Game Changers

[jt11791]

I also have not found radar to be particularly helpful. However, AIS is another story and I would move that up to tier 1. Nothing I say will convince the admiral that the giant ship she sees isn't going to kill us, but the AIS is believing! AIS makes maneuvering in high traffic areas much less stressful and being called by name on the radio is much more likely to get a response. Keeping tabs on buddy boats while sailing provides entertainment, occasionally helps us pick anchorages, and knowing who that sail on the horizon is has lead to many fun times in port. I used to shut the AIS off with all the other instruments once the anchor was down, but now I leave it on. It hardly uses any power and lets other boats find (or avoid ) us.

[ChrisJHC]

Well, if we’re going to start having fun:

For me the biggest game changer was the helicopter.
That way, I can send one of my chaps ahead to do all the paperwork when coming into a new country.
Then, once the other chaps have finished all the stopping and docking stuff, my trophy wife and I just step off into the limo and get whisked to the nearest 5-star resort.

[Joh.Ghurt]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Happy Wife, Happy Life

Alternatives:

• No Woman No Cries
• Here I Go Again
• YMCA

[Dogscout]

I would combine the solar with the generator. To me its about the ability to produce replacement energy to the battery system. Solar is great because its passive, but cloudy days exist. Because we rely on electricity for that autopilot, chart plotter, radar then we will always need to produce electricity. Solar or Generator make no difference other than operating effort.

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by Dogscout

I would combine the solar with the generator. To me its about the ability to produce replacement energy to the battery system. Solar is great because its passive, but cloudy days exist. Because we rely on electricity for that autopilot, chart plotter, radar then we will always need to produce electricity. Solar or Generator make no difference other than operating effort.

Given time you probably will understand why I put solar in Tier 1 and a generator further down. I would bet my solar has produced 100s (at least) times more power, quietly with no maintenance, than my diesel generator has. And it does it at 1/6 (if you have an expensive diesel generator maybe 1/15) of the cost. And my solar has worked now for 13 years with only 1 problem while my diesel generator lasted 4 years with lots of problems before I gave up on it and just got a Honda.

So this is how I look at it. It is OK with me if you feel for you that solar and a generator are equal.

[smj]

28v Milwaukee right angle drill with winch bit. For someone with a bad back it will ad years to the cruising life.
A composting head. No more worries about pump outs or getting elbow deep in sewage.

[malbert73]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Given time you probably will understand why I put solar in Tier 1 and a generator further down. I would bet my solar has produced 100s (at least) times more power, quietly with no maintenance, than my diesel generator has. And it does it at 1/6 (if you have an expensive diesel generator maybe 1/15) of the cost. And my solar has worked now for 13 years with only 1 problem while my diesel generator lasted 4 years with lots of problems before I gave up on it and just got a Honda.



So this is how I look at it. It is OK with me if you feel for you that solar and a generator are equal.

Must have been a FP genset ?

[ben2go]

As a solo sailor, having an electric windlass with controls at the bow and cockpit make pulling up anchor a fair bit safer.

[rmhutch59]

Rum. I thought you guys were sailors?

[smith8273]

I think books should be in Tier I

Other things I like on hand are solar lights, a USB battery to top off devices.

[theDangerz]

Maybe its because we never leave the Caribbean, but I would move fans WAY higher up the list.

My key addition: ICE!

Also, while certainly not their one, a major game changer for us is the air compressor for diving.

[sowwaninii]

Cockpit enclosure. Extended our season and made the offshore trips south in the fall and north in the spring far more tolerable.

[Training Wheels]

For us, Amazon Mexico!

[Linesledaft]

Omnia stovetop oven for those on smaller boats
Wifi extender for when you are just outside of that waterfront bar’s wifi
Ares 53mm stubby adjustable wrench for stuffing box
UV protection lightweight long sleeve hoodies
Partner/crew that actually enjoys the lifestyle
Samyang Buldak Dark sauce.

Place them where you will.

[nofacey]

Good list Sailorboy.

Personally I’d move transmitting AIS up to just under autopilot. Used to believe that freighters didn’t give a damn....now I realize they just couldn’t see me in time. Went from receive only to transmitting, and at sea now constantly observe freighters change course a couple degrees 25nm off. Incredible sea traffic some areas.

Radar in the tropics I can live without......only ever turned it on looking for squalls at night, or FAD in Indonseia, ie pretty rarely.