Do-dads, gizmos, and things that make life aboard easier

[daviddiscenza]

Hello.
What items do you have aboard that make living aboard easier and more pleasant? I'm talking about those things like the wine glass holder that attaches to a stanchion or some galley item you wouldn't be without. Thanks to all who respond.

[Smokeys Kitchen]

My trusty backscratcher

[daviddiscenza]

Thanks, Smokey's Kitchen.

[chris mac]

Silicone drink glasses. Won't break if they fall, can throw them in the backpack or your pocket but they hold their shape well when you use it.
Pretty cheap on amazon too

[mikedefieslife]

Silicone baking mat.

Used for everything where you'd put foil or baking parchment/paper in the oven. Saves on waste, and is of course non-stick.

Proper glass storage containers, wine glasses etc.. The containers can be put in the oven to heat individual sized portions. They are easier to clean than plastic, and don't stain. Put a chilli con carne or curry in a plastic container and it's stained after the first use.

As to the Bordeaux glasses. Well, one might as well keep things classy.

Least useful for me has been a pressure cooker.

[sowwaninii]

Grabber with light. Great when something falls in the bilge.

[Phonse]

I started making gizmos, including coincidently a wineglass holder, for selfish reasons. Gizmos created include ladder treads for tubular rungs, a DeBoarding Step to get off a moving boat and a simple elegant drink holder. It turned into a business.
Aproposmarine.com

[AZUS]

Most important Do-Dad: Communication headsets for husband/wife teams. We started with 'MarriageSavers' headsets. We graduated to Eartek UltraLITE headsets and love them. These are game changers. The Admiral and I started using them to avoid yelling at each other (or using confusing hand signals) during anchoring and Med mooring. (It is human nature - you can say the kindest words, but expressed at top volume, it feels the same as if you had been yelled at in anger.) Later, we found that we were using them to talk to each other while sailing - to comment on the passing scene even when on opposite ends of the boat.

Honorable Mention: Strahl Unbreakable stemless wine glasses - look good, never break and usable for everything.

[Stu Jackson]

Twist & Lock holders on our binnacle ss tubing. Holds the GPS hh, glasses, phone. Great idea, still made in Texas, I understand.


Pool noodles for backrest for perch seat.

[redhead]

Not a gizmo, but it sure makes life easier.

We all have lists - of things to do, products, current position, weather forecast, you name it. We got tired of chasing little pieces of paper, or notebooks. So I painted one of the cupboard doors with chalkboard paint. Now I and everyone on the boat can just glance there when we're chasing down parts or want to know the last time the day tank was checked, etc.

It's really messy now, because we're knee deep in projects.

When we're out of jobs (hah!!!) I put a sea inspired quote on it. Or "happy birthday" or draw a goofy picture.

This is one of the most useful things we've ever done. And when wiped clean, it looks just fine, it doesn't ruin the look of the saloon.

[AtLastCapt]

For anchoring, have you tried using ear buds with cell phones? Seems that's a poor man's way of doing it - but does it work?

[ArmyDaveNY]

My Mountaineering Ascenders for going up the mast.

[ArmyDaveNY]

My Italian made cast iron heat diffuser for use on my alcohol stove. It make a big difference when cooking with anything other than my cast iron pan.

Oh yes, my Magma grill too.

[mikedefieslife]

Originally Posted by ArmyDaveNY

My Mountaineering Ascenders for going up the mast.

Don't forget the grigri for coming down. Great fun.


It is worth noting on the Grigri that although it's designed for up to 11mm ropes. Sailing lines, tend to be a little fatter than climbing cord, and it won't work well with 10mm lines. Better to get some 9,8mm climbing lines, and hoist them each time you want to go up. This can be quick and easy if you normally keep a mouse line in it's place.

[Escapaide]

We kept a small whiteboard and erasable marker in the cockpit. Used it to mark notes on our days route, caution areas, bridges, areas of interest, etc.