what backups do I need?

[beau]

I plan to go crusing in the tropics north of Australiain a 39ft aluminium power trimaran with sail assist for reaching and downwind only.

I hear of all the breakdowns etc and I want to be prepared as best as I can.
So far I have the following in mind.

Northstar Chartplotter and Cmap charts in the which the CD can be read by my computer downstairs with a spare gps. ( No paper charts)

Three Plough anchors? plus reef pick.
12 ft parachute anchor, plus a drogue

The two main drive 30 hp outboard motors with separate fuel filters, each have 15amp alternators and I have a 13 hp Honda with two 100 amp alternators. Battery bank is 800 watts AGM
I also have sail assist, but the boat is essentially a powered trimaran.
Fuel for over 2000 nautical miles in two separate tanks.

Honda powered Desalinator with plenty of storage for drinking water.

I will have Northstar hydralic auto pilot but I am considering getting a tiller autopilot as a spare?

A Vhf radio and an iridium sat phone.

What have I missed, any suggestions?

[mudnut]

Hey there beau,Going north are we.Personaly up "Reef way"I use hand lines,A good stiff rod with 40lb test should provide the food.Mudnut.

[Sunspot Baby]

Paper charts always work. I also find them easier for general route planning.

You mention backup and not spares, so I will stay away from all the filters, belts, connectors and the like.

I like a Single Sideband with auto-distress mode. It will get you help when the sat phone won't. Also an excellent source of weather information.

George

[Tnflakbait]

I think its smart to at least carry a paper chart of the larger area you are cruising. Paper charts are very reliable.

[Captain Mark]

Originally Posted by Tnflakbait

I think its smart to at least carry a paper chart of the larger area you are cruising. Paper charts are very reliable.

Ditto on the paper charts, also the SSB! A couple of years ago I switched over to Nobletec SW for charts, and many times wished I had paper charts along for the ride. So the paper charts began as my backup, now I'm more likely to sit and study them, and input the plot from the paper to the PC/ChartPlotter. Good luck!

Mark

[Weyalan]

I also suggest paper charts.

I would also think that a hand-held vhf would be a good idea.

[cat man do]

Ditto for the paper.

I have black and white photocopies of photocopies, which are fine and dandy for backup and study. All bad lumpy bit's on route get a swipe of a highliter pen.

On my recent Vanuatu trip the owner was amazed at what my large scale paper showed that the plotter did not.

Also I was less than impressed at the Iridium service.

We had large section's of no service, and people could not contact us.

We had people in Vanuatu trying to contact us regarding a Cyclone on March 28.

They had been trying to contact us for 6 hour's prior to contact.

When they got hold of us it was 80 nm north of us and coming at us at 16mph.

We got into a hole OK, but the extra 6 hour's would have been good.

We did have an external antenna for the unit as well.

Extra chain, can't have enough chain, and big, long rope.

Dave

[Sailormann]

You might consider towing a smaller, seaworthy, monohull, sailboat behind you for the inevitable moment when your hulls part company ... (just trying to help)

[beau]

sailorman I thought about that

The problem with that is I wouldn't be able to to tow the damn monohull across the reef and into the lagoon or be able to drop the boat on the beach. I would have to stay outside and roll my guts out all night and day.
Don't worry you will get over the jealousy bit, it happens to most monohull sailors eventually, when they go out and buy/build a multihull.

[44'cruisingcat]

No need to tow a monohull Beau, just take a decent anchor along. It's the only use you would have for a mono anyway!

[beau]

thanks 44ft cruisingcat,
I knew those damn monohulls were good for something.

Maybe I could use one for all the crayfish I am going to catch, I hear that just north of here the crayfish and flying fish just jump right into the boat, that you can just sit back and drink rum and coconut milk and not have to worry about a thing.

Hey Dave, now that your back (without the crayfish) or did you eat them all when you were over there.
That SECRET place you always show us photo's of, can't you let your good mates in on where it is. Lat and longtitude will do.

Also look up sailing crew wanted for cruising lifestyle I just read his book fantastically honest.