What-to-bring list for a first cruise

[FloatingMoneyPit]

So my father and I are setting off on the first cruise (LI Sound) aboard his 28' Sabre. Pops is the type to get into the middle of something and realize "damnit, I forgot this, I forgot that". Thinks he can do everything without forethought and planning. You can only imagine what our family vacations were like.

Does anyone have or know of a link to a good list of stuff to put on a bare boat, from dish soap to clothespins to grill tongs to canned chili to bath towels? It'd be easier to accumulate this stuff with a few overnights and weekends aboard first, but nope, we're diving right in to 2 weeks aboard. I'm still trying to convince him it's a good idea to bring a dinghy. <sigh>

[Rachel]

Pops ... Thinks he can do everything without forethought and planning. You can only imagine what our family vacations were like.

I'm reading this on my lunch break at work. That comment made me laugh out loud. Great mental image of a family going down the road.... "Hey, where's the CAR?"

So are you a master planner, having weathered a few of those vacations? :-)

[bcooke]

I think the answer depends a lot on your comfort level. I have cruised for weeks with a sleeping bag, spoon, and basic food stuffs. I think I am alone in thinking that I had a good time...

Cash and a credit card. You can add whatever you wished you had as you go.

-Britton

[Rachel]

I have cruised for weeks with a sleeping bag, spoon, and basic food stuffs. I think I am alone in thinking that I had a good time...

Since you were cruising alone, that's a pretty good bet ;-)

--- R.

(Quit making it so easy for me to quip, would'ja?)

[bcooke]

Actually, I was thinking of the cruising I did with up to 13 other people on a 30 foot boat but telling that story would be a blatant hijack of this thread, which as you all know I never do. Last year's three month cruise was my version of excessive consumption.

-Britton

[Tim]

So my father and I are setting off on the first cruise (LI Sound) aboard his 28' Sabre. Pops is the type to get into the middle of something and realize "damnit, I forgot this, I forgot that". Thinks he can do everything without forethought and planning. You can only imagine what our family vacations were like.

Does anyone have or know of a link to a good list of stuff to put on a bare boat, from dish soap to clothespins to grill tongs to canned chili to bath towels? It'd be easier to accumulate this stuff with a few overnights and weekends aboard first, but nope, we're diving right in to 2 weeks aboard. I'm still trying to convince him it's a good idea to bring a dinghy. <sigh>

I certainly don't mean to ignore your question, but frankly the list of potential items you need is far too long and involved to really get into here--and depends greatly on personal needs, the boat's needs, and other factors.

Here are a couple basics, though.

1. For us, cruising isn't about roughing it. Just because one is on a small boat doesn't mean it can't be--or shouldn't be--comfortable. We eat as well or better while cruising than we do at home. I say "better" because there's more time available for preparing and eating food on a relaxing cruise.

Therefore, food is a big requirement. Some people are happy with the most rudimentary grub--more power to them. But if you enjoy eating, don't go out cruising without bringing lots of good food. If food is just sustenance even ashore, then bring the basics.

2. Boat, dish, and personal cleaning materials. Trash bags.

3. Plenty of clothing of all types, for just about any weather. If you get wet, nothing feels better than dry clothes.

4. Foul weather gear. If you cruise correctly, you'll never even need this. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, whatever.

5. Sufficient anchors and tackle.

6. Dinghy and accouterments. You can't cruise without one.

7. Cooking fuel, as needed.

8. Clothespins. Buy a big bag of wooden ones.

9. Cash, checks, and credit cards. You never know what might happen.

10. Whatever else you think you need. And you are going to forget things no matter what!

[Tim]

I was thinking of the cruising I did with up to 13 other people on a 30 foot boat

That's why we have a section here called "Sailing and Cruising"--to hear stories like that one!

The commune is apparently far from dead...

[CharlieJ]

Tim- Your #8, the wooden clothes pins is a very good point. Many people would never think about those and we find them invaluable aboard. Would never consider even a short cruise without them.

We have used them to clip mosquito netting in place, to clip towels up in the hatch as a wind scoop, to close packages like chips, to hang a curtain between the two cabins to block vision ( when we were in a slip stern to), to hang towels or other cloths on the bimini to block sun.

Oh and even to hang up clothes *grin*

[dasein668]

Tim's list is a good "thematic" overview, and I think he hit most of the critical areas. Under "food" I would include plenty of liquids that you LIKE to drink, as it is easy to get dehydrated, if for example you don't like plain water, but that's all you brought. I brought a canister of Gatorade mix and about 25 1liter bottles of seltzer to help encourage me to drink more hydrating fluids.

Also, make sure you have a good toolkit and at least common spare parts for your engine on board.

Tim- Your #8, the wooden clothes pins is a very good point. Many people would never think about those and we find them invaluable aboard. Would never consider even a short cruise without them.

And we found a new use for them this year: Toy! Gavin spent probably 8 hours during the cruise this year playing with clothespins. They were dinosaurs, sharks, whales, airplanes... No end to the entertainment value!

[David VanDenburgh]

A good collection of spares is also a good idea. It's always nice to know that you have enough miscellaneous parts onboard to be self-reliant. Items that have come in handy for us include, fuel filters, hose clamps, fuel hose, impellor, oil, antifreeze.

A few adhesives and sealants are a good idea, too - i.e., polysulfide, epoxy.

If you don't have one already, a ditty bag with sail repair items is a necessity. This includes needles, palm, pieces of sailcloth, whipping twine, etc.

A decent toolkit is also a must-have item.

If you're towing/bringing an inflatable dinghy, then a patch kit could save the day. Don't forget a pump.

We carry all of our manuals aboard. If you're like me, you can't remember all of the prcedures and processes of calibrating or troubleshooting instruments, electronics, systems, so having the manuals handy takes out much of the guesswork.

We also carry two anchors and enough rode for both.

Extra batteries for any handheld device that doesn't have a power adapter.

Papertowels.

Swimsuit.

A variety of snack foods for those times when you're tied to the helm or don't want to spend much time below.

And the list could go on and on. Pots, pans, cooking oil, salt, pepper, plates, cups, dish soap, matches or lighter(s), towels, sheets, blankets, hat(s), sunglasses, eyeglasses (extra), sunscreen, deck key, distilled water for cooling system (if it's a closed system)....

The fact of the matter is that you'll always forget something. That's one of the realities of cruising: in a couple years, you've finally remembered to bring all of those things that you never knew you'd need.

David

[Rachel]

Here are some random thoughts. As Tim said, it's really too big a topic to answer properly. I'll add some random thoughts (any duplication simply indicates agreement :-).

*I'll add another strong vote for the wooden clothespins. SO handy.

*Also, real Zip-Loc-brand freezer bags (they're the heavy ones). 2-gallon are hard to find but great for storing clothes. A laptop or 8-1/2" x 11" folder of papers will also fit in them. Gallons and quarts are handy too. I like the "regular" ones and am not fond of the ones with the little plastic "zipper"

*Did anyone say paper towels?

*Small cordage for stringing clotheslines inside the boat, if necessary.

*Quick-drying flip flops if you'll be in any public showers.

*Synthetic "camping" towels.

*A few good plastic buckets or dishpans.

*Oh, and my all-time favorite, the pesticide sprayer. Soooo handy in the cockpit for showers, rinsing feet (pressure is great for that), blowing the soap off dishes, and any number of small tasks. I like to get a longer length of hose to replace the "stock" one, and if you cut the wand down a bit it makes it easier to use when you're showering.

*Dinghy anchor and rode

*Dry bag (or aforementioned 2 gal. Ziplocs) for bringing camera, laptop, etc. ashore.

Not a complete list, by any means, of course.

--- Rachel

[catamount]

That's one of the realities of cruising: in a couple years, you've finally remembered to bring all of those things that you never knew you'd need.

And then it will be time to hoe out all the stuff you thought you would need but never did ;-)

[FloatingMoneyPit]

You folks just reminded me of 1/2 dozen things we haven't packed yet and inspired another dozen. I realize every cruise and cruiser has different needs; I should have phrased it "little things that you can't cruise without but easily forget". My dad will be aboard for about 5 days out of 10+, and his approach is "aaaah, I plan to take us into a marina everynight so we can always buy stuff". I plan to anchor out and be independent during the balance of the trip. I hope there are plenty of moorings/slips available during Labor Day weekend, or boy is he going to be disappointed!
Maybe I'll take an inventory of items that end up on board and post it for the heck of it.

[The Good Goose]

I second Rachel's Zip Loc reccomendation. The first thing we do when we get our food is take everything out of its store packaging and put it into a Zip-loc bag. It is amazing how much space it frees up. you also get to leave a ton of trash at the dock or at home. I reccomend Lynn and Larry pardey's book The Care and Feeding of The Offshore Crew. There are great tips and plenty of ideas for easy tasty meals.

My own advice for a successful cruise is: Anchor early and often. To me cruising is about seeing new or favorite places, relaxing at anchor or at a beach. When I first started sailing I would try to make miles, sailing 12 or 14 hours a day. I really started enjoying cruising when I tried to be anchored by 3. Time for a nice walk ashore a cocktail and a relaxing dinner.

Don't get too caught up trying to plan every little detail. It is pretty easy to buy most anything you didn't think of.

Bring your Dinghy. It is so much nicer anchoring out for sleeping. No dock noise the wind is blowing the right way. It is also alot easier to get unstuck if you run aground if you have a Dinghy. I have gotten unstuck by kedging when I didn't have a prayer of sailing or motoring off.

I'm envious have a great trip

Brock

[FloatingMoneyPit]

So are you a master planner, having weathered a few of those vacations? :-)

To answer this--yes, I guess I tend to overplan so I can avoid those situations! I just love being prepared, self-reliant, and minimizing unnecessary errands when I'm on vacation or sailing. I also like to keep my options open and have the unexpected credit card line items to prove it, but it's so nice to drop anchor and know that I have everything I need on board for the next 12 hrs, 24 hrs, 3 days, etc.

[Rachel]

--yes, I guess I tend to overplan so I can avoid those situations! I just love being prepared, self-reliant, and minimizing unnecessary errands when I'm on vacation or sailing..... it's so nice to drop anchor and know that I have everything I need on board for the next 12 hrs, 24 hrs, 3 days, etc.

Hey, that's not "over-planning," it's just .... planning! I do the same thing, and I like the feeling of the boat being a self-sufficient island when I'm out cruising, and especially at anchor.

Here's to a great trip; I hope that afterwards you'll tell us how it went.

--- Rachel

[Tim]

*Oh, and my all-time favorite, the pesticide sprayer. Soooo handy in the cockpit for showers, rinsing feet (pressure is great for that), blowing the soap off dishes, and any number of small tasks. I like to get a longer length of hose to replace the "stock" one, and if you cut the wand down a bit it makes it easier to use when you're showering.

I think calling it a "garden sprayer" is a little nicer! :<) Otherwise, it sounds as if you have a decontamination station set up on board.

One tip that I picked up somewhere is to replace the stock wand end with one of those kitchen sink sprayers. These give a much better water pattern for showering, and are easier to use. Twe wands are way too long stock and the tips are often too fine for some uses. I don't miss the wide tips whatsoever. The kitchen sprayer works extremely well.

Granted, using a kitchen sink sprayer end probably uses more water. Still, the garden sprayer is very frugal and is self-metering since you have to pump it often.

My own advice for a successful cruise is: Anchor early and often. To me cruising is about seeing new or favorite places, relaxing at anchor or at a beach. When I first started sailing I would try to make miles, sailing 12 or 14 hours a day. I really started enjoying cruising when I tried to be anchored by 3. Time for a nice walk ashore a cocktail and a relaxing dinner.

I heartily agree. Now, everyone is permitted to cruise in their own way, of course, but it is important to remember that much of the joy of cruising can be had by purely relaxing in a beautiful and unknown place (or even a place you know well).

Sure, sailing is a big part of cruising too, but to me the sailing is just the best conveyence from one place to another. On most cruising days, we tend to travel 10-15 miles, tops...and often less. Occasionally longer, too, but rarely. This allows us to leave at a relaxed pace in the morning and still be anchored for a late lunch, or by mid afternoon.

I don't have much relaxation time at home, so I look at my cruises as the best pure relaxation I ever get. Don't forget the occasional lay day too, whenever you feel like it.

I will second (or third or fourth or whatever) the paper towels and Ziploc bags. I put all our foot in the Ziplocs. It greatly extends the life of crackers and the like, prevents fluid spills from stuff in the icebox, holds valuable stuff, cameras, money, clothes, toiletries, you name it. I keep a large number of several sizes on board. The heavy freezer bags are the only way to go for onboard use.

[catamount]

The following comes from the thread "What items would YOU take cruising??" on the SailNet forums:

Date: ?Dec. 17 2005 6:15 PM

Author: ?FalconEddie

Of course, all of the spares type stuff others have mentioned, and add to that:

Patience - Not all other boaters are considerate when waking, anchoring, docking, etc.

Humility - Be slow to scorn others for doing something stupid you might repeat tomorrow.

Prudence - The cost of some bad decisions might be your boat, your life, or the life of another. It is better to appear timid and not try something reckless, than to pay for a foolish mistake later.

Courage - Even the best sailing days may require a healthy dose of grit.

Generosity of spirit - such courtesy to others is returned two-fold among cruisers and not forgotten when you meet the same people again.

I apologize if this sounds preachy; that is not my intention, but all the great equipment and catalogued spares in the world will not compensate for silly arguments with other boaters or your own crew, for needless damage to other boats, or resentments that are baseless and immature.

I have been out here now for a long time, since about '82 or so, and no equipment will serve as well as a cool head and easy smile.

My two bits. :-)

(I found it in a file saved on my computer, and went back to find the original reference)

Regards,

[David VanDenburgh]

... I would include plenty of liquids that you LIKE to drink, as it is easy to get dehydrated, if for example you don't like plain water, but that's all you brought. I brought a canister of Gatorade mix and about 25 1liter bottles of seltzer to help encourage me to drink more hydrating fluids.

Ditto! Plain water can get a little monotonous. I'm with Nathan in the Gatorade department; a little flavor goes a long way to encourage hydration.

[cliffg]

Are you kidding?

Actually, I was thinking of the cruising I did with up to 13 other people on a 30 foot boat but telling that story would be a blatant hijack of this thread, which as you all know I never do. Last year's three month cruise was my version of excessive consumption.

-Britton

Acutally, you have to post that story somewhere and tell us where it is, that has to be heard!!!!

[Robert The Gray]

I have found a small 10 oz. water filled spray bottle, with a trigger pump handle, to be a great little gadget. Spay the counter, or the dishes, or ones salt encrusted visage, then wipe with a paper towel. presto showero. I too use a 2 gallon garden sprayer. If you like music you can also try old time radio plays, or the green hornet, or modern stuff like joe frank
On the aesthetic side. I really like to stop for lunch if conditions permit. I also will modify sleep to catch a fair tides. One of the most memorable points of my last cruise was at 4:30 am watching the world around me awake as I rowed my triton with a strong ebb tide from a 20 foot wide back water called Cutoff Slough down to the Carquenez Straights. The moon was still quite high and full, so I couldn't really call it dark. By getting up early to catch the tide I saved over three hours travel time over 25 miles with the aid of the ebb and missed getting caught in the straights with a foul tide, shipping, wind blocking bluffs. Hello motor city. I got to the mouth of the Napa River with the last of the ebb and took the rising flood uo to a nice anchorage. Clean and easy. I took a wonderful nap at about three.

r

[MarkWilme]

I'll second the Gatorade, when I have the Mal-de-mer it is all I cna keep down and keeps my electrolytes and hydration levels up.

"Your cure" for aforesaidsea-sickness, whatever works for you be it ginger snaps, wrist bands, licourice drops, dramamine etc

A good book or two for those lazy days at anchor or becalmes / befogged.

Up to date cruising guide or reference materials

A sound knowledge of you escape plans for chnages in itinerary - dont just plan your primary route(s), understnd all your options and have all the charts and marina phone numbers etc.

My mp3 player and socally responsible headphones so I can find private space /time aboard the boat.

My favorite pillow

Clothes for all seasons in case the weather warms up / cools down.

A cellphone and charger. How many times have you overheard SeaTow on Ch 16 ask the Capt if they have a cellphone on board so they can take the conversation private - also useful for calling for take out pizza if visiting somewhere if that's what you want.

Pretty much everyhting else we keep on the boat permanently including the staple foods, bottled water, spares etc