Cruising gadgets, knowledge, and ideas for the cruising sailor
Hand Held Depth Finder. This is just what it sounds like. It’s about the size of a flash light. It will instantly tell you how deep the water is, and the water temperature. we launch the dinghy and go scouting with this device. I use it primarily for two things. To check the depth for either anchoring, or passing through
» Read moreIf you have wet cell batteries, you will need to add water from time to time. Especially after equalizing the batteries. You do equalize your batteries don’t you? Nonetheless, so you don’t spill water everywhere, try using an empty dish detergent plastic bottle, or a drinking bottle. I’m talking about something with that little pull up push down nozzle or
» Read moreIf you have a plexiglas window that has become foggy due to UV elements, age, etc., try this. Use toothpaste and a rag, and a good bit of elbow grease, to make the window clear again. It should look as good as new. Put a little of the toothpaste on the rag, a good terry cloth one, and rub hard.
» Read moreWe keep a “mini” scuba tank aboard. I say keep aboard, because I’ve actually never had to use it while cruising. I keep it for emergencies. It’s small, light weight, and easy to store aboard. I do use it while in home port. Recently, without hauling the boat, I pulled my prop, painted it, and put it back on the
» Read moreDinghy Mate Saddle Tank This is a dinghy motor fuel tank that attaches to the transom of your dinghy. It has two brackets that hold it in place. It is up off the floor and out of the way. It gives you more room in the dinghy, a real luxury. The one shown here is the three gallon model on
» Read moreDrop Cloth at companionway – I’ve always liked to have one of these on my boats. They keep the rain out, help keep the AC in, and protect the finish on the drop boards while the boat is in storage mode. At night, if there are lights on inside the boat, this can help block the light for the helmsman.
» Read moreMosquito Net at Companionway and Hatches – OK guys, it’s time to learn a new word. “Tulle”, it pronounced like tool. This is a light weight mesh material that women use in sewing things like veils. Have you ever looked at a wedding bride and though, “gee, that would make a great mosquito netting.” Well it does. There are a
» Read moreSoda Stream – We make our own diet coke and tonic water with our Soda Stream. The cost of buying coke in some places will certainly make you hesitate, and to bring enough sodas for a cruise to the islands is a real burden. However, we find the biggest benefit is that we don’t generate trash from cans and cartons.
» Read moreLooky Bucket – This is near the top of my list ! < This is sometimes also called a viewing bucket. It’s essentially a glass bottom bucket that allows you to see the bottom from sitting in your dinghy. What cruisers use this for is to take a look at their anchor set. If you want to check your set,
» Read moreSecurity Alarm for $10 This is a “pull pin” personal alarm. When the pin is pulled, a 90 dB alarm sounds. It’s loud. I have found these at Lowe’s and Home Depot for about $6. As you can see, there is a key ring attached to the main part, and a small ring with a cord on it attached to
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