What Does Every Sailboat Need ?

[Janae]

We're finally setting off for a little bit of a cruise. We've been living on the boat for 7 months now, but suddenly we feel ill prepared for the actual endeavor of cruising!

I've been trying to compile a list of things that every boat should have when setting off for cruising - I'm looking for suggestions! Things along the lines of; flares, VHF, GPS (though I know some would disagree), etc.

Cheers!
Janae

[rebel heart]

Good sailors on board would be top of my list.

[Bash]

shade.

on a 27-footer, you're going to want to maximize the time you spend in the cockpit. I see from your avatar that you have a bimini, but if it were me I'd focus on how to get even more shade for when you're at anchor.

I'd also want a wind scoop for the front hatch.

[simonmd]

Ok, someone is going to say it..........



CASH!

To try and be helpfull though, here's my sugestions;

Backup hand held GPS plus paper charts.
Liferaft
EPIRB
Rechargable hand held VHF radio
At least one solar panel (if your engine dies, you're going to run out of elec' quickly)
Set of simple spares for engine, couple of impellers, filters (oil and fuel), drive belts, etc.
Reasonable tool kit including- selection of jubilee clips, wooden bungs, large cable ties, waterproof tape, etc.

That should do for now, im sure there will be loads more offered by other members.

[Pete7]

Janae, you are making lists of material things you might or could need.

Can I suggest you take the following instead:

1. Sense of humour

2. Belief you will succeed

Pete

[Billy Higgins]

Underwater epoxy; spares kit for the bilge pump; suntan lotion; and mosquito repellent.

[S/V_Surya]

Minimum would be Coast Guard required items like flares you mentioned. All the other stuff you listed are wants not needs. Make your list of what you require. Safety being first priority. You can pick up the other things as you discover you need them. From your previous post I saw you are coming up the ICW so most items should be close at hand. Might I also suggest you get towing insurance as many who travel that route run aground.

[sailorboy1]

oversized autopilot

[sww914]

Really good ground tackle and boobs.

[Downtothesea]

You NEED a compass, charts, sails and good ground tackle (i.e., several heavy anchors and CHAIN rode). Everything else, including all the fancy electronics, is optional despite what all the modern "sailors" think is absolutely NEEDED!. And, of course, all Coast Guard required safety equipment and food and water.

[captain58sailin]

(2) 5 gallon buckets. Hand fishing lines, with lures, gaff hook etc...

[Curmudgeon]

Wind.

[SkiprJohn]

I agree with bimini but would also add: dodger and windvane if you plan on any passages longer than a couple days. The rest of the folks have covered a lot. Water, fuel, food, sails and good rigging, a strong tiller attached to a strong rudder should be considerations. A good first aid kit is something I've always wanted but haven't really gotten together yet.
Happy cruising!
kind regards,

[Aussiesuede]

Oars:

[smurphny]

Charts (electronic but surely printed), ability to dead reckon when electronics fail, guidebooks, tide charts, reading material, plenty of water and maybe a desalinator, a really beat up dink that no one will think of stealing, storm sails.....and practice.