Ajax
Super Anarchist
I feel like I'm not very organized for this singlehanded trip to Maine so I'd like to run a few things by you guys. Chime in if I've left out anything major. Here's what I've done or plan on doing before departure:
On the human side:
Some stuff I haven't done:
Thoughts?
- A simple will (Legalzoom), adequate life insurance
- PLB (I'm singlehanded so an EPIRB seems useless if I fall off the boat)
- Rocna Vulcan 33lb for my 33 foot boat, 25lb Manson spare anchor
- All navigation lights clearly visible and tested
- Propane system properly installed, sniffer and blower functional
- SPOT tracker (I already had this, I just re-activated my subscription)
- New plotter, fresh charts, some paper backups. Multiple GPS backups
- VHF w/AIS and DSC, handheld VHF w/DSC as backup
- Reasonably functional auto pilot
- Engine health checked (oil analysis, new transmission, new HX, fresh impeller, fresh hoses, new exhaust elbow)
- Fuel system is clean, spare filters onboard
- High capacity electric bilge pump and dual action manual pump installed
- LED headlamps
- Powerful "sun gun" spotlight
- Fresh boat batteries, solar and shore charger
- Bilge, toilet, holding tank transfer and fresh water pumps all freshly serviced
- Standing rigging inspected (no meathooks, no visible cracks on any fittings, cotter pins all secure, spare blocks onboard)
- Running rigging in good condition, (furler line is fairly new which I consider important)
- Boom brake/preventer installed
- A reasonable complement of mechanical and electrical tools and repair parts
- Working jib and Genoa onboard, all reefing lines rigged
- Steering gear inspected and lubricated
- All hatches seal tightly and securely
- Jacklines will be rigged
- Line cutter will be installed
- 6 gallon water jug independent of the boat's water system stowed in the V-berth notch
- Packs of batteries
- LED "flare" as well as conventional pyrotechnic flares and orange distress flags
- Ship's bell, air horn w/spare cartridges
- New radar reflector
- Emergency underwater curing epoxy repair kit
- A variety of auto-inflating PFDs w/harnesses are onboard as well as an orange, solid Type I offshore PFD and 2 Type II orange PFDs.
- Harnesses & tethers, crotch straps for the PFDs
- SOS inflatable Dan-buoy
- Lifesling
- 3 fire extinguishers, fire blanket
- 2 first-aid kits plus ordinary daily medicinals (Tylenol, Ibuprofin, band-aids, motion sickness patches)
On the human side:
- New offshore grade foulie jacket is enroute (my 8 year old jacket finally gave out last weekend)
- Wet suit for emergency dives to cut away pot lines
- Wool sweaters, fleece tops and thermal undergarments
- Hot weather clothing, wide brimmed hat
- Foulie boots, deck shoes, sailing gloves
- One-handed, pre-prepared snacks as well as a variety of dry/canned easy to prepare provisions
- Insulated water bottles
- Secure stowage under the helm seat for food and water in case I cannot leave the wheel.
Some stuff I haven't done:
- I have failed to install some sort of washboard retention system
- I have not devised any kind of system to secure lockers and bilge boards in the event of a complete inversion
- Radar not fitted
- No wind steering fitted
- I need to make a ditch bag
Thoughts?