Refitting for extended coastal cruise

[Nicholas Walsh]

Life being short, the Mrs. and I plan on a six month cruise leaving in 2
years or so. Maine to Florida mostly inshore, then to the Bahamas for the
winter, then to Key West and make our way back north. Leave probably in
August or September, return May or so. Just the two of us. We'll use marinas
of course but we like life on the hook a lot, far from the crowd.



Journeyman is fitted out well enough on deck and in the electronic and
electrical and engine departments. But can those who have undertaken a
cruise of the type we plan list the modifications to stowage, arrangement,
galley, additional equipment etc. that you either made and were successful
or that you wish you had made? And any other tips? Like how best to shower?









Nicholas H. Walsh P.A.

120 Exchange Street

P.O. Box 7206

Portland ME 04112

207/772-2191

Fax 207/774-3940



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[SVFlyAway]

On the first couple times I went on a long coastal cruise or ocean crossing
I made the big mistake of taking too much stuff. I was prepared for every
possible emergency. So think minimalist. There is always the story of the
guy who had so much safety gear on board that his boat sank!

There are a couple theories on a coastal run. Some folks like to go out a
day or so (say 50 miles) and then head down the coast. Others, myself
included, prefer to run about 5 or 6 miles offshore (the East Coast is
different with the ICW of course). If you run close, you are rarely too far
out the reach of some port, so you don't need to have all kinds of extras
onboard. Plus you save the time going out and back. The drawback of running
only a few miles offshore is the increased traffic you will encounter.

Running close, if you pick the right time of the year and are diligent on
your weather forecasting, you probably don't have to worry too much about
the windows blowing out of a boat since you can reach some port in less
than a day (and a good forecast is usually pretty accurate), Actually I've
been out a lot and never ever had a problem with the glass on any boat, but
again I pick the time or year and watch for the weather. (Note, the 500 mB
or aviation forecast is often ignored by folks, but is important as that is
what drives the storms). If something serious goes down, such as engine or
electrical problems, you can usually sail close enough to some port to
radio for help if needed. (even in foreign countries).

As to equipment to add. AIS is often overlooked. But, while I teach RADAR
seminars, if I could only have one of them, I would prefer to have AIS
onboard for a coastal run, since I would get so much more information so
much earlier about any of the big vessels I really care about. Plus AIS is
really cheap and easy to install (be sure to buy a dual channel receiver --
don't worry about a transmitter since no one will care much about your
Class B signal anyway). Not that RADAR isn't to be overlooked, very
helpful in finding a port at night or fog.

That's enough pontificating,

Chris

 

[TJBurkett]

Hi Nicholas,

You've probably already thought of these but this is what came in handy a couple of years ago when I did a three month solo crusie from the Chesapeake up to Maine and back:

A two person inflatable kayak-it stowed easily, paddled well, inlated in 10 minutes, and could easily carry two people or one person and groceries, water jugs, etc.

Good thick closed cell foam cockpit cushions !

A big tarp that I sewed up out of sunbrella with quick snaps to attach or detach in a hurry. The tarp really increases comfort factor on hot sunny days and raininy ones as well. Snap hooks to quickly attach or detach help get it down if the wind pipes up.

A big thermus and cup holder that fit my insulated coffee mug in the cockpit. No need to fire up the stove for that second cup of coffee.

My "big boy" anchor and chain - I only used it a few times but when I did I slept a lot better - and never dragged!

My windvane - worked like a charm.

A fenderboard and some extra long dock lines - I only needed this a couple of times but it really came in handy when I did need it.

Things I wished I had:

A tiller pilot - I did a lot more motoring then I thought I would.

A board with a plastic cover for charts - When it rained it was a real pain to duck back and forth below so that I could keep the chart dry.

A propane grill-keeps the heat out of the cabin and cooks a lot faster then alcohol. I have one now.

As far as showering goes I was traveling solo so it wasn't quite as important, until my wife came up for a couple of weeks -then finding places to shower did become important and harder then I had imagined. We did have a sun shower which worked ok for a quick rinse and hair wash in the cockpit.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Pagan Baby V-398

 

[pjacobs55]

Very useful - thanks.



What kayak brand did you have?



What was your storm anchor set up?



Nicholas H. Walsh P.A.

120 Exchange Street

P.O. Box 7206

Portland ME 04112

207/772-2191

Fax 207/774-3940



This email is from a law firm and may contain material that is confidential
or privileged. If you suspect you were not the intended recipient, please
delete the email and give us a call.

 

[TJBurkett]

I don't recall the brand, I think it was something like "firefly" next time I'm at the boat i'll look at it. I purchased it from REI-pretty reasonably priced as I recall - maybe $250.00- durable construction and fits into the cockpit locker. On short sails I would just lash it over the spray hood. I was very pleased with the way it paddled. One time in Cape Cod I paddled it well over a mile out to where I was anchored against a pretty stiff breeze and chop with a loaded ice chest and groceries. It was also easy to inflate with a foot pump and deflate.

You're going to laugh at my storm anchor - I normally keep a 22lb Bruce on the bow with 50 ft of chain and 250 rope. I've had good luck with the bruce and this setup, but sometimes you want something more. The storm anchor is a 35 lb CQR with 110 ft of chain. I originally carried the storm on the bow with the bruce, but later to keep the weight off of the bow I built a cradle for it down below the V berth with the chain and ran that directly up through the deck through a windless and then forward. If it looked like I was going to need it I would shackle it on and stow it on the other bow roller. I also have a danforth that I carry on the stern. The storm anchor is definetly overkill but sometimes you want to make sure you stay put.