This is some of the long-distance Micro-Cruising equipment I will be considering, it is based on some of the equipment I recommend to some of the Ocean Rowing teams that I assist with their vessel preparation at www.willmyboatfloat.com.
This is a work in progress and is constantly updated/swapped/amended. Eventually, I hope to write a full post/page with details each item and its pros and cons.
Electronics:
Chart plotter
A handheld Back-up GPS – some mobile devices may suffice but suffer poor battery life/options
A fixed VHF Radio
VHF Antenna
Navigation Lights
Spare Floating handheld VHF radio to be kept in Grab Bag
Interior and chart lights (L.E.D)
A battery monitor
Radar enhancer (Echo-max)
Head torch
ToughBook (Laptop) in Pelican case. Use for email, weather charts, uploading photographs etc.
AIS Transceiver
Auto-Pilot + (Spare? if using Tiller Pilots)
A Fan/Solar powered fan
Solar Panels + MMPT Regulator
Cameras – I have a Panasonic impact/waterproof DMC-FT5 for everyday photographs and video. I have a separate DSLR for extra special photos and when on dry land.
Mains Inverter (+ Spare?) for charging devices that need a mains battery charger (digital camera) where a 12v version is unavailable. I’d prefer to charge them straight from 12v sockets though as that would be more efficient and less kit to carry.
Disposable batteries for handheld and other devices such as head-torches etc. (Rechargeable?)
Battery charger and spare batteries
Batteries for handheld and other devices such as head-torches etc. (Rechargeable?)
Spare USB / Charging Cables - prone to corrosion and failure.
Individual solar panel for equipment i.e. Phones/SatPhone/GPS. Anker make a good versatile system with many options/adaptors.
Satellite Phone
Tracker such as: YellowBrick Tracker, SpotX Tracker, Garmin InReach
12V electric kettle – A luxury for days when the batteries are full or boat is sat on the dock. Saves using gas.
Storage:
Bungee cords – necessary for securing everything on deck and in the cabin
Pelican cases – solid, waterproof
MSR Dromedary10l bags for water storage / movable ballast (also doubles as emergency drinking water storage)
'Lock ‘n’ Lock' clipped waterproof food containers – useful for electronics as well as food, other spares and equipment.
AquaPac MP3 player bag
AquaPac phone pouch
Clear Aquapac bag containing instruction manuals
Bag of spare AquaPac's
Waterproof deck bag
Water Making:
Water-maker (Such as Katadyn Power Survivor, Spectra Ventura 150 etc.)
Pickling solution, wrench, and replacement sea strainer cup for the water-maker
Spare water-maker feed pump
Katadyn (Survivor 06) manual emergency water-maker and cleaning chemicals
Safety:
Crash helmet for rough weather, sitting out storms in the cabin etc.
First-Aid kits A few first aid items for everyday use i.e. plasters, burn gel, Savlon etc. Main sea/ocean First aid kit
The Ship Captains Medical Guide – Printed or Downloaded. The downloaded is the most up-to-date, FREE, and can be stored on a digital device, or hard-printed.
Laser Flare
Traditional Flare pack which is suitable for area sailing in i.e. coastal, offshore etc.
Some extra quick grab white flares for anti-collision and emergencies
A safety harness for each crew member
Fire extinguishers / Fire Blanket
Smoke Alarm
CO (Carbon Monoxide) Alarm
Grab bag containing flares, duct tape, flashlight, signalling mirror, fishing kit, GPS, sun cream, VHF radio, spare compass, torch/flashlights, PLB (personal locator beacon), emergency rations, snap lights, emergency top, & emergency poncho, spare spectacles, medication, etc – A new blog will be created detailing the grab bag use and its contents.
Immersion/Survival Suits
Life Jackets for each crew member and a spare
Spare Life Jacket inflation canisters
PLB (Personal Locating Beacon) – I use an ACR ResQLink+
Personal AIS beacon
EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)
SART (Search and Air Rescue Transponder)
Flotation Devices – Rings/Horseshoe
Throwing Line
Dan Buoy
Floating safety knife to be worn on a lanyard
Fog Horn
SOLAS – ‘Lifesaving Signals At Sea’ card
Glow Sticks – for emergency lighting and signalling – I use the same bright long-life 8hr ones that the army use (Lumica NSN Nato Stock Number 6260-01-218-5146). White or red can be used inside (red to retain night vision, though some now recommend green), perhaps a green and red stick on each exterior side of the vessel can be used to as back-up navigation lighting in close quarters.
SOLAS Torch – I own an ACR FireFly Pro with a strobe function.
Jack Lines and Harnesses
Entertainment:
Stereo / Radio
Music / Audiobooks loaded onto mp3 players
Digital Books on a tablet computer – take up less space than printed books
Printed books – use no power!
Movies downloaded to tablet devices
Tools / Maintenance:
Duct/Gorilla tape – the proper stuff not a cheap equivilant
Cable ties
Electrical crimping set
Compartmentalised boxes of useful bits & pieces, spare nuts and bolts.
Another tub of useful bits & pieces including rhino clips, waterproof case of batteries, small first aid kit, matches, cable grips, compass, spare eye straps, spare flashlights, duct tape, electrical meter, cable ties, spare fuses, knives, & spare swivel shackles
Tools Kits Frequently Used Tools – in easy to access space – you are more likely to do those little jobs if the kit is easier to get at! Remaining tools – in secondary kit
Handheld Multi-tool – use a good branded reliable item
Sail / Rigging Repair Kit
Engine Spares – i.e. belts, sparkplugs (if petrol), impellers, drive belts etc. See manufactures recommended list.
Galley:
JetBoil Stove and Fuel
Stove Gimbal
Assorted galley items including food containers, sporks, forks, knives & spoons etc.
Water drinking bottles
Sproutamo bean sprouter
Thermos
Thermos food bowl
Cups
Bowls/Plates
Other Equipment:
Fishing rod
Compartmentalised box containing a fishing kit
Bucket cleaning products, dustpan, rags, bin bags, brush & dustpan
Funnel & hose for decanting water
Cushions
Mattress
Mask & Snorkel
'Scrubba' Wash Bag
Boat Equipment:
Bilge pumps - Manual & Electric
Hand bailing scoop
Spare ropes and line, drogue
Throwing line
A bag containing spare sea anchor line
'Shockles' (Line Snubbers)
Para-Anchor, lines and spare parts – in a bag ready to deploy
Drogue, lines and spare parts – in a bag ready to deploy
Ruler, chart plotter, dividers
Marking buoys for anchors, sea-anchors etc.
Fenders
A waterproof bag/wallet containing paper charts
Main & Secondary Anchor
Heavy-duty Lantern (torch) – I use a floating version, a Unilite UK47
Signal Flags
Ships Log Book – for keeping track of position, miles, weather, sightings etc.
Binoculars
Ships Papers – Insurance, Proof of ownership, Registrations etc.
Personal Supplies:
Toiletries – shampoo & conditioner, sun lotion, razors, toothpaste, wet wipes, shower gel, soap etc.
Photos, pictures and small gifts from friends
Sleeping Bag & Spare inner linings
Caps / Hats
Buff / Snood
Medication
Passport / ID
Training Certificates etc.
Mascot (Soft Toy)
Waterproofs
Deck Shoes / Boots
Sailing Gloves
Stores:
Re-hydration fluids/tablets
Food
Juice
Squash Shots
Rations
This list has been updated to include some items that not relevant to the rowing boats though (such as engine parts!).
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