As someone preparing to learn to sail and possibly cruise, your videos are invaluable to someone like me who has no idea what he's doing. Thank you so much, you've already saved me money and probably some pretty bad injuries. You're really awesome
Guys, Here’s my list, for our Atlantic circuit, Boat : IP35 original 30 hp diesel. Our list of favourite gear is surprisingly like yours. In no particular order. Raymarine autopilot, 100% straight replacement, easy peasy install. (You know you could probably sell yours ) ( we have no windvane steering.). Honda generator 2000w AIS transceiver, cw antenna splitter, yes I love it, what a relief to have that info at sea. New chartplotter w wifi inter connectivity to my iPad. New 130% jib, new cutter sail. Lee cloths for the bunks, 20 kg Rocna. Wireless wind direction/ speed indicator In reach, EPIRB, liferaft. . Inflatable life jackets and tethers. Presently, due to Covid 19, we are back home in Canada, while our boat is on the hard in The Carribean Best of luck, maybe we’ll cross paths some day. PS you can watch our single UA-cam video “voyage of the Finnback”
I have a 18’ crawfish boat. Best money I’ve spent is on the captain seat. $150ish. Second hand but let’s me see over the bow without standing up. Second best money spent it my gps tracker. It leaves a trail where I have been so I don’t get completely lost when boating through the Louisiana swamp. I enjoy hearing your advice. Peace and love to the both of you🙏🏽🕉
I'm a newbie on this channel. So you probably have heard this before, but your tag-team dialog approach is great. No long monologs, no feeling of watching someone who is just talking to themselves. Nice work.Never seen that since Sonny and Cher.
This is such a great video for us as we just purchased a 42 footer and are refitting her for bluewater cruising. Even just for the passage from San Diego to northern CA this is so helpful. Thank you.
1) Over sized AutoP 2) Backup Auto Pilot (Aries), 3) Solid mount Solar Panels 4) AIS, 5) Ditch bag w/ GPS & EPIRB, Rechargeable batteries with roll up solar panel 6) 2 gallon an hour water maker 7) 3 GPS units (Mast, Arch, Deck mount) 8) UV Jerry jugs ( Water & Diesel) 9) Mast mount down wind poles 10) 43 ft Montevideo - 65 pd Rocna Anchor w/ 400 ft of 3/4 HT chain ( for the Pacific)
Great vid. I'm not a continuous cruiser but also did the azores - UK run this summer. My core list is similar to yours: monitor, AIS, inreach, epirb (all flawless..) - would probably add GPS, my pi based opencpn plotter and maybe my Taylors stove. I got *all* these on ebay at huge savings. The thing I *wish* I had bought - and will never go to sea again without, is a good drogue (preferably a JSD) as I jury rigged one but a pre-made one would have been better. One thought - have a read around the length of tethers. If you go overboard you can still drown if attached by tether - it happens. One of you will *probably* fail to get the other back on board even if tethered (certainly not long enough for your head to hit the water, even if upside down). They should be short enough that you *cannot* go overboard - so make your jackstays as close to the centre line as you can. Morgans cloud blog has some good articles on the topic..
It’s true about the tethers. We generally clip in on the high side so that we would not in fact fall overboard. It’s always a risk, however, and that’s why during heavy winds, we clip in with the shorter length tether. Thanks for the input!
I removed your previous comment about our number, but yes, that’s us! I just don’t want it to be thattttt easy for anyone to search our exact position.
The tethers! My absolute favorite part! You guys are by far my favorite sailing channel. I can't believe the number of people who don't get safety. The absolute worst quote I have ever heard on UA-cam was, " The reason we don't wear life vests or tether in is because I know the risks involved and as captain I have determined the risk is minimal and therefore don't require my family to wear safety gear unless we are in a big storm. In which case I would be at the helm and I don't need them anyway." Or some such. I won't point fingers where I heard that one but suffice it to say I'm glad I would never hear it here. Keep up the wonderful content. You just earned a subscription!
That is terrifying to think that someone not only puts themselves in that kind of risk but also their family! We always clip in and we plan to live long lives :)
I prefer the Hydrovane to the Monitor as it also gives us a spare rudder. The AIS attached directly to my VHF radio is vital too. Allows me to call ships at night directly at the push of a button for safety position alert. I too could not afford AIS transponder but will be getting one soon for the good reasons you make. Was thinking of getting Digital Yacht B+ transponder as it gives wider coverage.
As someone in the process of restoring their second abandoned boat in a decade it's great to hear the perspectives of people with different perspectives.
Your vids just keep getting better and better! AND...because I'm a bit of a safety freak myself, I really appreciate the attention to pay toward all these items. I'm also 100% on-board (Pun intended) with the list and the importance of the list. I'd sail with you two anytime! PEACE OUT! Ü
I'm astonished at the paucity of comments and likes and views for this video. Here we have the episode with the most comprehensive information for safe sailing I have so far encountered and yet barely a soul is reading it! Maybe you would get similarly attached to some better advertising for the future as an investment methinks?
Very informative video, thanks for posting. I found it particular important as I just retired and am hoping to buy a sail boat and sail off on my own circumnavigation adventure in the next few years. Happy sailing!
The best money we have spent is building our lithium battery bank. Awe sooooo nice. We haven't had any issues since we installed it about 7 months ago...😜
Herbie: Attach the unused end clip of your Y-tether to the tether's SNAP SHACKLE and NOT DIRECTLY TO THE D-RING ON YOUR LIFEJACKET. It's not obvious at first, but when the clip is attached to the D-ring, then releasing the snap shackle still leaves you attached. Furthermore, unlike the snap shackle, the clip isn't designed to release under load, so you'd need to either cut the tether or doff the lifejacket to free yourself if you were overboard. The solve: attach the unused clip to the hasp of the snap shackle or another part of the tether.. The unused section of your tether is still out of the way (and not clanging around), and you can still untether yourself under load. :) Thanks for the great videos.
Drew Wilkins that’s a really good idea for where to put it, thanks, I’ll start doing it that way! In rough weather, both clips are in use but when it’s calm I only use one and need to keep the other out of the way.
As I was going through your comments I come across my own comment made back when ! LOL Your video was just as good as the last time I watched it ! Thanks again for sharing ! Cheers
Great list! The focus on safety is Paramount. I agree that the AIS transponder is on my list also as number one! My monitor Windvane is right behind in number two. And since I am a cutter also so your listing of the storm try sail AND drifter are must have when you have a heavy cruiser. Totally enjoyed your list!👍
I looked into them before we left because of that very fear. Back in 2013 after watching “All is Lost” (terrible movie, how did someone who does everything wrong get to be sailing in the Indian Ocean?) It turns out that cost aside, Forward Looking Sonar only gives you a few seconds warning that you are going to hit. This is because ocean waves shorten the range. If you are in glassy calm, it will see farther, but if you have enough wind to sail, the waves will cut its range all the way down. It’s a great concept and I’m sure that the movie helped boost their sales! The truth about containers is they usually sink rather quickly. They are designed to fill with water and the only way they can remain floating is if their cargo is buoyant enough to keep the 5 tons of the empty container afloat, plus the weight of the cargo inside. If you do the math, 1 gallon of water weighs 8 pounds, so 10000/8=1,250 gallons of volume to keep the empty container afloat. 1cu ft is about 7.48 gallons, so about 167 cubic feet of absolute buoyant cargo is needed to keep the container awash. Most cargo is heavy and it will sink, but if it does float, the collision will usually occur on the stem of the boat, which is also one of the stronger parts of the boat as it is designed to resist pounding into waves. In the end, it becomes a numbers game. It’s a very big ocean and you are two tiny objects out there. We saw many large forms of debris out in the ocean. Huge buoys that broke free, a tree turned upside down with the massive trunk sticking above the surface just a foot, to large fishing floats. We never altered course and we never hit them as we sailed. Some got close, but never a collision. I would be at much greater peace of mind if everything out at sea had AIS on it, but it’s a calculated risk that we have chosen to take. Good luck and don’t lose sleep over floating containers, sleeping whales is the bigger problem!
@@RiggingDoctor Hit them both , Container (Just underwater) of Otago coast in NZ ,Road up & stopped , Lucky flat water 5 to 8 knot. behind , Didn't see it , No damage reported it , Was covered in wied & small mussels . A big male Orca of the 3 kings in the Tasman sea , 45knot gail , big seas , We were only making a knot or two forward when crash , bang , I swear it was a sleep & got a bigger fright then us - fairwinds. Oh you didn't mention a 'good set of binoculars' a must .enjoyed your posts
If one doesn't want to or can't budget for a sat phone, a Garmin InReach is a good second choice. It allows one to send texts, receive messages be tracked, send an sos, and many other useful communications.
Make sure the tether is short enough to keep you from going into the water. Too often one is kept from being swept away but drowns while being dragged through the water.
Same here although I do like my electric self steering as well. I went for the beautiful windvane, the CapeHorn. What I do like a lot as well are the foldable winch handles. So easy to be able to let them on the winch while tacking.
No! Please don’t say or think that. If they go broke tomorrow? It might offer an “emergency” button but not one that is monitored by any emergency services. Nor can SAR aircraft home on to the signal. It requires the “operations centre “ to call others for you an EPIRB is an EPIRB.
@@WadeAbout It's highly unlikely Garmin is going broke tomorrow.. The inreach and the EPIRB can compliment each other nicely or be used independently. If an emergency does arise, if both are available, they should be used in conjunction with each other. They both have their strengths and weaknesses.
I'm a weekender on a big lake. Best money I ever spent was getting rid of the Kenyon pressurized alcohol stove and replacing it with a non pressurized Origo. Lots easier to deal with. I can't believe they stopped making them, some stores still have a couple left in stock. Get it while you can.
As a solo sailor a tether that won't keep me on the boat is useless. A windvane was easily my most essential bit of kit with my lowly pressure cooker sneaking into second place. Off topic, but my worst purchase to date was a spinnaker. I used it once, and quickly realized bringing it in, at least for me, was a two person job.
Good couple of videos...we have enjoyed these! We LOVE our Raymarine Autopilot, and we LOVE our Monitor Windvane. Those 2 are some of our most valuable players aboard! And my Iridium GO/PredictWind -Rebecca
The best investment I ever did on my boat is the Electronic Auto Pilot. It steered my boat back and forth on my Atlantic crossing. I use it all the time even for just a few minutes or miles at a time. It never complains, never tired, steers like a champ in every sailing conditions, whether under sail or engine power. As a solo sailor, I can turn it on for a minute or two to allow me to do a maneuver or use the head. I can set it up to steer to a waypoint, on a magnetic course or as a wind vane. I can control it either from inside or outside the boat. As the boat sails are well balanced, the auto pilot motor does not work hard and it saves energy. I understand the difference with a Wind Vane and I think they are just too expensive for the small amount of time that they are put to use, which is only on ocean crossings. They use too much valuable space at the stern, they do not work when running from the wind and they look ugly. It is funny that my #1 piece of equipment was your worst purchase on Wisdom. Have a safe continuation of your trip, Cheers, Richard
Very interesting to hear! I’m so glad your autopilot works so well for you! We actually use the wind vane for a lot more than just crossing the ocean. We use it for coastal sailing all the time :)
AIS is a real piece of mind! I still think you 2 could benefit from a fishing rod and reel with a fish finder. Great videos both the best and the worst. Really valuable information! Happy sailing!
After watching both best and worst money spent videos (which were excellent) I have to say I enjoyed the worst video more simply because it was fun watching you two complain with genuine emotion. The personality that you allow in both videos to surface is enjoyable and adds to the entertainment value of the video a great deal. Mahalo!
Excellent video. My most important purchase has been a 25kg Rocna anchor to replace a pretty much useless CQR one which dragged on its side one night in a Force 6/7. I paid £550 for the Rocna and it has performed without fault since I bought it. Bill
For long distance cruising - not in any particular order - 1. A decent pressure cooker. 2. A second hand light airs 166% Genoa from a boating consignment store for $195 including bag. It revolutionized the distances I could cover in light air weather. New, it would have cost me about $2000. 3. Hamar activated PFD 4. Elasticated harness tether 5. full length jackstays. 6. L.E.D. Anchor light that hangs in the foretriangle.
I like the anchor light that hangs lower. One of my pet peeves about anchor lights is the kid scooting though the anchorage fast in the dark can’t see your anchor light when he’s heading close and right for you!
@@RiggingDoctor It's always been a puzzle to me as the regs actually state it should be hung in the foretriangle not the mast head. In a dark busy anchorage mast head lights are not much help in spotting the position of vessels because they fail to illuminate the hull of the boat, and also can be lost against any background shore lights. Hanging it in the fore triangle illuminates the foredeck (which is usually a light colour) and any head sail on the roller furler, and is nearer the actual eye line of other water users. It makes it really easy to see the position of anchored vessels. I am a bit naughty as I also leave a paler light in the cockpit as well to give extra visual info. With LED's the power useage is negligible and I just hoist on the spinnaker halyard and anchor to a suitable cleat on the fore deck. I can never be too well lit so long as it doesn't interfere with clear interpretation of my nav lights, or night vision.
@@RiggingDoctor When you look at the actual rule from IRPCS it is a wonder that mast head anchor lights ever became so widespread." A vessel at anchor must display an all-round white light or one black ball in the fore part and another all-round white light at or near the stern at a lower level than the light in the fore part. BUT if the vessel is less than 50 meters in length it may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights foresaid."
Good advice. Things have changed since the 15 years I last crossed an ocean but the Aquair wind/sea generator was a good buy. In towed generator mode it gave us about an amp per knot charge day and night in the Trades with a speed drop of about a quarter of a knot. I don't know if they make them any more. Cost about £800 as I recall. Fair winds. ps. I hope you are not disappointed with sailing in the Med. Too much or too tittle was my experience!
Towed generators *are* still made.. but we tend not to use them around Australia very much because the sharks treat them as chew toys. Gets expensive after a while.
So far, my solar panels, which are flexible btw but are velcroed to the Bimini and easy to put up and take down (I’m not a full-time cruiser). Next my windlass. Makes my back much happier.
I only do local cruising on the Chesapeake Bay. So my list does not include much of what you need. However, I always thought if I crossed a sea, I would also want transmitting AIS. Otherwise, my Engle fridge running off solar has been a game changer for me. No more worries about finding ice!
Great videos and always interesting to read everyone's differing opinions, (even those that vehemently disagree with you). Anyway, i think my favorite is the portable watermaker (Rainman), which is powered off our Honda 2000. Haven't sailed 100000000 miles like others may have, but in the islands I've been to its great to not have to carry water containers back and forth. In second would be the Honda 2000, awesome little generator. By the way, there are a lot of very good reasons to have a radar, and if your budget ever allows for it, it would be something worth considering. ( Not having an AIS / Radar debate, just saying. ) Third most favorite is probably the BBQ, it gets quite a work out on our boat. Happy sails. S/V Kitikana
Thank you for the BIG Positive Shout Out to safety. I see way too many SV's with little thought to safety. While safety gear might be on their boats they are not being used daily. (Ex. PFD & tethers). It's too late when you are in the water & your boat/crew is leaving you behind.
Great videos, both good and bad. One thing I wonder about is the A.I.S. I've heard on many other videos that A LOT of boats and ships. Even when legally mandated to use then, Don't. And conversely. As far as Pirateering. You transmit and the wrong people know you're there. I guess the bottom line is how you feel safe. Please let me know your thoughts. Bye for now :)
These "worst" and "best" videos have been both informative and entertaining...some of your best! Just one question: Does the Monitor vane do an automatic correction when you reach the edge of the flat earth?
The best money I've spent on my boat is my electric refrigerator, it keeps my beer nice and cold!!! Remember, I'm just sailing on a small lake in Texas...ha ha! Steady on mateys!
AIS, Radar, 85lb Mantus, 15hp Honda outboard for 9ft RIB, asymmetrical spinnaker, vertical batten furling mainsail, InReach, PLB and personal AIS on each PFD, watermarked 12v/220v. #1 Nespresso coffee maker with Aerochino milk frother (Without a good morning cappuccino life is simply not worthwhile)
I think a spin is not used because people are scared of them . Mine gets flown all the time , even when I am single handed . Great and easy way to go in anything over 120 deg . Don't use a sock , just another thing to mess up . Have a racer show you how to take down in a blow instead .
Best money on my sailing journey so far has been as a Patron of your channel! Meeting and learning from you two has, easily, been the most rewarding expense!
You are not scared to have the shock absorber deploy on your tether and fall overboard? If the goal is to limit the travel then a shock absorber is not needed? I use a full body harness at work with a shock absorber in case of a fall. If I want travel restrain I use a lanyard without shock absorber. Food for thought.
My son climbs radio towers, so I think I understand your question. What you see on their tether is a bungee that keeps the 6-8 ft nylon tether gathered up, so that it is less cumbersome while moving about, but will stretch when extra reach is needed. It is not the shock absorber used in professional climbing gear.
Subject: water maker, try thermal distillation. will work in a pinch. Same concept as in making moonshine. just boil sea water and then by capturing the steam in a cooling/condensing coil allowing it to drip into your water cans. Now you have just made fresh drinking water and sea salt that can be used to season food or salt cure meat. A simple still can be made easily for less then $100 depending on what you already have and what you need to buy. filter sea water before distillation if you plan on using the salt [ items like pot with locking lid, 4ft to 6ft of copper coil, and some fittings to attach the coil to the lid of the pot.A charcoal filter at the end of the system never hurts. just added precaution and improves taste of water. If your unsure that it will work test with tap water and table salt. you'll see that it works. Hope this helps someone Side note: if you can maintain 12vdc @ 30 amps with your electric system a hho generator can be used to power the still . The highly combustible fuel made from sea water by the hho generator can also be used for cooking and will also run a small 4 stroke engine. Like a gas power generator. An energy loop maintaining the battery bank while running the hho generator.
I’m very interested in this idea! It’s such a simple concept and we certainly have plenty of time! Do you have a link to some pictures of one? We can’t power the 30amp one but I could build a solar sill!
Here is my E-mail I'll help with it the best I can tell me what your specs are for this project. maybe I can help trouble shoot the design of a working prototype using common off the self or reclaimed parts. I already have some ideas but need to know required dimensions that the unit has to fit Within. A lens from a lighthouse would be ideal to magnified sunlight to create enough Heat to boil water or something similar. I'm very interested in collaborating with you on a design to suit your space requirements. I will not accept payment for this project. The reason being is I'm a future full-time Cruiser the unit I crate will go on my boat. And hopefully along the way other people can benefit from our design jasonsmith65483@gmail.com
Awesome list. As I consider entering the fold of offshore sailors, I appreciate lists like this. Thank you for the time and effort that you put into your channel. I am a fan. I really appreciate the thoughts on being seen by the larger ships on the ocean. I understand that traffic is spread far apart most of the time. But, the impact of an unplanned encounter on even a large SV would be devastating.
Best purchase for my boat was new/proper sails so we didn't have to use the previous owner's cheapo, blown-out sails. After all, it's a sailboat. Everyone should buy good sails then fall in love with their old boat all over again. No matter the size of boat, if you've got bad sails, replace them with good quality new sails and you'll enjoy sailing again.
Great topic..how about a list with the brand name for the people who are putting a boat together. Love all the things you talked about and why you chose them..thanks for the video..
Hmm,the best money I have spent on my boat. I have to say that I am quite fond of my Anderson 40ST ELECTRIC winches. A close second would be my electric anchor windlass. Those things are followed by by the solar panels that keep my batteries charged since my boat lives on a mooring.
FURUNO RADAR...I bought that while in South Carolina and single-handing, used it 24/7 when under sail. Its "WATCHMAN" feature automatically turned it on/off at selected intervals, so battery consumption was acceptable. However, while at Gran Canaria (after about 13 years of use) it quit working. With repair unavailable, following (a costly and unsuccessful local attempt) I gave up and bought a transmit-only A.I.S. That got me back to Canada. I'll have the radar repaired before the next crossing, but the A.I.S. will be a comforting backup. Thanks for your very enjoyable videos. But with three attempts so far, I've been unable to get onto your "Patron" site?
AIS transmitter. I wonder how important it is for them to know what you are. I always work on the most simple rule of the road…might is right! So up to you to keep watch and keep out of the way. Of course know their details is very useful. And a transmitter uses a lot more power
It’s not that much more power used to transmit. It was handy because we would see the big ships change course slightly to avoid us from very far away instead of getting close enough to hear us on the radio and then coordinate the passing situation. The straight of Gibraltar was very uneventful with ship traffic because everyone could see our position and course.
Great to hear you added the AIS transponder. I already knew you had the eperb. life raft, survival suits, and pfd harnesses. The In Reach is a good way to keep in contact and a lot less expensive than a sat phone. You kept talking about having the sat phone but I never saw it and I figured you were using something like the in-reach when you were saying you send coordinates daily. I pretty much agree with all you said about best investments in the boat. Happy sailing.
We have lots of wonderful games! Just played one today. Maaaaaany books! I read constantly. We just have sharp hooks, a couple of lures, and some fishing line. Not really big on the fishing.
yes a teether is important,but also how you are going to get back on board.I have extra rope on mine because if i am in front of the side stays i would get snagged and will be dragged beside the boat not having enough lenth to get back to the back of the boat
No diesel? A 168F air cooled diesel costs $193 plus tax to your door. 44 LBS. Mount it on plate aluminum. It can turn a large alternator and be lightly connected to a propeller for light cruise and storm steerage. A 12 volt chest freezer is inexpensive and will last forever if you run it in ECO mode. A CB radio is super utility but can hang a random contact in the middle of any ocean, by day skip.
We carry 200 gallons of water and would rather not rely on a water maker. Truth about the batteries. We would LOVE better ones but just can’t afford them right now.
It’s good to hear how others value the kit on their boats. I’m not sure what I value most on SV Sweet Motion. I’d rank the enclosed cockpit right up there. I wouldn’t want to cruise without my auto helm (electronic). Oh, my windlass, absolutely my windlass. My ground tackle includes 3/8 “ chain and I need the windlass. I agree with you on the Dickinson diesel heater. Great heater and diesel is a nice dry form of heat. You might want to double check your pricing though. I believe your photo showed the Newport model and they sell for Less than $1100.00 (Canadian) in BC. For $3k you could get a top of the line forced air diesel system, which is something lm looking at. I’d like to have the heat thermostatically controlled.
I haven’t checked the price since I bought mine, but in Maryland in 2012, they were $3k. I just checked and now our model is $1.2k. That is great news (because ours is getting a little rusty)
Rigging Doctor Just for fun I checked the current price in my corner of the world $899.00 Canadian. That’s at Steveston Marine in Vancouver BC. That’s a sale price, regular a little over $1200. If you do buy a new one some day I would suggest adding the hot water coils at the time of purchase. It’s usually less than $200 more and adds considerable value.
I have a pair of Honda 2200’s that produce a true 30amp supply at rated output, amazing machines. I dream of selling them one day after installing a northern lights diesel generator but that is $$$$$$
Keep it simple ;) When the Honda dies, you can remove it and drop a new one in its place in a few minutes. The same would not be true with a diesel generator.
Wow I don't know who you talked to about buying a new Dickinson heater, but $3,000 is an outrageous cost for a Dickinson heater.. I can pick a brand new one up today for $740. I would need a couple of hundred more for the install (smoke pipe, deck head, fuel tank, etc), but could certainly do the entire install for $1K. Alternatively you could spend a couple of hundred for one of those Chinese knock off Webasto forced air diesel heaters. The only down side to those heaters is that they are electric power hogs.Heck, you could buy one and two spares for $600.
best money on my sailboat,...''. Maine coast mooring'' when i get bored........i go home............ if i were cruising, i would not be ...but that ''wind vane'' is WONDERFUL and simple, i wonder if any of the ancients had anything like it? ...so simple they could have....
good to see someone considering safety. Just watched several trans-at videos where people are on deck, on swaying boat, without pfd or tether.. Hey it's their life, but not something I would do. Fall off at 6+ kt that person is really far back before others can react.. In that vein my main concern with generator would be the exahust, and CO poisoning. Do you run it on deck? Downwind somehow? Also storage where gas fumes can't get into cabin..
When we do run it, it’s on deck. We never go to sleep with it running, but we also have carbon monoxide sensors in the boat just Incase! With it outside, the exhaust is never a problem
YeS, this was really a cool vid for me. Would like to know which Sextant you use, and which would be the minimum priced one that could do the job (probably the one you've got ?)
I like the no engine philosophy, presumably you have just enough electric power to comply with harbour authorities’ rules against manouvering under sail?
Oh wow.....you spotted a 1,300 foot long ship on your electronic device. That's bigger than a US Navy Aircraft Carrier. Did you actually visually spot it? I imagine it must have been a Super Tanker.
As someone preparing to learn to sail and possibly cruise, your videos are invaluable to someone like me who has no idea what he's doing. Thank you so much, you've already saved me money and probably some pretty bad injuries. You're really awesome
You got this!
So glad to help! Always feel free to send a question or two our way 🙂
Guys, Here’s my list, for our Atlantic circuit,
Boat : IP35 original 30 hp diesel.
Our list of favourite gear is surprisingly like yours.
In no particular order.
Raymarine autopilot, 100% straight replacement, easy peasy install.
(You know you could probably sell yours )
( we have no windvane steering.).
Honda generator 2000w
AIS transceiver, cw antenna splitter, yes I love it, what a relief to have that info at sea.
New chartplotter w wifi inter connectivity to my iPad.
New 130% jib, new cutter sail.
Lee cloths for the bunks,
20 kg Rocna.
Wireless wind direction/ speed indicator
In reach, EPIRB, liferaft. .
Inflatable life jackets and tethers.
Presently, due to Covid 19, we are back home in Canada, while our boat is on the hard in The Carribean
Best of luck, maybe we’ll cross paths some day.
PS you can watch our single UA-cam video “voyage of the Finnback”
I really really enjoyed both your best and worst lists!
I have a 18’ crawfish boat. Best money I’ve spent is on the captain seat. $150ish. Second hand but let’s me see over the bow without standing up. Second best money spent it my gps tracker. It leaves a trail where I have been so I don’t get completely lost when boating through the Louisiana swamp. I enjoy hearing your advice. Peace and love to the both of you🙏🏽🕉
I'm a newbie on this channel. So you probably have heard this before, but your tag-team dialog approach is great. No long monologs, no feeling of watching someone who is just talking to themselves. Nice work.Never seen that since Sonny and Cher.
right? so good!
I got you, Babe ;)
This is such a great video for us as we just purchased a 42 footer and are refitting her for bluewater cruising. Even just for the passage from San Diego to northern CA this is so helpful. Thank you.
Glad to be of help!
1) Over sized AutoP 2) Backup Auto Pilot (Aries), 3) Solid mount Solar Panels 4) AIS, 5) Ditch bag w/ GPS & EPIRB, Rechargeable batteries with roll up solar panel 6) 2 gallon an hour water maker 7) 3 GPS units (Mast, Arch, Deck mount) 8) UV Jerry jugs ( Water & Diesel) 9) Mast mount down wind poles 10) 43 ft Montevideo - 65 pd Rocna Anchor w/ 400 ft of 3/4 HT chain ( for the Pacific)
👍
Great vid. I'm not a continuous cruiser but also did the azores - UK run this summer. My core list is similar to yours: monitor, AIS, inreach, epirb (all flawless..) - would probably add GPS, my pi based opencpn plotter and maybe my Taylors stove. I got *all* these on ebay at huge savings. The thing I *wish* I had bought - and will never go to sea again without, is a good drogue (preferably a JSD) as I jury rigged one but a pre-made one would have been better.
One thought - have a read around the length of tethers. If you go overboard you can still drown if attached by tether - it happens. One of you will *probably* fail to get the other back on board even if tethered (certainly not long enough for your head to hit the water, even if upside down). They should be short enough that you *cannot* go overboard - so make your jackstays as close to the centre line as you can. Morgans cloud blog has some good articles on the topic..
It’s true about the tethers. We generally clip in on the high side so that we would not in fact fall overboard. It’s always a risk, however, and that’s why during heavy winds, we clip in with the shorter length tether. Thanks for the input!
I removed your previous comment about our number, but yes, that’s us! I just don’t want it to be thattttt easy for anyone to search our exact position.
@@RiggingDoctor Oh sorry! I won't repost!
The tethers! My absolute favorite part! You guys are by far my favorite sailing channel. I can't believe the number of people who don't get safety. The absolute worst quote I have ever heard on UA-cam was, " The reason we don't wear life vests or tether in is because I know the risks involved and as captain I have determined the risk is minimal and therefore don't require my family to wear safety gear unless we are in a big storm. In which case I would be at the helm and I don't need them anyway." Or some such. I won't point fingers where I heard that one but suffice it to say I'm glad I would never hear it here. Keep up the wonderful content. You just earned a subscription!
That is terrifying to think that someone not only puts themselves in that kind of risk but also their family!
We always clip in and we plan to live long lives :)
Thanks for subscribing 👍
@@RiggingDoctor some people have loads more money than sense unfortunately. Keep up the great work
I prefer the Hydrovane to the Monitor as it also gives us a spare rudder. The AIS attached directly to my VHF radio is vital too. Allows me to call ships at night directly at the push of a button for safety position alert. I too could not afford AIS transponder but will be getting one soon for the good reasons you make. Was thinking of getting Digital Yacht B+ transponder as it gives wider coverage.
Thanks this was most useful. my yacht is steel so the best thing i have bought for her is an angle grinder and a welder !
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Very useful information!
I love the fact your families hear from you twice a day !
As someone in the process of restoring their second abandoned boat in a decade it's great to hear the perspectives of people with different perspectives.
I’m starting my second abandoned boat now!
Your vids just keep getting better and better! AND...because I'm a bit of a safety freak myself, I really appreciate the attention to pay toward all these items. I'm also 100% on-board (Pun intended) with the list and the importance of the list. I'd sail with you two anytime! PEACE OUT! Ü
This was just as good (if not better) as your last top ten video ! And we all know how fantastic that one was. Thank You so much ! Cheers
I'm astonished at the paucity of comments and likes and views for this video. Here we have the episode with the most comprehensive information for safe sailing I have so far encountered and yet barely a soul is reading it! Maybe you would get similarly attached to some better advertising for the future as an investment methinks?
If you would share this video anywhere we would be much obliged!!
I had to look "paucity " up, for I have never used this word. Thank you.
Also the content by these wonderful people is always great!
Cheers Jeff
My best is my individual distress beacon attached to my lifejacket. Thanks to sharing your experience.
Very informative video, thanks for posting. I found it particular important as I just retired and am hoping to buy a sail boat and sail off on my own circumnavigation adventure in the next few years. Happy sailing!
Best of luck with your adventures!!
Great commentary on your best and worst purchases. Very helpful info.
Nice list!
Top items on my boat: AIS, PT11 dinghy, LiFePO4 battery cells, Cradle cover for mainsail, Spade anchor, Spartite, and Composting head.
Love that composting head made the list! That definitely would be on our extended one 🙂
The best money we have spent is building our lithium battery bank. Awe sooooo nice. We haven't had any issues since we installed it about 7 months ago...😜
We just did that too!
Herbie: Attach the unused end clip of your Y-tether to the tether's SNAP SHACKLE and NOT DIRECTLY TO THE D-RING ON YOUR LIFEJACKET. It's not obvious at first, but when the clip is attached to the D-ring, then releasing the snap shackle still leaves you attached. Furthermore, unlike the snap shackle, the clip isn't designed to release under load, so you'd need to either cut the tether or doff the lifejacket to free yourself if you were overboard. The solve: attach the unused clip to the hasp of the snap shackle or another part of the tether.. The unused section of your tether is still out of the way (and not clanging around), and you can still untether yourself under load. :) Thanks for the great videos.
Drew Wilkins that’s a really good idea for where to put it, thanks, I’ll start doing it that way!
In rough weather, both clips are in use but when it’s calm I only use one and need to keep the other out of the way.
I love the Honda generator. It is indeed a great buy.
As I was going through your comments I come across my own comment made back when ! LOL Your video was just as good as the last time I watched it ! Thanks again for sharing ! Cheers
Great list! The focus on safety is Paramount. I agree that the AIS transponder is on my list also as number one! My monitor Windvane is right behind in number two. And since I am a cutter also so your listing of the storm try sail AND drifter are must have when you have a heavy cruiser.
Totally enjoyed your list!👍
You will be unstoppable! Sails for the light and the heavy wind, as well as a system to keep you going in the right direction ;)
if only floating containers each had an AIS transmitter
If only...
@@RiggingDoctor Try forward scan sonar...
I looked into them before we left because of that very fear.
Back in 2013 after watching “All is Lost” (terrible movie, how did someone who does everything wrong get to be sailing in the Indian Ocean?)
It turns out that cost aside, Forward Looking Sonar only gives you a few seconds warning that you are going to hit. This is because ocean waves shorten the range. If you are in glassy calm, it will see farther, but if you have enough wind to sail, the waves will cut its range all the way down.
It’s a great concept and I’m sure that the movie helped boost their sales!
The truth about containers is they usually sink rather quickly. They are designed to fill with water and the only way they can remain floating is if their cargo is buoyant enough to keep the 5 tons of the empty container afloat, plus the weight of the cargo inside.
If you do the math, 1 gallon of water weighs 8 pounds, so 10000/8=1,250 gallons of volume to keep the empty container afloat.
1cu ft is about 7.48 gallons, so about 167 cubic feet of absolute buoyant cargo is needed to keep the container awash.
Most cargo is heavy and it will sink, but if it does float, the collision will usually occur on the stem of the boat, which is also one of the stronger parts of the boat as it is designed to resist pounding into waves.
In the end, it becomes a numbers game. It’s a very big ocean and you are two tiny objects out there. We saw many large forms of debris out in the ocean. Huge buoys that broke free, a tree turned upside down with the massive trunk sticking above the surface just a foot, to large fishing floats. We never altered course and we never hit them as we sailed. Some got close, but never a collision.
I would be at much greater peace of mind if everything out at sea had AIS on it, but it’s a calculated risk that we have chosen to take.
Good luck and don’t lose sleep over floating containers, sleeping whales is the bigger problem!
@@RiggingDoctor Hit them both , Container (Just underwater) of Otago coast in NZ ,Road up & stopped , Lucky flat water 5 to 8 knot. behind , Didn't see it , No damage reported it , Was covered in wied & small mussels . A big male Orca of the 3 kings in the Tasman sea , 45knot gail , big seas , We were only making a knot or two forward when crash , bang , I swear it was a sleep & got a bigger fright then us - fairwinds. Oh you didn't mention a 'good set of binoculars' a must .enjoyed your posts
bill hanna ouch! Good thing you made it through both encounters ok!!
Feathering prop might be a good addition too? Maybe 1.5 knots faster when sailing. Darlow Engineering UK. 14 x 8 RH 3 blade I’m looking at.
As always absolute relevant content.
THANK YOU 🙏 sooooo much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
👍👍👍👍👍
If one doesn't want to or can't budget for a sat phone, a Garmin InReach is a good second choice. It allows one to send texts, receive messages be tracked, send an sos, and many other useful communications.
That’s what we have! We call it our sat phone even though it’s more of a sat-texter
Make sure the tether is short enough to keep you from going into the water. Too often one is kept from being swept away but drowns while being dragged through the water.
We have jacklines on both sides of the deck and we always clip in to the high side. If we fall, we still stay on deck
Same here although I do like my electric self steering as well. I went for the beautiful windvane, the CapeHorn. What I do like a lot as well are the foldable winch handles. So easy to be able to let them on the winch while tacking.
I have seen them and wanted to give them a try
Good video, while I don't have a sail boat yet, I do have a sea kayak, and my VHR radio is a bit flogged - time to get a new one. Thanks.
You can also use the inReach as an EPRIB.
No! Please don’t say or think that. If they go broke tomorrow? It might offer an “emergency” button but not one that is monitored by any emergency services. Nor can SAR aircraft home on to the signal. It requires the “operations centre “ to call others for you an EPIRB is an EPIRB.
@@WadeAbout It's highly unlikely Garmin is going broke tomorrow.. The inreach and the EPIRB can compliment each other nicely or be used independently. If an emergency does arise, if both are available, they should be used in conjunction with each other. They both have their strengths and weaknesses.
I'm a weekender on a big lake. Best money I ever spent was getting rid of the Kenyon pressurized alcohol stove and replacing it with a non pressurized Origo. Lots easier to deal with. I can't believe they stopped making them, some stores still have a couple left in stock. Get it while you can.
We have an Origo alcohol stove/oven and love it! Got it used on Craigslist
As a solo sailor a tether that won't keep me on the boat is useless. A windvane was easily my most essential bit of kit with my lowly pressure cooker sneaking into second place. Off topic, but my worst purchase to date was a spinnaker. I used it once, and quickly realized bringing it in, at least for me, was a two person job.
Thanks for your experience!
If it doesn’t work well, it won’t work at all 🤣
Good couple of videos...we have enjoyed these! We LOVE our Raymarine Autopilot, and we LOVE our Monitor Windvane. Those 2 are some of our most valuable players aboard! And my Iridium GO/PredictWind -Rebecca
Thanks for the input :)
It seems that everyone who is happy with their autopilot has a raymarine unit. Seems I bet on the wrong horse when I bought a Garmin unit!
The best investment I ever did on my boat is the Electronic Auto Pilot. It steered my boat back and forth on my Atlantic crossing. I use it all the time even for just a few minutes or miles at a time. It never complains, never tired, steers like a champ in every sailing conditions, whether under sail or engine power. As a solo sailor, I can turn it on for a minute or two to allow me to do a maneuver or use the head. I can set it up to steer to a waypoint, on a magnetic course or as a wind vane. I can control it either from inside or outside the boat. As the boat sails are well balanced, the auto pilot motor does not work hard and it saves energy. I understand the difference with a Wind Vane and I think they are just too expensive for the small amount of time that they are put to use, which is only on ocean crossings. They use too much valuable space at the stern, they do not work when running from the wind and they look ugly. It is funny that my #1 piece of equipment was your worst purchase on Wisdom. Have a safe continuation of your trip, Cheers, Richard
Very interesting to hear! I’m so glad your autopilot works so well for you! We actually use the wind vane for a lot more than just crossing the ocean. We use it for coastal sailing all the time :)
AIS is a real piece of mind! I still think you 2 could benefit from a fishing rod and reel with a fish finder. Great videos both the best and the worst. Really valuable information! Happy sailing!
Fishing equipment is a great suggestion. There's nothing like fresh fish to supplement the diet, especially 30lbs. of fresh yellowfin tuna!
David Maisel we got a fishing rod now!
After watching both best and worst money spent videos (which were excellent) I have to say I enjoyed the worst video more simply because it was fun watching you two complain with genuine emotion. The personality that you allow in both videos to surface is enjoyable and adds to the entertainment value of the video a great deal. Mahalo!
Thank you, glad you enjoyed them!!
Excellent video. My most important purchase has been a 25kg Rocna anchor to replace a pretty much useless CQR one which dragged on its side one night in a Force 6/7. I paid £550 for the Rocna and it has performed without fault since I bought it. Bill
For long distance cruising - not in any particular order - 1. A decent pressure cooker. 2. A second hand light airs 166% Genoa from a boating consignment store for $195 including bag. It revolutionized the distances I could cover in light air weather. New, it would have cost me about $2000. 3. Hamar activated PFD 4. Elasticated harness tether 5. full length jackstays. 6. L.E.D. Anchor light that hangs in the foretriangle.
I like the anchor light that hangs lower. One of my pet peeves about anchor lights is the kid scooting though the anchorage fast in the dark can’t see your anchor light when he’s heading close and right for you!
@@RiggingDoctor It's always been a puzzle to me as the regs actually state it should be hung in the foretriangle not the mast head. In a dark busy anchorage mast head lights are not much help in spotting the position of vessels because they fail to illuminate the hull of the boat, and also can be lost against any background shore lights. Hanging it in the fore triangle illuminates the foredeck (which is usually a light colour) and any head sail on the roller furler, and is nearer the actual eye line of other water users. It makes it really easy to see the position of anchored vessels. I am a bit naughty as I also leave a paler light in the cockpit as well to give extra visual info. With LED's the power useage is negligible and I just hoist on the spinnaker halyard and anchor to a suitable cleat on the fore deck. I can never be too well lit so long as it doesn't interfere with clear interpretation of my nav lights, or night vision.
Agreed! We usually leave the cabin lights on when we leave so the portholes shine but a hanging light is much better of an idea!
@@RiggingDoctor When you look at the actual rule from IRPCS it is a wonder that mast head anchor lights ever became so widespread." A vessel at anchor must display an all-round white light or one black ball in the fore part and another all-round white light at or near the stern at a lower level than the light in the fore part. BUT if the vessel is less than 50 meters in length it may exhibit an all-round white light where it can best be seen instead of the lights foresaid."
Good advice. Things have changed since the 15 years I last crossed an ocean but the Aquair wind/sea generator was a good buy. In towed generator mode it gave us about an amp per knot charge day and night in the Trades with a speed drop of about a quarter of a knot. I don't know if they make them any more. Cost about £800 as I recall. Fair winds. ps. I hope you are not disappointed with sailing in the Med. Too much or too tittle was my experience!
Towed generators *are* still made.. but we tend not to use them around Australia very much because the sharks treat them as chew toys. Gets expensive after a while.
@@Garryck-1 Very true. I was amazed at the teeth marks on the shaft when I pulled it in before Saint Helena.
So far, my solar panels, which are flexible btw but are velcroed to the Bimini and easy to put up and take down (I’m not a full-time cruiser). Next my windlass. Makes my back much happier.
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Surprised you didn't mention pajama pants.
Nice! Thanks a lot for this valuable video. It makes me rethink my priority list!
I only do local cruising on the Chesapeake Bay. So my list does not include much of what you need. However, I always thought if I crossed a sea, I would also want transmitting AIS. Otherwise, my Engle fridge running off solar has been a game changer for me. No more worries about finding ice!
What’s your favorite place to go in the Chesapeake?
@@RiggingDoctor I cruise between Bohemia River and Tilghman island. My favorite spot is Warton Creek.
Love it! ThNk you.
A high rated purchase is my 1200 watt inverter.
Great videos and always interesting to read everyone's differing opinions, (even those that vehemently disagree with you). Anyway, i think my favorite is the portable watermaker (Rainman), which is powered off our Honda 2000. Haven't sailed 100000000 miles like others may have, but in the islands I've been to its great to not have to carry water containers back and forth.
In second would be the Honda 2000, awesome little generator.
By the way, there are a lot of very good reasons to have a radar, and if your budget ever allows for it, it would be something worth considering. ( Not having an AIS / Radar debate, just saying. )
Third most favorite is probably the BBQ, it gets quite a work out on our boat.
Happy sails.
S/V Kitikana
We sailed through some heavy fog in Spain and radar would have been nice!
Thank you for the BIG Positive Shout Out to safety. I see way too many SV's with little thought to safety. While safety gear might be on their boats they are not being used daily. (Ex. PFD & tethers). It's too late when you are in the water & your boat/crew is leaving you behind.
So true! Safety First not Safety Third!!
Awesome video. So glad to see you guys tethered in. Hard to watch some of the youtube folks doing crossings with no tether.
I know! If they fall over they are done for!!
Great videos, both good and bad. One thing I wonder about is the A.I.S. I've heard on many other videos that A LOT of boats and ships. Even when legally mandated to use then, Don't. And conversely. As far as Pirateering. You transmit and the wrong people know you're there. I guess the bottom line is how you feel safe. Please let me know your thoughts. Bye for now :)
These "worst" and "best" videos have been both informative and entertaining...some of your best! Just one question: Does the Monitor vane do an automatic correction when you reach the edge of the flat earth?
😂😂😂🤣🤣
The best money I've spent on my boat is my electric refrigerator, it keeps my beer nice and cold!!! Remember, I'm just sailing on a small lake in Texas...ha ha! Steady on mateys!
😋😋
🤣🤣🤣
excellent list of what I consider essential, You folks are so competent, I would add a PLB to yor list
So far the best money I've spent is a battery monitor.
AIS, Radar, 85lb Mantus, 15hp Honda outboard for 9ft RIB, asymmetrical spinnaker, vertical batten furling mainsail, InReach, PLB and personal AIS on each PFD, watermarked 12v/220v.
#1 Nespresso coffee maker with Aerochino milk frother
(Without a good morning cappuccino life is simply not worthwhile)
I like the coffee machine! There’s camping and then there’s cruising in style!
I think a spin is not used because people are scared of them . Mine gets flown all the time , even when I am single handed . Great and easy way to go in anything over 120 deg . Don't use a sock , just another thing to mess up . Have a racer show you how to take down in a blow instead .
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Best money on my sailing journey so far has been as a Patron of your channel! Meeting and learning from you two has, easily, been the most rewarding expense!
♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
You are not scared to have the shock absorber deploy on your tether and fall overboard? If the goal is to limit the travel then a shock absorber is not needed?
I use a full body harness at work with a shock absorber in case of a fall. If I want travel restrain I use a lanyard without shock absorber. Food for thought.
My son climbs radio towers, so I think I understand your question. What you see on their tether is a bungee that keeps the 6-8 ft nylon tether gathered up, so that it is less cumbersome while moving about, but will stretch when extra reach is needed. It is not the shock absorber used in professional climbing gear.
Subject: water maker,
try thermal distillation. will work in a pinch. Same concept as in
making moonshine. just boil sea water and then by capturing the steam in
a cooling/condensing coil allowing it to drip into your water cans. Now
you have just made fresh drinking water and sea salt that can be used
to season food or salt cure meat. A simple still can be made easily for
less then $100 depending on what you already have and what you need to
buy. filter sea water before distillation if you plan on using the salt
[ items like pot with locking lid, 4ft to 6ft of copper coil, and
some fittings to attach the coil to the lid of the pot.A charcoal filter
at the end of the system never hurts. just added precaution and
improves taste of water. If your unsure that it will work test with tap
water and table salt. you'll see that it works. Hope this helps someone
Side note: if you can maintain 12vdc @ 30 amps with your electric system
a hho generator can be used to power the still . The highly
combustible fuel made from sea water by the hho generator can also be
used for cooking and will also run a small 4 stroke engine. Like a gas
power generator. An energy loop maintaining the battery bank while
running the hho generator.
I’m very interested in this idea! It’s such a simple concept and we certainly have plenty of time!
Do you have a link to some pictures of one? We can’t power the 30amp one but I could build a solar sill!
@@RiggingDoctor s3-eu1.ixquick.com/cgi-bin/serveimage?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.beerandwinereviews.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F12%2F5-Gal-Home-Brew-DistillerKMM-Stainless-Moonshine-Alcohol-Still-Spirits-Boiler.jpg&sp=e40e1e0f3a1f380bafd8b8b42d6daa97&anticache=584084
Here is my E-mail I'll help with it the best I can tell me what your specs are for this project. maybe I can help trouble shoot the design of a working prototype using common off the self or reclaimed parts. I already have some ideas but need to know required dimensions that the unit has to fit Within. A lens from a lighthouse would be ideal to magnified sunlight to create enough Heat to boil water or something similar. I'm very interested in collaborating with you on a design to suit your space requirements. I will not accept payment for this project. The reason being is I'm a future full-time Cruiser the unit I crate will go on my boat. And hopefully along the way other people can benefit from our design
jasonsmith65483@gmail.com
Thanks!! I started doing some tests today with water bottles :$
Awesome list. As I consider entering the fold of offshore sailors, I appreciate lists like this. Thank you for the time and effort that you put into your channel. I am a fan. I really appreciate the thoughts on being seen by the larger ships on the ocean. I understand that traffic is spread far apart most of the time. But, the impact of an unplanned encounter on even a large SV would be devastating.
So glad you’re enjoying the vids! Thanks for watching :)
Thanks for sharing these tips! Can you compare the Monitor wind vane to the Hydro-vane ?
Best purchase for my boat was new/proper sails so we didn't have to use the previous owner's cheapo, blown-out sails. After all, it's a sailboat. Everyone should buy good sails then fall in love with their old boat all over again.
No matter the size of boat, if you've got bad sails, replace them with good quality new sails and you'll enjoy sailing again.
So agree! It’s repowering your old girl!
Great topic..how about a list with the brand name for the people who are putting a boat together. Love all the things you talked about and why you chose them..thanks for the video..
Glad you enjoyed it! I believe the brand names are all in the video either verbally or visually, but if we’re missing one, please let us know!
Great video!
Great list thanks !!!!
Hmm,the best money I have spent on my boat. I have to say that I am quite fond of my Anderson 40ST ELECTRIC winches. A close second would be my electric anchor windlass. Those things are followed by by the solar panels that keep my batteries charged since my boat lives on a mooring.
When I’m older, I look forward to an electric windlass. Pulling up the anchor with our manual windlass is a workout!
This is fantastic and you will save me a fortune and a lot of pain for when i go for my first boat purchase hopefully next year
Best of luck with your purchase!!
Another great video. Keep them coming. 😊
It's crazy to think that the biggest fear, on the OCEAN, is other boats hitting you, and also. Shit, that is scary lol.
AS a liveaboard, a patioheater inn the cockpit/doghouse.nice and warm morningen and evenings.
That’s a great idea! Thanks for the tip!
Another great one. Collision avoidance. Peace of mind.
I'd say #1 for best money spent is...
...bought a boat!
Just do it .
Love to see the best of non safety items. Best of Enjoyment!
FURUNO RADAR...I bought that while in South Carolina and single-handing, used it 24/7 when under sail. Its "WATCHMAN" feature automatically turned it on/off at selected intervals, so battery consumption was acceptable. However, while at Gran Canaria (after about 13 years of use) it quit working. With repair unavailable, following (a costly and unsuccessful local attempt) I gave up and bought a transmit-only A.I.S. That got me back to Canada. I'll have the radar repaired before the next crossing, but the A.I.S. will be a comforting backup.
Thanks for your very enjoyable videos. But with three attempts so far, I've been unable to get onto your "Patron" site?
Cool about the Furuno Radar!
Glad you enjoy the videos!
Try this link to the Patreon:
www.patreon.com/riggingdoctor
Thanks so much for your support!
A fantastic video. Thanks for sharing it with us :)
AIS transmitter. I wonder how important it is for them to know what you are. I always work on the most simple rule of the road…might is right! So up to you to keep watch and keep out of the way. Of course know their details is very useful.
And a transmitter uses a lot more power
It’s not that much more power used to transmit. It was handy because we would see the big ships change course slightly to avoid us from very far away instead of getting close enough to hear us on the radio and then coordinate the passing situation.
The straight of Gibraltar was very uneventful with ship traffic because everyone could see our position and course.
Great to hear you added the AIS transponder. I already knew you had the eperb. life raft, survival suits, and pfd harnesses. The In Reach is a good way to keep in contact and a lot less expensive than a sat phone. You kept talking about having the sat phone but I never saw it and I figured you were using something like the in-reach when you were saying you send coordinates daily. I pretty much agree with all you said about best investments in the boat. Happy sailing.
You are catching up to our current videos!
I cheated and jumped ahead on best and worst videos. Bummer on the auto pilot and I really liked the dingy you lost at sea.
Get radar please. Great channel great info cheers from nyc
What about some Onboard Board Games Books Music and a Handline for Fishing...what sort of Tackle have you aboard🚣?
We have lots of wonderful games! Just played one today. Maaaaaany books! I read constantly. We just have sharp hooks, a couple of lures, and some fishing line. Not really big on the fishing.
yes a teether is important,but also how you are going to get back on board.I have extra rope on mine because if i am in front of the side stays i would get snagged and will be dragged beside the boat not having enough lenth to get back to the back of the boat
Very good point! We always clip in on the high side so that the tether just barely reaches the leeward side.
No diesel? A 168F air cooled diesel costs $193 plus tax to your door. 44 LBS. Mount it on plate aluminum. It can turn a large alternator and be lightly connected to a propeller for light cruise and storm steerage. A 12 volt chest freezer is inexpensive and will last forever if you run it in ECO mode. A CB radio is super utility but can hang a random contact in the middle of any ocean, by day skip.
With our electric motor, we don’t need a small lightweight diesel :)
you guys need to save up for a DIY watermaker, beef up batteries and add a mini-electric single use water heater so you can enjoy a warm shower!
We carry 200 gallons of water and would rather not rely on a water maker. Truth about the batteries. We would LOVE better ones but just can’t afford them right now.
very informative. Love your videos. Great for newbies.
We just found you guys. Your videos are awesome. So Honest. We are laughing and laughing and laughing. Keep making these honest videos. Love them.
Thanks :)
Nice video, Dee and Deb
It’s good to hear how others value the kit on their boats. I’m not sure what I value most on SV Sweet Motion. I’d rank the enclosed cockpit right up there. I wouldn’t want to cruise without my auto helm (electronic). Oh, my windlass, absolutely my windlass. My ground tackle includes 3/8 “ chain and I need the windlass. I agree with you on the Dickinson diesel heater. Great heater and diesel is a nice dry form of heat. You might want to double check your pricing though. I believe your photo showed the Newport model and they sell for Less than $1100.00 (Canadian) in BC. For $3k you could get a top of the line forced air diesel system, which is something lm looking at. I’d like to have the heat thermostatically controlled.
I haven’t checked the price since I bought mine, but in Maryland in 2012, they were $3k.
I just checked and now our model is $1.2k. That is great news (because ours is getting a little rusty)
Rigging Doctor Just for fun I checked the current price in my corner of the world $899.00 Canadian. That’s at Steveston Marine in Vancouver BC. That’s a sale price, regular a little over $1200. If you do buy a new one some day I would suggest adding the hot water coils at the time of purchase. It’s usually less than $200 more and adds considerable value.
I have a pair of Honda 2200’s that produce a true 30amp supply at rated output, amazing machines. I dream of selling them one day after installing a northern lights diesel generator but that is $$$$$$
Keep it simple ;)
When the Honda dies, you can remove it and drop a new one in its place in a few minutes. The same would not be true with a diesel generator.
Wow I don't know who you talked to about buying a new Dickinson heater, but $3,000 is an outrageous cost for a Dickinson heater.. I can pick a brand new one up today for $740. I would need a couple of hundred more for the install (smoke pipe, deck head, fuel tank, etc), but could certainly do the entire install for $1K. Alternatively you could spend a couple of hundred for one of those Chinese knock off Webasto forced air diesel heaters. The only down side to those heaters is that they are electric power hogs.Heck, you could buy one and two spares for $600.
Back in 2012 near Annapolis, those were the prices! I have come to find that everything in that area was overpriced when it comes to sailboats.
best money on my sailboat,...''. Maine coast mooring'' when i get bored........i go home............ if i were cruising, i would not be ...but that ''wind vane'' is WONDERFUL and simple, i wonder if any of the ancients had anything like it? ...so simple they could have....
good to see someone considering safety. Just watched several trans-at videos where people are on deck, on swaying boat, without pfd or tether.. Hey it's their life, but not something I would do. Fall off at 6+ kt that person is really far back before others can react..
In that vein my main concern with generator would be the exahust, and CO poisoning. Do you run it on deck? Downwind somehow? Also storage where gas fumes can't get into cabin..
When we do run it, it’s on deck. We never go to sleep with it running, but we also have carbon monoxide sensors in the boat just Incase! With it outside, the exhaust is never a problem
Great information. Thank you
YeS, this was really a cool vid for me. Would like to know which Sextant you use, and which would be the minimum priced one that could do the job (probably the one you've got ?)
It is the one I have :) Davis Mark25
The #1 e,g, AIS transmitter is available for $700 now
Excellent! That will make it even easier for someone to buy it!
Really appreciate the 10 best and 10 least. Thanks
👍
Great video, very informative.
I like the no engine philosophy, presumably you have just enough electric power to comply with harbour authorities’ rules against manouvering under sail?
Yup! We pretty much only use it for docking when we’re cruising and we tend to be on anchor most of the time anyway
I really really enjoyed it you guys hit another home run! !!!!
Oh wow.....you spotted a 1,300 foot long ship on your electronic device.
That's bigger than a US Navy Aircraft Carrier. Did you actually visually spot it?
I imagine it must have been a Super Tanker.
We saw a 958ft tanker anchored in Gibraltar!
Took forever to sail past him