Newbie seeking advice

[Guest]

Hi all,

I know these are probably questions you have been asked many times before, and I apologise. But here goes anyway.

I have just bought myself a 25ft trailer sailor, my first boat, and am now awaiting delivery. When I made the order I specified log, compass and mast head nav lights. I know there are other things I need e.g
1.VHF fixed or handheld,
2.Fire extinguishers, how many/what sorts (galley gas, outboard petrol)
3.Wind indicator electronic or handheld
4. Flares
and probably a 101 other things I haven't even thought of

I intend to stick to mainly home waters and short coastal trips in my first season just whilst I gain some experiance.

I look forward to your responses and advice

 

[Twister_Ken]

Only you can decide what you really need, but you should put on your list for consideration:
Safety - flares, lifebuoy, lifejackets, safety harness, jack stays, liferaft, torches
Comms - radio receiver for shipping forecasts, fixed VHF (much better range)
Nav - charts, hand bearing compass, portland ruler, dividers, almanac, echo sounder, GPS
Bosunry - warps, fenders, ensign, towing line, heaving line, spare blocks, shackles, etc, extra winch handle (or two), extra bilge pump handle, bucket
Tools - socket set, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable spanners, fid, bolt croppers, etc
Engineering - engine and pump spares, spare bulbs and batteries
Ground tackle - bower anchor and chain, kedge anchor and warp, boathook
Mobility - inflatable tender with oars and possibly outboard
Sails - repair tape, sailmaker's palm and thread
Housekeeping - dustpan and brush, deck scrubber, cleaning materials
Domestic - crockery cutlery, pots and pans, dishcloth
Personal - clothing, sleeping bags, books, music

 

[Guest]

Wow what more can I say but Thanks.

That's one hell of a list, good job I have a few months to put this, or as much as possible, together before I put to sea.

 

[rogerroger]

Concentrate on essential safety equipment first - and just go out and buy it straight away. The way I look at it is that the sooner you buy it the more use you get out of it so you get better value for money.

I got loads of stuff at the Beaulieu jumble this year and it's at the end of April next year.

Take a look at my web site - there's a list of things on there I bought for my boat - but there were a few things already on her of course.

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[david_bagshaw]

Welcome to a new world, if the bug bites it lasts a life time, & takes over your life!!

My suggestion to add to above is :-

Navagation Training see your local LEA, they run excellent courses on yachting

Membership to RYA & local yacht club, & take the yachting press, although I imagine you already do.

All the best




David
www.yachtman.co.uk

 

[Adrian]

get in touch with the RNLI's "Seacheck" service, its free!!, they will advise you on what equipment you need for the sailing your going to do. I also got my first trailer sailor this year and found this service invaluable (and well worth a donation to the RNLI).


(http://www.rnli.org.uk/seacheck.asp)

 

[Miker]

The lists given all look good stuff! I am still shopping each winter after 5 years for bits and pieces thought desirable - I hope that I have now got all the essential needs. After being dismasted a few years ago I bought a bolt cutter and an emergency aerial. Fortunately it happened close to the marina and a passing boat called the RNLI. BUT it could have been well out to sea in rough weather.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the responses

Thanks all,

thats given me plenty to think about, time to try and put together a shopping list.

Although I think it safe to warn you I will probably have alot more questions over the next few weeks.

 

[rogerroger]

Re: Thanks for the responses

Hey there's only one stupid question - the one you DON'T ask...

Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[rogerroger]

Believe me, the list for this winter is probably longer - definitely more expensive as it includes cruising chutes, storm jibs, gold plated toilet...

Saw a good pair of bolt cutters at a jumble for 12 quid - but was already so laden with fenders, 20m anchor chain, oars that just couldn't get any more!



Roger Holden
www.first-magnitude.co.uk

 

[Guest]

Something to put at the top of your list

Inventory's are fine and all the postings above give sound advice ......

But the best school is the Local Sailing / Yacht Club. Marina's are fine, but tend to be isolationist as far as owners go ! The average Yacht club wants new members and have many existing members who love to help / assist new guys. A couple of trips out with an experienced guy is worth a fortune in skills etc.
As to items to put on the boat .... as someone above said, they are still buying after years ..... How true !!!

I would say that they must fall into categories :

Safety of Life
Knowing where you are
Getting home in emeregency
Communicating with others

then we get to :

Making sailing easier
Additions to add that extra touch
Saloon comforts

and finally ENJOY IT ... don't get all hung up on things too seriously ....... watch, listen, crew with others, check out other boats ...... talk to other boat owners around you ..... things like best anchors for the area, little out of way places to visit, good pubs !! with pontoons etc. etc.

Go on its great !

 

[graham]

If you are new to sailing it would be a good investment to employ an RYA instructor to do some training with you on your own boat.

Possibly you have an experienced friend who will go with you until you gain experience/confidence,but I would discreetly find out if they are as experienced as they think they are or you may end up with a blind leading the blind situation.

Enjoy yourself ,put safety first and get as much sea time in as you can.Life will never be the same again!

 

[Guest]

I had started looking around for an instructure in the Ramsgate area to take me out a couple of time to get the hang of things.

My past experiance is dingy's for about 5 years, but that was some 20 odd years ago and a couple of years when the family had a 36ft Birchwood in the South of France again a long while ago now.

So if any one knows of an instructor in that part of the world it would be a great help

 

[Guest]

Don\'t forget...

...up to date charts (+knowing how to use them) and a pilot book for your area.

You just try separating me from my copy of East Coast Rivers!!

'Hope all goes well

MRM

 

[gary_yank]

Nigel is right

All of the posts give good advice. You will be a good deal ahead of the game if you use a priority method as Nigel has posted. None of us will ever finish spending money on our boats, at least as long as they own us. Spend first on a priority of survivial then on to the fun toys.

 

[chas]

Food!

One small point - even if you are intending to be back that evening, take some food (tinned meat/fish, sauces, pasta etc) in case the unexpected happens. It is twice a miserable sitting on a sand bank if you are hungry!

 

[billmacfarlane]

Totally agree

When I began sailing in a 20' cruiser I joined a small , friendly yacht club. It was the best thing I ever did. I learned much , much , more there from the members than I could ever learn in an evening class. You'll also make some good mates and like I did , lifelong friends.

 

[david_e]

I was in the same position as you at the beginning of this year. All the advice you have here is good, we concentrated on good waterproof clothing and personal safety equipment, gas inflated with safety harnesses and lines. We bought a H/H VHF which has been fine, doesn't get used a lot for pottering around the bay, a good pack of flares, and a bottle opener!

We joined the sailing club which is great and have done a few races which has been fun and also gets you into your boat's (and your own) potential. It has achieved the objective, which was to see if the wife & kids enjoyed it, so we are now looking to move up to a bigger boat.

Good sailing