Hello, I am looking to start putting things together for sail boat for springtime. The boat came with nothing, So i will start putting a pile together now. Also need info on life jackets, class,grades and best places to buy. thanks for any help.
Outfitting a sailboat new to me
- Thread starter JJG jr
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Here's a site with a lot of Mariner info: http://www.usmariner.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=953644&module_id=66955
Rudy at D&R Marine carries a lot of O'Day parts and he's very knowledgeable about O'Day sailboats. http://www.drmarine.com/
As far as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) go, you want to get good class PFD that will keep your head out of the water in the event that you become unconscious and you'll need a jacket for each person on board. You can buy some good PFDs anywhere like Walmart or other big department stores. All jackets should be CG approved.
Outside of that, you will need to take a Coast guard or Power Squadron safe boating course before you get out on the water with this boat if you haven't already taken it.
Good luck with the Mariner.
Joe
Rudy at D&R Marine carries a lot of O'Day parts and he's very knowledgeable about O'Day sailboats. http://www.drmarine.com/
As far as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) go, you want to get good class PFD that will keep your head out of the water in the event that you become unconscious and you'll need a jacket for each person on board. You can buy some good PFDs anywhere like Walmart or other big department stores. All jackets should be CG approved.
Outside of that, you will need to take a Coast guard or Power Squadron safe boating course before you get out on the water with this boat if you haven't already taken it.
Good luck with the Mariner.
Joe
Besides any personal items that you would normally carry for hiking (daysail) or camping (short crusing) the USCG Vessel Safety Check Manual should provide guidance on what is required and recommended for the boat http://www.uscg.mil/directives/cim/16000-16999/cim_16796_8.pdf
In the personal items side: water, food, bug repellant, sunscreen, shade, towel, soap, etc.
I like to carry my GPS, radio, cell phone, wallet, small GI type first aid kit, bottle of water, Leatherman type multitool, small binoculars, sweatshirt and lightweight rain anorak in my "boat bag". This is an ugly yellow backpack my wife bought me. It's highly visible and keeps things I don't want to leave on the boat together and since it's the "boat bag" it gets used (keeps her happy) and I don't use it in public (keeps me happy).
In the personal items side: water, food, bug repellant, sunscreen, shade, towel, soap, etc.
I like to carry my GPS, radio, cell phone, wallet, small GI type first aid kit, bottle of water, Leatherman type multitool, small binoculars, sweatshirt and lightweight rain anorak in my "boat bag". This is an ugly yellow backpack my wife bought me. It's highly visible and keeps things I don't want to leave on the boat together and since it's the "boat bag" it gets used (keeps her happy) and I don't use it in public (keeps me happy).
I'll second the VESSEL SAFETY CHECK suggestion, www.safetyseal.net and input your zip code to find a local (there are plenty in the Falmouth area!) Vessel Examiner from the USCGAUX or USPS. The basics are listed below ,but having a FREE VSC is always helpful, in fact I have my boat checked every year. Even though I am a qualified Vessel Examiner myself, it is still a good practice to have a "second set of eyes" look things over.
The Examiner should also carry brochures that explain better what the different types of PFDs are best for.
I'd recommend type III life vests as a good start, sized properly they should be comfortable enough to wear at all times while underway. Type I "Offshore Life Jackets" are usually the best in terms of effectiveness, but tend to be bulky and uncomfortable. Type II are the cheapest and easiest to stow, but are not generally comfortable enough to wear all the time. Both Type I and II should turn most people to a face-up position even if unconcious, type III may do so....but some have the flotation arranged for comfort and so might not turn an unconcious person face up.
The best type for comfort while still having the advantages of the Type I or II would be an inflatable (auto-inflate even better!) these are usually labeled Type V which means that they must be worn to count as being aboard the boat. Many are said to have "Type I or Type II performance" that means they should turn an unconcious person to a life-saving (face-up, leaning back) position. There is some maintainance and care needed for inflatables, preferably at a minimum of yearly they need top be manually inflated and tested for leaks. Unfortunately, they tend to be pricey..... their biggest downside! I have been using inflatable PFDs for 10 years now and find it best for my boating.......however, I must confess that I recieved my first inflatable (auto inflate, manual back-up) from the USCGAUX as a prize for having done the most VSCs in my Division, and received the other (a manual only model) because I am a qualified Instructor and VE and use it as a teaching aid when not wearing it on my boat. So, would I be using these if I had needed to purchase them myself.......... well, I would certainly lean towards buying one of the manual models, but finances right now would prevent serious consideration of a better Automatic model (out of work or under-employed for most of last 12 years and having burned through all of my savings just on living expenses.)
VESSEL SAFETY CHECK DECAL REQUIREMENTS 19' sailboat
1) Proper display of Registration Numbers and Decal(s) 2) Current Registration/Documentation card/form aboard vessel
2) Life Preservers, proper number, sizes, accessible
3) Visual Distress Signals (up to date, good condition)
4) Fire Extinguisher(s)
5) Ventilation [any compartment containing flamable liquids]
6) Sound Producing Devices
7) Navigation Lights (Must work and be proper configuration)
8) Marine Sanitation Devices (if installed head, porta-potty meets requirements)
9) State and/or Local Requirements (Based on State where boat is examined)
15) Overall Condition:
a. Decks Free of Hazards / Clean Bilge
b. Electrical – Fuel Systems
c. Galley – Heating Systems
RECOMMENDED AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
(Not required for Decal, except as noted)
I. Marine Radio
II. Dewatering Device & Backup (Required on all motorboats in MASS.)
III. Mounted Fire Extinguisher(s)
IV. Anchor & Rode for Area (Required on all motorboats in MASS.)
V. First Aid Kit
VI. Person in Water Kit (at least one extra wearable Life Jacket and a Type IV throwable with attached line)
VII. Inland Distress Signals
VIII. Capacity/Certificate of Compliance
IX. Discussion Items: as applies
Nautical charts / Navigation Aids, Insurance Considerations
Boating Checklist, Safe Boating Classes
STATE REQUIREMENTS (Massachusetts) <BASIC LIST>
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: All Marine Fire Extinguishers Must be US CG Approved
Less than 26’ LOA: at least 1 B-1
It is recommended that all Extinguishers be mounted to
the boat in Approved brackets.
VENTILATION: All vessels using gasoline as fuel must have at least one INTAKE cowl bringing Fresh air into compartments where portable fuel tank(s) are Stored. These
vessels should also be equipped with an exhaust cowl connected to a Duct (hose) reaching as
low as possible into the bilge of same compartment(s).
NAVIGATION LIGHTS: The “masthead” light must be at least 1 meter (39.4”) above the sidelights on Vessels under 39.4’. On vessels less than 39.4’ the masthead and sternlights can be combined into One 360deg. All-around white light (height requirement still applies). Lights should be visible through their full arc of visibility, 360deg light must not be blocked over more than 6 deg. of it’s arc.
VDS: (Visual Distress Signals) must not be expired; pyrotechnic devices are good for 42 months from the date of manufacture. All boats 16’ and over must carry at least 3 daytime signals and 3 night-time signals or 3 Day/Night signals. Boats less than 16’ need night-time signals only. If non-pyrotechnic VDS are carried, at least 1 SOS light for night and 1 orange Distress Flag (3’ x 3’) must be carried.
MASSACHUSETTS:
MASSACHUSETTS REQUIRES: All Motorboats (That is ANY boat with a motor!) to carry, in addition to the Federal Requirements: Anchor and sufficient rode for area of use, Manual Bailer, in addition, motorboats less than 16’ must have a paddle or oar.
All Motorboats 26’ and over must have a “mechanical horn” and an “efficient bell”. Boats 16’ or over but less than 26’ Must have an efficient whistle or horn.
All Motorboats MUST be properly registered with the state of principal use, numbers will be displayed on Both sides of the bow (or at least forward of amidships) and read from left to right. The letters and numbers used must be at least 3” high and MUST be of a color with distinct contrast with the background color! The Registration should be readable from 100’ away. Spacing is as follows: MS 1234 AB or MS-1234-AB. The validation decal must be displayed within 6” after the number on the PORT side.
The registration card or form must be onboard the vessel when in use.
Massachusetts requires that children under 12 years of age must wear a properly sized PFD when they are above deck while the boat is underway.
PFDs must also be worn by: persons water-skiing or being towed in any manner, ALL PWC users,
and ANYONE aboard a canoe or kayak from Sept. 15 through May 15.
Minimum age to operate a motorboat in Massachusetts is 12 yoa, unless accompanied onboard and directly supervised by a competent adult. To operate a PWC you must be 16 yoa, with no exceptions.
Youths 12 yoa to 15 yoa (under 16 yoa) must complete an approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. PWC users who are 16 or 17 yoa must also complete an Approved basic boating course in addition to a class on personal watercraft.
The Examiner should also carry brochures that explain better what the different types of PFDs are best for.
I'd recommend type III life vests as a good start, sized properly they should be comfortable enough to wear at all times while underway. Type I "Offshore Life Jackets" are usually the best in terms of effectiveness, but tend to be bulky and uncomfortable. Type II are the cheapest and easiest to stow, but are not generally comfortable enough to wear all the time. Both Type I and II should turn most people to a face-up position even if unconcious, type III may do so....but some have the flotation arranged for comfort and so might not turn an unconcious person face up.
The best type for comfort while still having the advantages of the Type I or II would be an inflatable (auto-inflate even better!) these are usually labeled Type V which means that they must be worn to count as being aboard the boat. Many are said to have "Type I or Type II performance" that means they should turn an unconcious person to a life-saving (face-up, leaning back) position. There is some maintainance and care needed for inflatables, preferably at a minimum of yearly they need top be manually inflated and tested for leaks. Unfortunately, they tend to be pricey..... their biggest downside! I have been using inflatable PFDs for 10 years now and find it best for my boating.......however, I must confess that I recieved my first inflatable (auto inflate, manual back-up) from the USCGAUX as a prize for having done the most VSCs in my Division, and received the other (a manual only model) because I am a qualified Instructor and VE and use it as a teaching aid when not wearing it on my boat. So, would I be using these if I had needed to purchase them myself.......... well, I would certainly lean towards buying one of the manual models, but finances right now would prevent serious consideration of a better Automatic model (out of work or under-employed for most of last 12 years and having burned through all of my savings just on living expenses.)
VESSEL SAFETY CHECK
VESSEL SAFETY CHECK DECAL REQUIREMENTS 19' sailboat
1) Proper display of Registration Numbers and Decal(s) 2) Current Registration/Documentation card/form aboard vessel
2) Life Preservers, proper number, sizes, accessible
3) Visual Distress Signals (up to date, good condition)
4) Fire Extinguisher(s)
5) Ventilation [any compartment containing flamable liquids]
6) Sound Producing Devices
7) Navigation Lights (Must work and be proper configuration)
8) Marine Sanitation Devices (if installed head, porta-potty meets requirements)
9) State and/or Local Requirements (Based on State where boat is examined)
15) Overall Condition:
a. Decks Free of Hazards / Clean Bilge
b. Electrical – Fuel Systems
c. Galley – Heating Systems
RECOMMENDED AND DISCUSSION ITEMS
(Not required for Decal, except as noted)
I. Marine Radio
II. Dewatering Device & Backup (Required on all motorboats in MASS.)
III. Mounted Fire Extinguisher(s)
IV. Anchor & Rode for Area (Required on all motorboats in MASS.)
V. First Aid Kit
VI. Person in Water Kit (at least one extra wearable Life Jacket and a Type IV throwable with attached line)
VII. Inland Distress Signals
VIII. Capacity/Certificate of Compliance
IX. Discussion Items: as applies
Nautical charts / Navigation Aids, Insurance Considerations
Boating Checklist, Safe Boating Classes
STATE REQUIREMENTS (Massachusetts) <BASIC LIST>
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS: All Marine Fire Extinguishers Must be US CG Approved
Less than 26’ LOA: at least 1 B-1
It is recommended that all Extinguishers be mounted to
the boat in Approved brackets.
VENTILATION: All vessels using gasoline as fuel must have at least one INTAKE cowl bringing Fresh air into compartments where portable fuel tank(s) are Stored. These
vessels should also be equipped with an exhaust cowl connected to a Duct (hose) reaching as
low as possible into the bilge of same compartment(s).
NAVIGATION LIGHTS: The “masthead” light must be at least 1 meter (39.4”) above the sidelights on Vessels under 39.4’. On vessels less than 39.4’ the masthead and sternlights can be combined into One 360deg. All-around white light (height requirement still applies). Lights should be visible through their full arc of visibility, 360deg light must not be blocked over more than 6 deg. of it’s arc.
VDS: (Visual Distress Signals) must not be expired; pyrotechnic devices are good for 42 months from the date of manufacture. All boats 16’ and over must carry at least 3 daytime signals and 3 night-time signals or 3 Day/Night signals. Boats less than 16’ need night-time signals only. If non-pyrotechnic VDS are carried, at least 1 SOS light for night and 1 orange Distress Flag (3’ x 3’) must be carried.
MASSACHUSETTS:
MASSACHUSETTS REQUIRES: All Motorboats (That is ANY boat with a motor!) to carry, in addition to the Federal Requirements: Anchor and sufficient rode for area of use, Manual Bailer, in addition, motorboats less than 16’ must have a paddle or oar.
All Motorboats 26’ and over must have a “mechanical horn” and an “efficient bell”. Boats 16’ or over but less than 26’ Must have an efficient whistle or horn.
All Motorboats MUST be properly registered with the state of principal use, numbers will be displayed on Both sides of the bow (or at least forward of amidships) and read from left to right. The letters and numbers used must be at least 3” high and MUST be of a color with distinct contrast with the background color! The Registration should be readable from 100’ away. Spacing is as follows: MS 1234 AB or MS-1234-AB. The validation decal must be displayed within 6” after the number on the PORT side.
The registration card or form must be onboard the vessel when in use.
Massachusetts requires that children under 12 years of age must wear a properly sized PFD when they are above deck while the boat is underway.
PFDs must also be worn by: persons water-skiing or being towed in any manner, ALL PWC users,
and ANYONE aboard a canoe or kayak from Sept. 15 through May 15.
Minimum age to operate a motorboat in Massachusetts is 12 yoa, unless accompanied onboard and directly supervised by a competent adult. To operate a PWC you must be 16 yoa, with no exceptions.
Youths 12 yoa to 15 yoa (under 16 yoa) must complete an approved basic boating course in order to operate a motorboat without adult supervision. PWC users who are 16 or 17 yoa must also complete an Approved basic boating course in addition to a class on personal watercraft.
The sources you listed are indeed useful - I glanced at them all and will look more closely as it gets colder. Thank you.
I approached sailing pretty ad hoc when I bought the thing. How hard could it be??? Boat water float simple. Not so fast......I ended up preparing a plan of action after the first outing.
1. Learn The Law: Safety, registration/titling, navigation, lights, waste stream, required equipment.
2. Get A Note Book: And write in it. Often. Make notes and lists.
3. Inventory and document your equipment. Sails. Lines. Makes, models, serial numbers, fluids. Take pictures of everything BEFORE.
4. Evaluate condition of boat. Items missing, bent, broken. Put a hose on it and check for leaks. Crawl around and try to look at every single inch of that boat inside and out if possible. Stomp around on decks. Push and pull things inside and out. Surprises on the water are almost never a good surprise.
5. Learn about the subject - Sailing. Small fiberglass boats. Outboard engines. Trailering. Information available online for free - 10 lifetimes worth of reading for thousands of people. Read read read. Take classes. Take notes. There are endless checklists available online for preparing the equipment. Find them. Use them. Do your homework first and then ask others for advice. Advice is pretty cheap these days so weigh carefully what advice you receive and decide for yourself its validity.
6. Decide Course of Action. You will have categories of lists.
a. MUST DO. Unsafe conditions or inoperable or missing required equipment. Examples: ForeStay Broken. No anchor and/or anchor line. Tire on trailer loose. Gas can leaking. Etc. FIX THESE FIRST.
b. SHOULD DO. Example: Left Window leaks when raining slowly filling up storage locker. Cockpit sole spongy and leaks into boat. Main Sail getting worn out. Etc.
c. NICE TO DO. Example: V-berth cushions smelly and falling apart. Curtains are ugly and stained. A Bimini would be nice. Etc.
d. IF I WAS RICH or RETIRED AND RICH. Examples: Add hatches in cockpit seats. Put in a big screen TV. Etc.
7. Trailers. Make sure your hauler and your trailer are in good shape and that you know how to handle one. Practice it. Have a spare tire.
8. Boat Ramps. Make sure you have some idea of how you will handle yourself and your rig at a boat ramp both putting in and taking out.
Visualize yourself doing it before doing it. Know the ramp. Think what you will do if you have problems. Be prepared.
9. Have an Emergency Plan. A boat is a big deal. For example. Sitting on a roadside with broken truck trailer boat with no contingency plan is just asking for a really really bad day for everyone. Make sure someone off the water knows your plans. Etc.
10. Think About It. Having and using a good size sailboat requires fore-thought, knowledge, wisdom, experience. The details matter. For example you have to think about giving someone a ride on your sailboat - ok I've got the required CG approved life jackets for everyone but now 2 guests get in for a ride - DNR stops you......oops. If you don't consider something don't be surprised when something considers you. You can't think of everything but try.
11. Pack for Camping. Really thats what we do when we go out. Its just a matter of length of stay. One day? Three days? You need water, food, a way to cook, clothing for the weather(s), and a warm dry place to sleep. The trick is to not over/under pack.
12. Go Sailing.
I'm not going to tell you what you need - you need to tell you what you need. I only offer an approach.
Happy Sails
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