First time cruising, what should I have on board?

[RadioZ]

Hi everyone,

I just bought my first sailboat, and my girlfriend and I are about to take it from Stamford, CT to its new home in Nantucket Harbor. I grew up cruising in the waters off Cape Cod with my dad, but I was never really in charge, and I've never taken such a long trip. My gf sailed dinghies in college, but has no experience with keelboats.

We plan to leave next weekend, and I’m going to start acquiring supplies and equipment for the boat this week. What are the things that I absolutely need to have on board? Radio, GPS, and charts are all there already, as well as all the mandatory safety equipment (foghorn, flares, lifejackets, etc.). I also have spare impellers and belts for the engine, and a basic tool kit. In addition to general stuff, is there anything that I’ll need that's specific to the area? Anything to look out for?

Thanks in advance!

-Josh

[andyft]

Bring plenty to drink in case you get stuck somewhere.

[sailorboy1]

food, water, drinks, hats, sunglasses, extra clothes, sunscreen

probably should get and read the Edridge guide for the area so you understand the currents

[Stu Jackson]

Originally Posted by RadioZ

I also have spare impellers and belts for the engine, and a basic tool kit.

Fuel & oil filter replacements.

Do you know how to bleed your engine?

What's a "basic" tool kit? If you don't have the right tools, a "super" tool kit would be useless, too.

Have a great trip.

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by Stu Jackson

Fuel & oil filter replacements.

Do you know how to bleed your engine?

What's a "basic" tool kit? If you don't have the right tools, a "super" tool kit would be useless, too.

I'll add filters to the list! No idea how to bleed the engine—what exactly does that mean? When would I need to do it?

Here's what the equipment list says is in the tool kit:

Tool bag with; full set US and Metric box/open end wrenches, large vice grips, cutting pliers, stripping pliers, US/Metric allen key sets, multi-head screw driver, misc large and small screwdriver, files, metal sew, white and black electrical tape, clear silicone, 5200.

[markwesti]

You will only need to bleed the fuel system if your boat has a diesel engine and you have gotten air into the injectors , as in say if you run out of fuel . But don't put to much worry into it . If you do need to bleed. The engines manual will tell you how . Good luck and have fun !

[sailorboy1]

binoculars

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by markwesti

You will only need to bleed the fuel system if your boat has a diesel engine and you have gotten air into the injectors , as in say if you run out of fuel . But don't put to much worry into it . If you do need to bleed. The engines manual will tell you how . Good luck and have fun !

Ahhh, got it. Just read the engine manual on the subject, and I am somewhat confident that I could do it properly.

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by sailorboy1

binoculars

Good one, definitely on the list.

[deckofficer]

RadioZ, my guess is the MD7A Volvo and 20 gallon tank should be good for 120 nm if for some reason you have to motor. Since the distance you need to cover is around 160 nm, I would include a 6 gallon jerry can of diesel, just in case.

Also not knowing the condition of the fuel tank, not a bad idea to have some fuel of known quality and cleanliness. As Stu mentioned, bring fuel filters. If they keep clogging, have a section of hose that you can put directly into your jerry can for entering the harbor.

If your tank is clean and you have good fuel, with favorable winds you will have a great trip, so enjoy.

[laika]

All the best on her maiden voyage. After the trip, if you begin to fixate on the next one and begin to wonder how you ever went anywhere before without a sailboat to get you there, I know the feeling

FWIW, the main reason I've had to bleed the engine is clogged filter replacement from dirty fuel. If you're not sure the tank is clean it's a particularly good thing to know how to do.

Keep the fuel clean and change the oil and you'll have a happy diesel.

[RadioZ]

Originally Posted by deckofficer

RadioZ, my guess is the MD7A Volvo and 20 gallon tank should be good for 120 nm if for some reason you have to motor. Since the distance you need to cover is around 160 nm, I would include a 6 gallon jerry can of diesel, just in case.

Also not knowing the condition of the fuel tank, not a bad idea to have some fuel of known quality and cleanliness. As Stu mentioned, bring fuel filters. If they keep clogging, have a section of hose that you can put directly into your jerry can for entering the harbor.

If your tank is clean and you have good fuel, with favorable winds you will have a great trip, so enjoy.

A jerry can is a great idea! The boat was actually re-powered with a Volvo D1-13 in 2010, so I imagine it's a bit more efficient than the original from 1980. I'm not sure what the condition of my fuel tank is, but I know that it's aluminum with a 20 gallon capacity.

[deckofficer]

Originally Posted by RadioZ

A jerry can is a great idea! The boat was actually re-powered with a Volvo D1-13 in 2010, so I imagine it's a bit more efficient than the original from 1980. I'm not sure what the condition of my fuel tank is, but I know that it's aluminum with a 20 gallon capacity.

That is exactly what I'm getting at. Not knowing the condition of the tank is the reason to have a lot of fuel filters on board. If it is really bad, having good fuel in a jerry can and a piece of fuel hose to put in it will cover all the bases.

[RadioZ]

Got it, will do.

[JPA 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.

I hope you get to sail most of the way, and that your tanks are clean. Have a great time, you and your good lady!

Ann