Article by Tor Pinney                                                                                                                           Back to Outfitting Checklist List

                  

THE BARE ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
© 2011 Tor Pinney All Rights Reserved

Big Cruise on a Small Budget – What You Really, Really Need

Adapted from my book, “Ready for Sea! – How to
Outfit the Modern Cruising Sailboat” (Sheridan House)

 

Flip through any large marine chandlery catalog. It’s mind-boggling how much stuff you can buy for a boat. Much of it is useful, some of it is important, but how much is really necessary? Only you, the captain, can make the final determination of what you'll carry on your own vessel. Some mariners have crossed oceans in kayaks and papyrus reed rafts, while others have perished at sea in great ships equipped with every modern convenience. It doesn't matter so much what you've got as how you use what you've got.

You can go cruising without most of the stuff in that catalog. Be aware of the possibilities, but don’t be frightened off by the sheer volume and expense of it all. The most important thing to bring aboard any boat is the right mental attitude. An optimistic, positive approach will accomplish wonders when applied to outfitting a boat and voyaging under sail, as it will in all other aspects of life. A compelling desire to go cruising is the primary ingredient that will power you through the obstacles and overcome shortcomings in equipment and budget. Go, and ponder all the reasons why you can’t later.

What comprises the "bare essentials" for cruising depends on the style of the people who are going, and on the climate and characteristics of the region(s) to be visited. But barring extremes, let's take a look at what you really, absolutely have to have:

 Bare Essentials List #1

• You need a boat that floats, a means of propelling her, food & fresh water, and an adventurous spirit.

That’s the end of Bare Essentials List #1.

Now we can add on forever, according to our own wants, needs and budget. But let's keep it relatively simple and inexpensive. To go cruising under sail, you should have:

The Real Bare Essentials List

• A seaworthy sailboat with strongly rigged spars and serviceable sails.

• Proof of boat ownership

• Vessel registration or documentation, especially if there's an engine in the boat

• If you're visiting another country, a valid passport and, when required, a visitor’s visa.

• Government required life jackets, horn, flares, fire extinguisher(s), etc.

• A steering compass

• Running lights

• A rain suit, or at least a waterproof poncho, for each crewmember

• Basic tool kit: at least a sharp knife, pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, hammer, etc.

• If you're going offshore, a sextant, an accurate time piece, and the necessary tables for celestial navigation. Add a GPS if you can.

• Charts, dividers, parallel ruler, pencils, paper

• Regional cruising guide book(s)

• Binoculars

• Flashlight and batteries

• Bilge pump(s), even if it’s only a strong bucket

• Dinghy with oars

• A couple of good anchors with rode and chain

• System for reefing sails

• Sail covers

• Sail repair kit

• Rain catcher

• Water storage tanks or containers

• Cockpit shade awning or Bimini top (in the tropics)

• Survival kit (ditch bag), and something to get into if your boat sinks or burns, like a dinghy - or a life raft

• Radio receiver for weather reports, even if it's just a portable AM radio

• Dock lines and lashing lines

• A couple of fenders (even if they’re just old car tires)

• If there's an engine, some basic maintenance materials such as oil, transmission fluid, and a manual. And fuel.

• If there's an electrical system aboard, a multi-meter tester, some wire, and if using lead-acid batteries, distilled water

• Stove, stove fuel, pots, pans, eating and cooking utensils

• Food

• A lead line for sounding depths

• Flags for foreign travel: quarantine flag, courtesy flag, and your national ensign

• A long water hose

• Sunglasses, UV/polarized

• Duct tape

• Epoxy glue and silicone seal

• Liquid soap that lathers in seawater (Ecover, Joy)

In addition, here are a few more things that may not be strictly essential, but will enhance the cruise:

• Radar reflector (Davis Co. makes a good, cheap one)

• Some form of self-steering (a home-made windvane can work fine and is cheap to build)

• A deck brush

• A hand-held spotlight (6-volt is fine, with batteries)

• Ship's helicopter (just kidding)

Have I forgotten anything?

~ End ~

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