunscreen on there, and I usually have a goodly collection of spare ball caps for guests who forget, as well as when the wind takes mine
Drink coozies - not only do they keep cans cold, they add great stability (don’t know how many spills I cleaned up before I got a set
Some serving bowls/platters
Didn’t see anything about bbq - spare tanks for that
Tongs
Fishing gear! And a good fillet knife
Mask/snorkel/fins - bottom work and recreation
Spare zincs - for both motor and prop shaft
Work gloves

Matt

[JPA Cate]

A number of folks have mentioned having an LED headlight. I have to agree. I think we use ours below decks as much as above, but nice to have both hands free.

Ann

[Davy J]

That's a great list............

I think I have most of those items onboard.......

Except this, what the hell is this..... (Bikini Blue freeboard paint?)

Anyhow, you won't get two weeks away from anywhere without groceries......... Plan accordingly..........

[Olly75]

Head torch that has green and red led - can be used as a spare running light if one fails
Zip ties
Duct tape
Give the engine e a complete service before you cast off so you know how to do it if you need to change an impeller/filter while under way
Splash zone - 2 part epoxy that sets underwater.
Get laminated photocopies of your important document- pass port and ship's rego and store in ditch bag.
Spare hose clamps
Make sure your socket set has every socket you'll need for the engine- eg check against the engine mounts
Something I've recently learned is to make a list of the bolt sizes that regularly need tightening/or need to be undone for maintenance. So when you're in a hurry you grab the right socket/spanner the first time.
Magnet on a stick and also one of those grab tools for retrieving things from the bilge.

[LittleWing77]

Way to go, Kelsey! Now where ya gonna put it all? Haha

I notice we're all agreeing on "some sort of tape". I've always just had a plain ol' roll of silver duct tape - what's with all these fancy-dancy tapes? Flexotape? What's that? (Sorry, I'm compelled to tease Spot just a little.)

I also agree about the headlamp. I have a Petzl climber's light from the 1990's and still works just fine thankyewveddymuch. Great for checking sails on night watch. Or anchoring at night. Or doing anything where you need two hands free (engine work and no one to hold the flashlight).

And if you use a small bathroom "trash can" (rectangular top) you can fit it under the companionway steps. Some boats I've been on just have the one trash can wedged somewhere in a corner of the head - but that means a walk to the trash every time you're in the galley cooking...

As someone already said, remember to put your ships papers, your passport, handheld VHF with fresh batteries (and spares) as well as spare water and protein bars in your ditch bag and keep it at your chart table.

Do you have a radar reflector?

Are you getting excited to go? I am (vicariously)!

Fair, fair winds, my friend,
The Other Little Wing
Team KelseyB

[wholybee]

My best suggestion, is that since you are starting off going down the ICW, the best way to know what you will need is to just go, and figure you will have plenty of opportunity to adjust on the way. Much of it is personal. For ocean crossings, I would suggest looking at the US Sailing SER https://www.ussailing.org/competitio...l-regulations/

The biggest difference between a PLB and EPIRB is battery life. iirc a PLB lasts 24 hours and EPIRB 48 hours. So, if you are somewhere you don't expect to be rescued in 24 hours, an EPIRB is a better option.

Something overlooked by many. All your ships papers, immigration paperwork etc, FCC licenses, EPIRB registrations etc. should all go into a single binder. This binder, and you passports should go in your ditch bag. In the event you ditch and are rescued, you likely will not be headed immediately to the US, and that paperwork will save you a headache to have with you. I also keep medical records in the binder.

Also, and I'm sure many will disagree with this. You can go many days without food. But you can't go very long without water. What's more, if you eat, you need more water. So I save the space in my ditch bag, I carry no food, and more water. Also, fresh water floats. A 5 gallon jug of water on deck can be thrown over with the life raft, should that need arise.

[KelseyB]

Originally Posted by CarlF

The best way to build your list is to do as many 2-3 day shakedown trips as you can.

A few things I didn't notice in your list:

AIS transponder. While the majority of 30ft boats don't have this, it is the single best thing you can do to not be run down by a commercial ship since you show up right on their AIS system with all the rest of the ships they're trying not to hit. It also makes everything easier because you can see the name of the other boat/ship right on your screen and call them on the VHF - and visa versa.

I didn't see you anchor. What is it?

You really don't need much of a ditch bag on your planned cruise. You'll be picked up within four hours of activating the EPIRB in the waters you're considering - probably with your boat still afloat. Hardly anyone these days ends up in the water. Personally, I would skip the EPIRB and just carry a PLB in the ditch bag (and wear it around your neck on a lanyard if things ever get bad). No need for a GPS in the handheld VHF because the PLB is broadcasting your position. If you've got spare budget, I'd also consider a Garmin InReach which let's you exchange two way messages to explain what sort of help you need or tell someone you're behind schedule so don't panic. But you'll only need this once you leave the ICW so why don't you wait for now.

Get a tub of "stayafloat". Much more useful for leaks than round plugs since most holes are not perfectly round.

What's your plan for a life raft? Again, with your plans you don't need a full offshore life raft. The dinghy might be enough. Or consider an orange "Gumby" survival suit. It will keep you afloat fine until a chopper arrives.

Use a biocide like Biobar JD every time you take on diesel to keep algae from forming in your tanks and clogging your filters. And carry at least six spare fuel filters. If you take on bad fuel, you go through a lot of them.

Make some awnings for at anchor. One big one over the boom and then some sort of wind scoop/awning over the front hatch to shade the bow and funnel air below at anchor. That steel is going to heat up once you get south.

Carry some bleach to keep your water safe. Just a few drops will be enough in a typical jerry jug. Get a "taste" water filter to make your drinking water taste better. Use this calculator. 1ppm-2ppm is a good concentration. https://www.publichealthontario.ca/e...ion-calculator

Get evacuation coverage from DAN before you leave for the Bahamas. My understanding is that they've paused new memberships during COVID but I'm sure they'll get going again soon. It's especially important in the Bahamas where many islands have no medical facilities https://danboater.org

Carry a spare prop for the outboard in case you hit something and bend it.

I have an AIS receiver built into my VHF but not the transceiver and I'm still debating if I need the transceiver - I can see the big ships and can call them, hopefully I won't be in a situation where they need to see me before I see them, but noted.

I have a plow anchor (25 or 30 lb?) on my bow, my spares will probably be 15-lb Danforths.

Also noted on the ditch bag - I probably wouldn't be assembling one for a trip like this that's pretty modest and largely inland, but my parents aren't sparing any safety precautions haha

I don't really have the room (or wish to spend the $$) on the life raft, but I have a dinghy that inflates in ~5 minutes. Not what I'd want for serious offshore, obviously, but like you said, I will be largely inland.

The number for fuel filters ie helpful, thank you!

I have a large tarp for the cockpit and a wind scoop for the forward hatch, and I painted it a lighter color for that exact reason of keeping cool haha.

Is bleach the best option for water sanitation? Perhaps iodine is better?

And I will look into DAN and all the other things you mentioned

[KelseyB]

Originally Posted by JPA Cate

A number of folks have mentioned having an LED headlight. I have to agree. I think we use ours below decks as much as above, but nice to have both hands free.

Ann

I added that to the list right after I posted this Can't believe I forgot to add it in the first place, given my camping experience

[KelseyB]

Originally Posted by LittleWing77

Do you have a radar reflector?

Are you getting excited to go? I am (vicariously)!

Fair, fair winds, my friend,
The Other Little Wing
Team KelseyB

I have a radar, so I assumed I didn't need the reflector haha. And yea I'm getting super excited about it

[KelseyB]

Originally Posted by Olly75

Magnet on a stick and also one of those grab tools for retrieving things from the bilge.

All excellent suggestions, but especially this one - used one to get my car keys out of the bottom of the marina once!

[KelseyB]

Originally Posted by Davy J

That's a great list............

I think I have most of those items onboard.......

Except this, what the hell is this..... (Bikini Blue freeboard paint?)

HA that is my freeboard paint, I figured it might be good to carry some to touch up the inevitable scuffs and scrapes along the way, considering that although its an off-the-shelf color, it can sometimes be hard to track down