First time cruising, what should I have on board?

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by RadioZ

Got it, will do.

And please be a nice guy and post to this thread you started with the results of your maiden voyage. My money is on a delightful little cruise for this 1st outing. Good luck and fair winds my friend.

Also, what Ann said.

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by deckofficer

And please be a nice guy and post to this thread you started with the results of your maiden voyage.

I absolutely will, and thanks!

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

Let me apologize up front if this is too basic for you, but, check your anchoring gear, make sure you could anchor quickly if the engine cut out. Once you have the hook down, you have time to re-group and get stuck into a fix. Make sure you know where your through hull fittings are, and that the handles are all free to turn.

No worries at all! I appreciate any advice, no matter how basic. As I said, I'm really new to this whole "owning a boat" thing. The boat came with a couple of Danforth anchors, but I wouldn't rely on either to hold the boat overnight or while I'm not on board. The larger one was described as a "lunch hook," and only has 150' of rode and 6' of chain. I believe it's 18lbs. That said, it should work for the sort of thing that you're describing. Please correct me if I'm wrong on that. I eventually plan on getting a 22lb Rocna with a nice long chain and rode, but that may not happen before this trip.

The through hulls were all checked in the survey, and are working well. I still need to fully familiarize myself with their functions and locations, but I plan to do that before we set out.

[pesarsten]

Don't forget the mixings for some celebration cocktails when you arrive safely!


Have a wonderful first adventure.

[RadioZ]

Absolutely!

[FamilyVan]

Long underwear, sleeping bag and weather gear">foul weather gear (rain suit). It's always much colder on the water then expected. Generally it sounds like you are well equipped though.

Also a set of long jumper cables in case you need a tow truck (not joking- got a boost from a tow truck on the weekend).

Sent from my SGH-I547C using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Cheechako]

an 18 lb Danforth will hold a lot.... assuming the bottom is sand , shell etc.
Don't forget to have charts and go thru how to reef the mainsail making sure it's all there and ready.
If you don't know the condition of your charging system etc, I would just avoid running any refrigeration.

[Jim Cate]

I know that real men don't read them, but having the manuals for all essential equipment might save you some frustration.

jim

[FamilyVan]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

I know that real men don't read them, but having the manuals for all essential equipment might save you some frustration.

jim

You sound like my wife "have you read the manual for that". Me- blank open mouthed stare.

Joking aside, yes, manuals are good, especially engine manuals.

Sent from my SGH-I547C using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

I know that real men don't read them, but having the manuals for all essential equipment might save you some frustration.

Loud and clear on that. I've been amassing PDF versions of the manuals for everything on my iPad. Even if I don't need them, it will be good to know that they're there.

[sparrowhawk1]

Unless your willing to risk losing your boat don't leave without proper ground tackle. I think one of the biggest mistakes first time boat owners do is biting off more than they can chew. Then they think they don't like cruising. I highly recommend doing a good couple of shakedown cruises so you can return to your slip, go home, get good night sleep afterwards. Then fix any problems you've found. If the distance is 160 miles I'd recommend doing it in 4 40 mile trips and anchoring each night. With anchorages picked out in between incase you have problems or just get tired Or the weather doesn't cooperate.

[FamilyVan]

Originally Posted by sparrowhawk1

Unless your willing to risk losing your boat don't leave without proper ground tackle. I think one of the biggest mistakes first time boat owners do is biting off more than they can chew. Then they think they don't like cruising. I highly recommend doing a good couple of shakedown cruises so you can return to your slip, go home, get good night sleep afterwards. Then fix any problems you've found. If the distance is 160 miles I'd recommend doing it in 4 40 mile trips and anchoring each night. With anchorages picked out in between incase you have problems or just get tired Or the weather doesn't cooperate.

I think this is an excellent point. 100 miles day my rear end- that's for open water passages by experienced crew. Aim for 40 mile days, but don't be surprised if you need to pull in after 25 or 30. Seasickness, weather, mechanicals, the cold, they are all uglier than you think.

Sent from my SGH-I547C using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[sailorboy1]

Pretty soon the answer is going to be that you need to take a barge to tow behind for all this stuff.


BTW - I would never take a jerry can of fuel on a sailboat just because the trip is 160km and the motoring range is 120km

[FamilyVan]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Pretty soon the answer is going to be that you need to take a barge to tow behind for all this stuff.


BTW - I would never take a jerry can of fuel on a sailboat just because the trip is 160km and the motoring range is 120km

Hmm. My jerry can is so I can bypass the fuel tank incase I start getting fuel problemssuch as sludge or excessive water in fuel. 9 times out of 10 if you can get a diesel rolling, engine problems are fuel related. Having said that I have a rusty 36 year old Taiwanese black iron fuel tank. I always carry 80 litres of deisel in jerry cans on deck.

Sent from my SGH-I547C using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

Pretty soon the answer is going to be that you need to take a barge to tow behind for all this stuff.


BTW - I would never take a jerry can of fuel on a sailboat just because the trip is 160km and the motoring range is 120km

But would you take one on a boat with unknown fuel quality and tank condition?