Essential items for daily fairweather cruising....

[neilda]

I'm hot on the heels of a new RIB (having spent a very useful day at RIBex - thanks to Tim for the tickets) and was wondering about items that we should buy for the boat. Not an exhaustive list, just the essentials. There will be four of us - 2 adults, 2 children

1) Lifejackets - 2 inflatable types, 2 floatation types for a 7 and 11 year old
2) Inshore type waterproof/warm jackets
3) Extendible hook type thing for retrieving hats/sunglasses etc blown overboard!
4) Almanac for the Solent?
5) Flares
6) Jerry can and funnel for emergency fuel.
7) Waterproof large grip type bag

Is there anything else you would add?

Is there a decent on-line supplier for such items?

Is Cowes costly to go shopping for this stuff?


I'm sorted on my training and will arrange instruction to RYA2 before even being let loose! I took a RIB (under supervision) from Cowes to Portsmouth including mooring yesterday and other than calling QHM (which I didn't do) to cross, felt moderately pleased as punch!!

[MarkWildey]

Do a search on here as it's been covered quite a few times.

Don't forget suntan lotion if you plan to be a fair weather boater or else you'll end up like this ->

regards Mark

[Tim M]

Neil, the marine superstore at Port Solent is the place to go. They sell literally everything and its pretty cheap!

[neilda]

Thanks for that.... I did have a search for previous discussions, I'll have another peek.

[Steve_B]

Neil

I wont critique your list, but as you are going to do your PB2, I would hope your instructor will discuss this sort of thing with you. If he/she does not, then you bring it up.
Regards

[codprawn]

An anchor or 2 - a 6gk delta or copy with say 6m of chain and 50m of rope.

Don't buy a folding one - they are crap in anything other than rock.

Oh and some cheap ziplock freezer bags from Tesco. Great for keeping your mobile phone and car keys dry and could save your life if you fall in as you will still be able to use your phone.

No subsitute for VHF but as your phone is prob always in your pocket it's handy if you are in the drink and your VHF is still on the boat!!!

[bedajim]

This is worth a read


http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?...ght=safety+kit

[neilda]

Great - thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

The boat will have a built in VHF - the point on the anchor was useful too.....

The list is looking quite boisterous already!

[Trickdog]

I would highly recommend Compas24 for waterproofs. I bought a couple of their Offshore 3000 suits last year and they are fantastic value for money. As good as other brands I looked at costing much more.

http://www.compass24.com/web/catalog...astal/1623055#

Might also be worth a look at their Coastal set which includes a lifejacket. Again very good value.

http://www.compass24.com/web/catalog...nshore/2740937

If you're not happy, just give them a call and they arrange to collect and refund you.

[neilda]

Thanks - I'll look into that....

I'm picking up soooo much information - I owe quite a few beers!

As I've found through car ownership, finding the right forum is a massive short cut to a wealth of knowledge.

Once I'm actually trained and on the water, I'll be buying.

N

[Stoo]

Originally Posted by neilda

I owe quite a few beers!

Speaking of essential gear... bottle opener, cork screw. (Not endorsing boating while under the influence of course, but you never know when you might be stranded ashore someplace... )

[havener]

Originally Posted by neilda

The boat will have a built in VHF - the point on the anchor was useful too.....

Hi Neil,

These days, waterporrof handheld VHFs are so cheap it's silly not to get one. Keep it clipped on your lifejacket, then if you ever do go overboard (heaven forbid) you'll have a means of summoning assistance.

As others have said, your PB instructor should be able to discuss this area in depth with you.

I'm assuming a toolkit and first aid kit are already on your list, together with the knowledge of how to use both!

[neilda]

I think that's sensible to have a second VHF - I'll add that to the list.

First aid kit definitely, I hadn't thought about a tool kit other than a couple of screwdrivers and an adjustable spanner. I wonder how repairable an engine is when out at sea? Depends I guess.....

[Doug Stormforce]

Neil

The kit list can be endless, however for the size of boat you are looking at and the area you are in I would start by adding

Sharpknife with serrated blade
Stearing Compass
VHF
Waterproof chart such as tough chart or the Solent race chart
paddles
anchor chain and warp
several other warps
waterproof first aid kit
basic tool kit
TPA (thermal protectice aid)
foghorn
spare kill chord
Extra life jackets for when friends join you


Personally I would not bother with the boat hook

[willk]

Originally Posted by Doug Stormforce

Personally I would not bother with the boat hook

Dunno, a good boat hook trumps plastic paddles when a row breaks out.... I keep mine close

[bedajim]

A bucket

More uses than a freezer bag and a scared man can shift some water with one

[neilda]

Damn, bought the boathook already - £14 !

I'm getting a foot operated bilge pump in preference to the bucket....

The boat has a compass, got the knife, VHF, yes, indestructible charts yes... already got the life jackets for passengers and friends

Foghorn! Definitely, that one wasn't on the list. Spare kill cord, will get that.

Now, plastic wine glasses - white or red size?

Thanks for adding to the list, much appreciated.

[bedajim]

Originally Posted by neilda

Damn, bought the boathook already - £14 !

I'm getting a foot operated bilge pump in preference to the bucket....

The boat has a compass, got the knife, VHF, yes, indestructible charts yes... already got the life jackets for passengers and friends

Foghorn! Definitely, that one wasn't on the list. Spare kill cord, will get that.

Now, plastic wine glasses - white or red size?

Thanks for adding to the list, much appreciated.

I've never pee'd into a bilge pump, put fish in one, fishing tackle, spare coils of rope or kept the wine cold with one

P.S. Don't get confused over the wine cooling and the peeing

[Avocet]

Originally Posted by bedajim

A bucket

More uses than a freezer bag and a scared man can shift some water with one

It can also save a scared man's trousers!

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by bedajim

I've never pee'd into a bilge pump, put fish in one, fishing tackle, spare coils of rope or kept the wine cold with one

P.S. Don't get confused over the wine cooling and the peeing

So is that just one bucket