These are things we had, then broke and really realized how important they were.
Bimini - in central
florida we spent one day on the
water while the bimini was being replaced. That will never happen again. We are likely to put a permanent top on at some point as we will never sail with it down. I know it drives boat designers crazy to put a tent on the sleek lines. But the designers don't have to battle the sun.
Auto Pilot- We live on the inter-coastal and even with the tight confines of the ditch we use it a lot. the old
wheel Pilot went out and we thought it was over rated. PFFF. not only did we replace it but we did it with a below
deck sized for the boat and would never cast off again without one. off shore it is heaven to long on the bow while the auto pilot steers.
Bullet Proof
Electrical system- We battled with
electrical issues since we bought the boat three years ago. Just recently I brought a real electrician to sort things out and everything works better. From the
alternator charging stuff to the Fridge staying cold. Never let the Chardonnay get warm! Crazy what low voltage does to everything. So keep/upgrade to a solid
electrical system from the
battery banks, to LED
lighting is my third most important item.
I will add a fourth cause you cant go to the islands without it. A reliable dingy and
motor. Crazy how little we use it on the intercostal, but how we cant live without it in the Bahamas. No matter what size.. RELIABLE is the key. In addition a system to deploy both the dingy and the
engine. I have been almost injured and almost dropped my old 5 hp over board to many times, and many more in my nightmares. A
engine lifting system and dingy lifting ( we just store the dingy on the bow using a Halyard). Found a really good engine davit for the new 9.9 engine and slap myself for not having it before.
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