What to take on my first cruise?

[Adamhagan]

1: Most of all go through your engine YOURSELF before you even leave.

Change the impeller, the oil & filter, verify coolant level (spare antifreeze), change the fuel filter. It will give you a familiarity so when you have to fix things at 0200 in the dark, with lightening, following 30 knot seas you will roughly know where things go.

2: RUBBER BOOTS, stay dry. Wet + Wind = Cold and slows down your thinking. You only have one brain single handing.

3: 25mg Antivert q12hours, take one tablet the night before. Get an RX for a large supply. Personally, I don't need it but is has rescued several crew members. There is a bravado regarding seasickness, but for a >24hour passage I think it is the prudent choice to have remedies.

4: I quadruple the recommendation for the multimeter. Russell's tidbits have paid many dividends for me.

[hilbert]

After taking possession of my CD, I sailed her home single handed.
On the third day, I was pushing hard against wind and sea to reach an anchorage.
The engine lost power and quit at dusk, about 5 miles short.
Having purchased towing insurance, I used it.
The 5 mile tow invoiced for $1000 (they charge more after dark) .
So, yes to tow insurance and also extra fuel filters (you never know what is in the bottom of the tank, waiting to be stirred up).

A thermos of coffee and MRE's are good for a hot meal, when you may not have time or inclination to prepare something.

[Dean Abramson]

If there are any, your medications. Easy to forget. Trust me.

A paper chart of the area.

Enjoy!

D

[Brian2]

Hello,

In Maine even for two days, bring plenty of clothing for a variety of conditions. For quick snacks we like prepacked cheese and crackers (Captains Wafers), single serving fruit snacks (these also have hydration benefits), diet iced tea in cans (very thirst quenching), soft granola bars, cocoa, tea, instant coffee, (carry insulated mugs), cup o soups, single puddings. We also like St. Dalfour Gourmet on the Go single serving "meals" for eating in the cockpit underway http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_ ... Caps%2C413 (We prefer the tuna and salmon versions.)

Basically, you don't want to get cold and you don't want to be to hungry.

Brian

[RC James]

An empty plastic 1-gallon anti-freeze/water jug w/screw on cap next to you in the cockpit.

When sailing alone, the forward head of the 25D may LOOK close, but it's not!

[Neil Gordon]

Basically, you don't want to get cold and you don't want to be to hungry.

Cold, wet and hungry. One is uncomfortable, two you can tolerate but three is a place you don't want to be.

Lots of advice in this thread about stocking the boat. I'll add three things you should have stocked in your skill set:

Know how to anchor
Know how to reef
Know how to heave to

[Sea Hunt Video]

An empty plastic 1-gallon anti-freeze/water jug w/screw on cap next to you in the cockpit.

When sailing alone, the forward head of the 25D may LOOK close, but it's not!

RC:

I would not advise anyone use a "water jug" for the purpose you are suggesting. Unfortunate mistakes can happen.

I have no skills or experience to offer on "things to bring" but I would offer the suggestion of having one can of Guinnesss aboard to celebrate after you have successfully docked/moored at your destination.

[Carl Thunberg]

I'm surprised and a little disappointed that no one has mentioned the coffee pot. My personal preference is a stovetop percolator. It doesn't work so well under way, but there's nothing like it at anchor. Make enough to put in a thermos while you're under way.

One other item that I found indispensable was a pair of slippers or wool socks that never leave the cabin. Cold, wet feet s_ck.

[Steve Laume]

Good call on the coffee and thermos. I keep instant coffee on board for when I don't feel like bothering with making decent coffee. Most mornings I use a French press with fresh ground coffee from home. It makes about 2&1/2 mugs which I can either drink right up or put some in the thermos.

I would add that you should also take along a variety of books aside from a current copy of Eldridge and harbor guides for the area you are cruising. We keep a few field guides, and some books on mechanics, electrical and general boat maintenance on board. Then you also need a few novels to help pass the quiet or boring times, Steve.

[Joe Myerson]

To add to Carl's recommendation, I always take a 1-quart stainless-steel thermos. I boil up water for breakfast (usually tea for me) and washing, and fill the thermos. This provides me with hot water throughout the day, as well as for the evening wash-up.

If it's sunny, a Sunshower on the foredeck also comes in handy.

--Joe

[Ann and David Brownlee]

What fun!

Lots of good advice on spares and safety equipment. Hormel "hot" chili is the best meal-in-a-can.

We'd add: real sheets and a blanket for your bunk.

[Oswego John]

What fun!

Lots of good advice on spares and safety equipment. Hormel "hot" chili is the best meal-in-a-can.

I see that you emphasize "hot". Woo Hoo. Easy on the cayenne pepper.

Maybe a close second to "hot" chili is one of our favorites, canned Dinty Moore beef stew. It's a faux, poor boys Mulligan Stew. Meat, potatoes, veggies and who knows what else you put into a stew. But it's gooood. Mmmm.

Bon Appetit,

O J

[Mike Thompson]

>>>> ICE <<<<

[Neil Gordon]

>>>> ICE <<<<

You don't enjoy "bilge temperature"?

Laura and I typically cruise without. We're in port every night, most often within walking distance of fresh provisions.

[Adamhagan]

>>>> ICE <<<<

Ice BLOCKS go a long way!