Best $150 investment

[Dave Conley]

My wife gave me a $150 gift certificate to use on the boat. I'd appreciate input as to the best bang for the buck.I've got a 19' O'Day Mariner 2 2. I usually go out for short trips of 2 single handed hours, three if I'm lucky.The things I have in mind to get are 1) a main sail cover so I don't have to take it off and put it one each time; 2) a roller furling for the jib (so I can stay out in stronger winds, plus not have to put it on and off each time); or 3) a VHF radio device so I can let someone know when I'm becalmed - as happened once last year and found the local police looking for me when I finally got back in.Maybe there's something I haven't considered. Thanks for any thoughts on the dilema.Dave

 

[Ray Bowles]

Dave, Having an outboard or VHF so you

either call home or power home might be a strong first item. Your wife might want a voice in that area.A roller furling is a very handy item for single handling. It also comes with the expence of re-cutting the sail to fit in most cases. The handheld VHF is probably the best buy in the long run. You can sail as is right now. You can sit out a calm period or catch a tow home, but you can't shout far enough if the boat is sinking or your in trouble. Go VHF.RayS/V Speedy

 

[David Foster]

Roller furling

will give the best sailing benefit.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Rick Webb]

$150 Outboard?

I agree that an outboard would be at the top of the list on what to get but a $150 outboard is probably going to cost you way more in maintance in the future and is liable to get into more trouble if you plan on relying on it. The first thing I would spend $150 on would be the VHF or a down payment on a better outboard than you could get at that price.

 

[Bob Howie]

Radio

Lung power is a lousy substitute for a radio when yelling for help! Besides, who wants a $150 outboard?

 

[Tim Schaaf]

I would suggest....

an inexpensive VHF that you can put in a plastic bag, and a pair of good oars. For what you are doing, you probably don't need the hassle of the motor and gasoline.....and a little exercise is always a good thing.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Radio.

dave -I would not even think about buying anything else until you have a radio. The ability to call in the troops may save your life sometime. If you are planning to stick to the $150 I would buy the best WATERPROOF handheld you can get for the money. For an additional $50 or so you should be able to buy and install a basic fixed mount VHF.Justin - O'day Owners' Web