Boat requirements for Atlantic crossing

[zarathustra]

I am looking at a possible Atlantic crossing in a 34 foot sloop, with almost no sailing experience I am wondering what equipment I will want to fit to the boat before the sail, if it is undertaken at all. I have a very experienced skipper interested in skippering the boat, he is currently in Austrailia. I have limited contact with him at present so won't have much opportunity to discuss boat requirements with him until such time as I am fully ready to make the voyage.
The boat is in USA and has VHF, Compass, Radio, and no other nav-electronics as far as I can gather, is just being used for daysailing over there, even though it was sailed over from Europe some 20 years+ ago.
The boat is in excellent condition with good interior.
It has 80 gallon fresh water tank, presumably this is adequate.
I am looking at updating all the electronics, so what do I need for such a journey for comfort and peace of mind without going OTT. Should I get AIS or not, radar etc?
To charge the batteries do I need a solar panel or wind turbine or just run the engine each day?

As a very general guide, if any of you sailors were to prepare such a boat for such a journey, how much would you be expecting to spend on updates, and how much time would you guesstimate for the trip from Maryland to Ireland?

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Work on passage time 35 to 40 days total.
You will need another power charging source apart from the alternator.
Water rain catchment device is cheaper than water maker.
Very important to get decent weather info,either fromSSB or sat phone data down load.
Fuel up as much poss including cans on deck,you will need to motor last couple of days if going via Azores.Also to spend some time in the Azores.Bermuda is a very expensive stop over,but makes for shorter hops..
Have at least two GPS independently powered.
Cindy

 

[Tranona]

You don't NEED a lot of things that people do fit to boats. Means of navigation, effective sailing systems and food and water for the expected passage is the starting point. Then you add whatever you think will be useful and you can afford.

BTW if you are bringing a boat from the USA to the EU make sure in advance you will actually be allowed in with it. If you are an EU citizen you will need to be prepared to pay VAT at the first port of entry and the boat will need to comply with the RCD. The first is a matter of money, but the second may be problematic unless the boat was built in the EU/EEA. Cost and complication of complying with the RCD often makes bringing in a US built boat difficult or uneconomic. Suggest you read up on the information provided by the RYA and HMRC before you make your decision otherwise you could get a nasty surprise.

 

[prv]

Most important considerations are the boat and its rig. If those are sound and you put enough food and water on board (and have some means of navigation, but a £100 handheld GPS will cover that) then you'll get across. Everything else is simply added comfort and convenience.

Pete

 

[Sybarite]

I am looking at a possible Atlantic crossing in a 34 foot sloop, with almost no sailing experience I am wondering what equipment I will want to fit to the boat before the sail, if it is undertaken at all. I have a very experienced skipper interested in skippering the boat, he is currently in Austrailia. I have limited contact with him at present so won't have much opportunity to discuss boat requirements with him until such time as I am fully ready to make the voyage.
The boat is in USA and has VHF, Compass, Radio, and no other nav-electronics as far as I can gather, is just being used for daysailing over there, even though it was sailed over from Europe some 20 years+ ago.
The boat is in excellent condition with good interior.
It has 80 gallon fresh water tank, presumably this is adequate.
I am looking at updating all the electronics, so what do I need for such a journey for comfort and peace of mind without going OTT. Should I get AIS or not, radar etc?
To charge the batteries do I need a solar panel or wind turbine or just run the engine each day?

As a very general guide, if any of you sailors were to prepare such a boat for such a journey, how much would you be expecting to spend on updates, and how much time would you guesstimate for the trip from Maryland to Ireland?

In addition to what the others have said consider the temporary use of a weather router which involves either a satellite phone or an SSB radio installation. Crossing the Atlantic W - > E involves keeping below the N. Atlantic depressions but not so far as to be held up by the Azores high pressure area. Also the typical time for crossing weather-wise is late spring to early summer.

 

[TQA]

Self steering of some sort. Windvane or electric autopilot, possibly both as motoring is often required on the passage if taken at recommended time.

Also this is not a trivial undertaking esp if you consider your likely landfall requires you to interact with some of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

 

[zarathustra]

Thanks to all, will look into those, particularly the weather info systems.

The boat has a 50 gallon fuel tank, will I still need extra diesel cans?
I will look into the rainwater, I didn't realise yachtsmen collected rainwater (unless desperate), interested how does that work on a small boat at sea to collect enough to be of use.

The boat was built in the EU in the late 80's, so does this make it RCD compliant (whatever that is)? I am not sure of the VAT situation, will look into that. How do they calculate the VAT rates? I think it may have originally been purchased within the EU so may have had the VAT paid.

I would expect to sail via Azores? Are these worth a holiday in their own right?

Windvanes are expensive in comparison to electric autopilot, or no? The boat is wheel steering.

 

[prv]

I will look into the rainwater, I didn't realise yachtsmen collected rainwater (unless desperate), interested how does that work on a small boat at sea to collect enough to be of use.

Often off sails, via various improvised or specially-made collection funnels often of sailcloth. Some via the decks, for example by blocking the scuppers and then opening a deck filling port. I've seen pictures of a homebuilt boat which had valves that diverted the scupper drains either out through the topsides (for normal use) or into the tanks via a grit-settling trap (for rain).

In all cases, you want to let the water run to waste first to wash off salt, then taste it before running it into any tanks.

I would expect to sail via Azores? Are these worth a holiday in their own right?

Been there to join a sailing ship. I wasn't that impressed, but others disagreed with me

Windvanes are expensive in comparison to electric autopilot, or no? The boat is wheel steering.

Windvanes tend to cost more than autopilots (I suspect the difference is less marked with wheel steering) but have two important benefits for long distance sailing. Firstly that they consume no electricity, and secondly that they are more likely to be fixable if they go wrong. On those bases I would have the mechanical system for any long-distance sailing, but some people do go with the electrics.

Pete

 

[jonic]

If she has been sold outside the EU any VAT status is lost and will be due on re-entry unless you qualify for a relief. Google customs notice 8 for details.

She will probably be RCD exempt if you have proof she was in use or built in the EU pre 1998.

First things I would specify for your trip would be an Epirb, Sat phone and liferaft.

Next wind or towed generator, solar panel and plenty of spare fuel capacity.

Then think about

Seame Radar reflector

A combined plotter with AIS

Self steering.

Have a good one

 

[gardenshed]

The basics for your trip are:
sound/checked rig and standing rigging
Sound deck gear and good running rigging
Storm sails:
If a roller genoa, do you have a temporary inner forestay to use for a storm jib? if not, what is your plan (unfurling, lowering the genoa and then hoisting a storm jib is not advisable)
Is there a trysail on board or a very deep 3rd reef?
Have you experienced a F8+ gale at night on the boat?
Are all deck lockers secure so that if rolled to >90 deg they won't open and allow water in?
Are all heavy items below decks (batteries, cooker, tanks, tools & toolbox, kedge etc) secured so that they will remain in place if rolled over or capable of being secured/lashed down?
emergency tiller
bilgepumps
accurate log
Decent steering compass
Hand bearing compass (if you do see a ship, you can use it to check that if you are on a collision course: take a bearing from the bow and the stern if it is a very large tanker!)
more than one battery and ability to isolate each battery
basic spares for engine: oil, oil filter, fuel filter, impellor & tools to change these
Hatch way: Can washboards be secured independently of the hatch?
leecloths for the berths
deckgear: check for obvious signs of wear, service winches & oil winch pawls (carry a couple of spares)
Clothing: Have a way of keeping some clothes dry so that if the boats gets soaked inside, onceyou are in control, you have a set of dry clothes to put on
Spare oilskin trousers
Duct tape (if it moves and shouldn't)
WD40 (if it doesn't move and should)

Plant for the worst and hope for better than that.

It is easy to get into the mindset of safety gear and all the gizmos that the advertisers in the yachting magazines push (flares, jackets, rafts, AIS, EPIRBs etc etc) but it is better to plan to minimise the chances of needing any of it be making sure that the boat is in good condition and that you plan how to keep yourself and your crew from being fatigued, stressed, cold and hungry.
Very few boats actually sink from reading MAIB reports (Marine Accident Investigation Board), cold stressed, tired crew making what turn out to be poor judgement calls is a bigger contribution to death at sea than sinking or being run down.

Keep the water out, make sure that if you have to batten down the hatches you don't get hurt when down below, plan ahead warm food and drink, reduce anxiety by knowing where you are and where potential dangers are.

On this last point, AIS, radar & radar reflectors will give peace of mind but need power = fuel or other charging systems.

Whatever your choices, enjoy the trip. You'll be gently sailing along under a warm starry sky wondering why you spent 000's on all the "safety" gear that is neatly wrapped in plastic down below and what the fuss was about!

 

[Averisera]

the first thing...

Practice.

Some years ago, i coached a fellow who sailed his Beneteau 35something from NY to the French Med. We did all the normal planning and fitting of gear. He made a solo trip from City Island to Block Island and back once every other week all summer.

The trip across the Atlantic was a walk in the park by comparison.

Practice first.

A few years ago we met a couple about five years into an extended cruise/retire cruising. They spent five years planning and building the boat. After the first thousand miles, they realized they really only needed a thousand miles of sailing to be qualified to start planning. What a great guy he was to talk with.

 

[alant]

I am looking at a possible Atlantic crossing in a 34 foot sloop, with almost no sailing experience I am wondering what equipment I will want to fit to the boat before the sail, if it is undertaken at all. I have a very experienced skipper interested in skippering the boat, he is currently in Austrailia. I have limited contact with him at present so won't have much opportunity to discuss boat requirements with him until such time as I am fully ready to make the voyage.
The boat is in USA and has VHF, Compass, Radio, and no other nav-electronics as far as I can gather, is just being used for daysailing over there, even though it was sailed over from Europe some 20 years+ ago.
The boat is in excellent condition with good interior.
It has 80 gallon fresh water tank, presumably this is adequate.
I am looking at updating all the electronics, so what do I need for such a journey for comfort and peace of mind without going OTT. Should I get AIS or not, radar etc?
To charge the batteries do I need a solar panel or wind turbine or just run the engine each day?

As a very general guide, if any of you sailors were to prepare such a boat for such a journey, how much would you be expecting to spend on updates, and how much time would you guesstimate for the trip from Maryland to Ireland?

Water is your main requirement at sea - the drinking kind.
Work on at least half gallon/person/day minimum.

Make sure you take a back up supply in plastic bottles, just in case you have tank leakage or contamination - last time i did this run, we had 3 tanks & one ran dry after only a few days, because of leaks (this was not due to useage or pump left on/running). If your water pump fails, without backup, do you have any other way of accessing the stored water?

You will need a few GPS units (handheld can be ok, with one as backup in a waterproof bag), liferaft/LJ's, good sails + storm variety (unlikely if used for daysailing). VHF will be on US frequencies, so check it will switch to International (Channel 16 is the same).

The list goes on & on.

Worrying about weather forecasts, whilst interesting & perhaps important in a way, can be academic, since in a small 34' yacht you are too slow to be able to move out of the track of anything nasty.

 

[webcraft]

.
I don't understand your comments about having an interested and experienced skipper but being unable to discuss this with him - they do have the internet in Australia, and I would have thought he would be the most significant person to discuss equipment with.

A lot of the other questions you ask are just numbers (water, fuel etc) and can easily be worked out.

Gardenshed's list and advice is good. Re. windvane vs autopilot - most 34 footers have inadequate battery capacity to run an autohelm without a couple of hours battery charging a day, which adds to fuel requirements. Windvanes are silent and fuel-free . . . for a wheel-steered 34-footer a Hydrovane - which has its own rudder - would be ideal. It is expensive, but a great piece of kit.

The Azores are well worth an extended stay if you have time.

- W

 

[snowleopard]

There are lots of books on the subject. Given your lack of experience you would benefit from reading a few and would probably enjoy it too. The best classics are Eric Hiscock's Voyaging Under Sail and Donald Street's The Ocean Sailing Yacht but for my money the best modern one is Beth Leonard's Voyager's Handbook.

 

[edsailing]

I have a very experienced skipper interested in skippering the boat, he is currently in Austrailia. I have limited contact with him at present so won't have much opportunity to discuss boat requirements with him until such time as I am fully ready to make the voyage.

Any skipper worth his salt should advise you on the minimum requirements that should be on board - that's one of the reasons you have him.

I have lists that I provide to owners which cover minimum tools required, engine spares, fuel, water, safety gear, medical kit, sail repair etc etc.

If you skipper does not actively get involved - ditch him - there are lots of others out there who will do a proper job.

 

[alant]

I am looking at a possible Atlantic crossing in a 34 foot sloop, with almost no sailing experience I am wondering what equipment I will want to fit to the boat before the sail, if it is undertaken at all. I have a very experienced skipper interested in skippering the boat, he is currently in Austrailia. I have limited contact with him at present so won't have much opportunity to discuss boat requirements with him until such time as I am fully ready to make the voyage.
The boat is in USA and has VHF, Compass, Radio, and no other nav-electronics as far as I can gather, is just being used for daysailing over there, even though it was sailed over from Europe some 20 years+ ago.
The boat is in excellent condition with good interior.
It has 80 gallon fresh water tank, presumably this is adequate.
I am looking at updating all the electronics, so what do I need for such a journey for comfort and peace of mind without going OTT. Should I get AIS or not, radar etc?
To charge the batteries do I need a solar panel or wind turbine or just run the engine each day?

As a very general guide, if any of you sailors were to prepare such a boat for such a journey, how much would you be expecting to spend on updates, and how much time would you guesstimate for the trip from Maryland to Ireland?

PS are you sure the boat is still in good condition, following the recent hurricane damage?

When are you thinking of crossing?

 

[Blueboatman]

20 years of daysailing huh?

The boat is in great condition, huh?

Good luck.

Do herself a favour and get it surveyed or rig examined as well ad asking the
Opinion Of a bunch of unknown "experts" on t'internet!

 

[KellysEye]

I'd add a few things. Spare belts for the engine, liferaft and EPIRB. Find the part numbers of all the kit on board, go to the chandler, buy the spares pack for each bit of kit. Make sure you have all the tools needed and exploded diagrams. As said, getting the fuel and water right is key. Also draw up a full menu of food for the whole passage plus drinks plus toilet paper etc and add 10% to everything you intend to buy. You will be staggered how much, by volume, it is, so make sure you have plenty of storage space clear.

 

[Seven Spades]

Can I ask why you want to do this? Is there something special about this boat, if it is a low cost boat you are likely to loose any savings by buying all this equipment, skipper and VAT. If you just want to cross the Atlantic why don't you get some experience offshore first if you have not had much experience it might find it is something you don't want to do.

 

[westernman]

I would suggest you do some shorter passages before undertaking one which could take up to 40 days. 40 days on a smallish boat can be hard going for some one with little experience in terms of fatigue (just going for a pee when the boat is bouncing up and down is hard) and boredom.

Otherwise consider what might happen in anything were to fail and not be bodgeable on the spot. In particular, how you are going to charge your batteries if your engine fails, or the alternator burns out or the charger itself packs up. Or if for some reason a battery short circuits and kills the others at the same time.

What about the food in the fridge? Does your radio still work?

My starter motor burnt out last week and we had no way of charging the batteries while on the move. As a result when we got low on battery power, the radio stopped working and the fridge stopped working. This is not much of a problem in home waters only 10/20 miles off the coast, but in the middle of the Atlantic this can easily turn into a really big pain.