LIST OF REQUIREMENTS

YOUR VESSEL – YOUR CREW – YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

 

At a very high level here is what you WILL need !

Seaworthy vessel well equipped, tested and ready to go capable of voyaging up to 3,000 nm without assistance between stops
Experienced skipper and competent crew
Autopilot or Windvane
Money and Credit Cards
Time
Vessel Documentation
Passports
Vaccination Records
IF you have a Pet international Chip and Vaccination Records

A BASIC LIST OF WHAT TO BRING

– VHF RADIO
– chart-plotter and printed charts
– logbook
– handheld GPS
– compass
– watch
– EPRIB
– safety gear
– tracker such as delorme / gps / garmin / iridium go / sailmail if SSB   HAM
– anything that makes you feel comfortable
– checked rig, engines, systems, running and standing rigging, ground tackle, windlass, batteries
– know how to change filters vbelts oil etc.
– android dual sim unlocked GSM Phone
– tools and spares so you can repair things that may brake or need replacing including a way to mend sails
– dinghy
– medical kit
– spares

 

A more extensive list oF WHAT TO BRING from Downwind Marine

SAFETY GEAR

1. TOP ESSENTIALS: Life Raft sized for entire crew, an EPIRB and a pre-packed “Ditch Bag” to supply life raft in emergency. SOS Distress Lights– Flares or Electronic Flare!

2. Automatic Identification System (A.I.S.) installed–use to track commercial vessels’ course & speed to avoid collisions.

3. Ham Radio with Marine SSB and Pactor E-mail installed,even if there is no licensed ham operator on board. In emergency Hams will talk to anyone, for either medical or vessel assistance. Use to monitor the maritime mobile HAMS for up-to-date news& weather even if there is no satellite coverage. Unlocked Android or Iphone.

4. “Jack-Lines” installed on each side of the length of the boat.

5. Personal Flotation Device (PFD) with Safety Harness for each crew/person on board.

6. Personal Strobes &Whistles on Lanyards for each crew/person on board.

7. Man Overboard Pole with 20-feet of floating line attached to Horseshoe Buoy equipped with Sea Anchor and Man Overboard Strobe –SOS Distress Light for use here too!

8. Boarding Ladder or other means to get back on board.

9. Radar Reflector/Detector.

10. Masthead Strobe (Not legal except in an emergency).

11. Flashlight for each area of boat (with extra batteries and bulbs) or battery-less light.LED-type works great here too.

12. Powerful Spotlightor light beam gun. You will coem across long liners without much warning

13. Custom First Aid Kit (to meet personal needs& possible illness or accidental injury–& cruisers all say you’ll need more GOOD band-aids!!) plus Chlorine Bleach to sanitize water.

14. One Rigid Bucket per person (for bucket brigade).

15. Air Horn and Horn Refill Can.

16. Boom Gallows, Boom Crutch, or “Lazy Jacks”to secure boom(s)when not in use, or if /when a topping liftbreaks.

17. Lead Line for sounding / handheld depth sounder

18.Anchors, Chain& Rode in multiple copies, with extra Shackles, Swivels, Seizing Wire& Chafe Gear, plus Anchor Buoy with line for quick deployment in emergency – follow the 7 to 1 scope recommendation in sizing your chain.

Anchoring Note: A proficient anchor system is your best insurance. Have different anchors and anchoring gear on board to be able to leave one or two behind in a hurry and still have enough left to securely anchor again. One monster “Storm Hook” is advisable

19. AIS

MAINTENANCE & DAMAGE CONTROL

1. Electrical Wire, Solder, Connectors, Electrical Tape, etc.

2. Silicone Spray Lubricant (eg. Tri-Flow PTFE, Lanocote) plusEngine Starting Fluid, & outboard motor fluids and cleaners.

3. Fin,Mask, Snorkel& Hol-Tite Handle for in-water hull or prop work (also wet suit & weight belt are really useful here).

4. Spares –Zinc Plates, Collars & Pencils for electrolysis control as needed, including use in cooling system.

5. Fiberglass Cloth& Tape, with resin and catalyst, PLUS Caulking Gun with tubes of Silicone Caulking & Adhesives (eg. BoatLife, SikaFlexand/orsimilar 3M-Products)

6. Splash Zone or “Poxy-Putty” (both slow cure and fast cure) for underwater repair, plus Bedding Compound (Dolfinite).

7. Spares –Fuses and/or Circuit Breakers.

8. 3M Scotch-Brite Pads for “boatwork”, plus Sandpaper (wet/dry), Paint &Varnish, Primer, Thinner, &Brushes.

9. Cleaning Aids like Sponges, Rags, Chamois & Deck Brush.

10. Small Whisk Broom, Dust Pan, and/or 12-Volt Vacuum.

11. Canvas Squares for use as collision mat.

12. Plywood or starboard (as large as you can stow) for emergency hull and cabin side repair, (plus large nails and hammer in your tool kit!)

13. Wood 2×4’s (as large as you can stow) plus Large Hose Clamps for splinting spars and other emergency repair.

14. Assortment of Fasteners –nuts, bolts and screws, etc.

15. Emergency Marine SSB Antenna and/or Ham Antenna.

16. Metal Primer & Acid-Etch –keep safely stored.

17. Rubber “True Plugs” and/or Tapered Plugs (wood bungs) with “Stay Afloat” Bee’s Wax –keep plugs dry but as handy to thru-hulls as possible. PLUS Gorilla Tape&Rescue Tapefor the quick fixes!

18. Expanded Inflatable Repair Kit, to include glue, hull fabric, valves, chemicals, etc.

PLUMBING & MECHANICAL

Check with your engine maker or its distributor for a list of recommended spare parts to maintain onboard.

1. Spares Kits –for all Pumps on board including Pressure, Hand and Bilge Bumps with extra impellers as applicable.

2. Spares Kit –for Engine Raw Water Pump, all parts plus extra impellers and complete backup pump.

3. Spares –for Stove, include Burner(s) and/or parts for stove.

4. Spares –for Head, extra pump and all parts you can think of plus extra joker valves and packing.

5. Spare Bulbs for running lights and cabin lights, plusa switch or two. Try replacement LED bulbs in your fixtures!

6. Spares –for Oil Lamps, include Chimneys, Wicks, Mantles and Burners, plus extra Paraffin Oil.

7. Batteries for everything using them.

8. Water-Separating Fuel Filter Funnel.

9. Spares –In-Line Water Filter Cartridges & Heater Elements.

10. Fuel Additive(s) for fungus prevention and water absorption.

11. Spares –Fuel injectors/points, plugs, and distributor rotor.

12. Spare Oil Filter Cartridges and OIL, enough oil for at least two oil changes and any anticipated consumption of motor.

13. Spares –Zincs wherever needed.

14. Spares –Hoses and Fan Belts wherever needed.

15. Distilled Water and Salinity Tester to check quality of any distilled water before using in battery.

16. Hydrometer, Battery Filler, and Baking Soda.

17. Hose Clamps plus Assorted Fasteners –nuts, bolts, etc.

18. A GOOD Volt-Ohmmeter with test leads and alligator clips

19. Tool Kit – the biggest and best you can afford and fit onboard to also include if possible a Vacuum Gauge, Prop Puller, Drill Tapping Set, Battery Operated Drill, &High Speed Drill Bits.

20. Gasket Material, Silicon Tape and Plumbing Adhesives.
21. Spares for Outboard, including prop, impellers, ignition parts, plugs, etc.
22. Spares – for Auto Pilot, including belt and parts
23. Spares Fuel Pump, Battery Switch, and Ignition Switch.
24. Spare Alternator or Generator and/or Brushes and Bearings.
25. Spare Voltage Regulator.
26. Freon Re-charge Kit (find in auto parts store), plus Refrigerator Vacuum Pump, Gauge and Dryer

RIGGING

1. Spares –Blocks, Shackles, Thimbles, Clevis Pins& Cotter Pins/ Rings.

2. Spares –Lines for sheets, halyards and/or Wire Rope.

3. Spares –Piece of Rigging Wire (long as your longest stay).

4. Cable Clamps for every size wire on board.

5. Nicopress Tool and assortment of Nicopress Sleeves.

6. Cable Cutter (capable to cutlargest diameter wire on boat).

7. Tape–Rigging Tape, Duct/GorillaTape, Chafe Tape, Rescue Tape…

8. Rigging Knife with Shackler for each crew member.9. Marlin Spikes and Seizing Wire.

10. Bosun’s Chair & Tackle and/or consider a Jumar Ascending Tool.

11. Spares –Winch Handles.

12. Winch Handle Pockets.

13. Downwind Pole(s).

14. Mast Steps or Ratlines for spotting coral (also highly recommend Polarized Dark Sun Glasses).

15. Boom Vang -Preventers.

16. Hand-Powered Sewing Machine.

COMFORT

1. Foul Weather Gear and Boots to fit everyone.

2. Hats and Cpasfor everyone, with spares as needed.

3. Sunscreen for lips, nose, and skin.

4. Flip-Flops, Tennis Shoes, Heavy Boots & Reef Walkers.

5. Electric Fan(s) plus a Wind Scoop to fit to your front hatch!

6. Sun Awning –best if it can be left up while sailing.

7. Solar Water Showers.

8. Good Dodger and Weather Cloths.

9. Cockpit Cushions and Cockpit Lantern.

10. Reliable Self-Steering –Wind Vane or Autopilot, or both or redundancy

11. Velcro Hatch Insect Netting and Porthole Screens.

12. D-Con Bombs for roaches, Mosquito (& no-see-um) Coils.

13. Flopper Stopper –ocean-swell roll controller – unless you are on a cat

14. Propane BBQ to cook outside!

15. Laundry Aids like rub board, large tub, plumber’s helper, portable wringer and clothespins, plus Tide for salt water laundry.

16. Saltwater Soap (for dishes, decks, and shampoo) –plus Hair Rinse. (Joy dish washing soap works great in saltwater!)

17. Insulated “Travel” Mugs and Thermos Bottles –2 or more.

18. Aluminum Foil Plates for rat guards on lines.

19. Non-skid Matting for lockers, drawers, carpet bottoms, etc.

20. Beach Towels and lightweight, fast-drying Sleeping Bags,Blankets & Pillows.

21. Cookware, Tableware, Cups, Stemware and Kitchen Timer.

MISCELLANEOUS

1. Extra Set of Oars and/or Paddles.

2. Dark Glasses with polarized lenses necessary for spotting coral  -and lots of extras too.

3. Jugs for Diesel, Gas and Water as needed –make sure these are well labeled (color-coded) and well secured!

4. Waterproof Document Bag.

5. Backpacks, Heavy Canvas Bags, Sport Bags.

6. Net Bags and Hammocks.

7. Sparker Lighter for stove and Waterproof Matches.

8. Deck Washing Bucket –Rubber or Collapsible Canvas.

9. Funnels to fit everywhere you need.

10. Paper Towels and Toilet Paper.

11. Fishing Gear–Assorted Hooks, Lures, Line & Wire Leader, Shock Cord, Net or Fish Gaff, and Small Bell. Be licensed!!

12. Deck Knife and Sharp Knives including 1 large for filleting fish & Filet Board.

13. Machete and Folding Shovel.

14. Boat Hook(s). with the ability to hose-clamp on a knife to cut long lines

15. Shock Cord–in different diameters and lots of it.

16. Tie-Down Line, 1/8” or larger –minimum 250-feet.

17. Heavy-Duty Gloves –minimum 2 pair.

18. Flags–Country Courtesy Flags for each country visited, Quarantine Flag, and one extra “Home Country Flag” (or bag of Nylon in assorted colors to make your own flags).

19. Assorted small gifts for trade, (e.g. dark glasses, printed T-shirts, any clothing from Levi Strauss.) Bring School Supplies for village kids.

20. Folding Shopping Cart.

21. Head Lamp, 12V Drop Light and/or Lights in Engine Room –Find good LED versions to work here too!

22. Amp (or Amp Hour) Meter on ship’s main battery bank, plus Amp Meter for Alternator.

23. Hand-Held VHF radio(s) –and good concise language-translation dictionary for every country you plan to visit.

24. Printer Scanner Copier Combo

25. Barometer with History

26. Wifi hotspot
27. Wifi range extender antenna

LUXURY ITEMS

1. Water Maker –good to have a salinity tester for this too – check with CRUISE RO WATERMAKERS

2. Portable Generator,Wind/Trolling Generator,Solar Panels.

3. Video or Digital Camera, Blank  Memory Cards/Sticks, Large Hard drives with  Video Library.

4. Folding Bicycle(s).

5. Deck Wash-Down Pump.

 

RECOMMENDED READING

American Practical Navigator – Volume I (75 MB)
American Practical Navigator – Volume II (47 MB)
Volume I – Low Resolution Version (37 MB)
Volume II – Low Resolution Version (11 MB)
American Practical Navigator (2017 Edition Archive) (38 MB)
American Practical Navigator (2002 Edition Archive) (38 MB)