Newbie to Cruising : Where to start, What do I need ?

[hopern1]

So whilst having a good working knowledge of the wind and the sailing to the points of the wind, I have very little cruiser knowledge or sailing experience.
I am currently working my way through an online Day skipper course and have my eye on a couple of small day sailers.
I have a swing mooring bagged at Gosport Boat Yard.

I am however aware that all of the above isn't enough and nothing beats practical experience of actually having done it. Hence my appeal to the forum users.

My questions are as follows:

Checklist : Does anyone have a comprehensive checklist of what is needed aboard? (Perhaps in columns indicating whether it is essential or a nice to have or a lottery win type item).

Where to buy: Being on a SUPER restricted budget where might I buy these items (ebay of course springs to mind)?

thanks in advance for any advice received.
Norris

 

[oldbilbo]

Phew! Where to start answering that quessie.....?

Boat equipment.... personal gear.... tools, gadgets and gizmos.... So much of this will depend on the needs of the actual boat acquired, and very much on personal preferences - which change radically and frequently with experience.

One thing is certainly needed, and I suspect few will demur.... a dry and secure storage space at home for the many, many devices, objects and items of boaty gear you will acquire and for which there is not yet space on the boat. Or, where there was once space, it has been taken over by a newer and more interesting item, but you can't bring yourself to get rid of the original piece of kit 'in case'....

What might be helpful is to be invited on board several other boats similar to those you are seeking. Have a good look at what's in/on those. You'll probably want/need similar stuff. Make up your own lists of what's essential and what merely 'good to have'. There are endless and fruitless arguments on yottie foums about what should be in what list... Except, perhaps, there will be consensus on the need for an efficient corkscrew/bottle opener - and a spare.

As for 'where might I buy these items', there's this place's 'Wanted' and 'For Sale' forums.... For example, I have lots and lots of gear I've stored 'in case'. My loft is bulked-out with yottie stuff I might need someday. So also is my 32' x 18' x 9' polytunnel. Trouble is, I forget I've got much of it, so when I acquire a need, I usually go out and buy - then find the very same item at the bottom of a box in the loft a month later.

Er, I don't imagine this helps all that much. It does, however, probably reflect a reality....

 

[onesea]

Now to get a flaming....

Forget it, do you day skippers and then go sailing on other peoples boats.... Whilst looking for your boat.

Do not buy anything other than your personnel sailing gear, you are on super tight budget you say? Sail other peoples boats its much more affordable.

Whilst doing this, look and decide what type of boat you want. Look at all of them...

There is no point buying in advance, the boat you buy will probably come with a surprising amount of bits (normally that you did not think you need) and a lack of things you thought you would need!

Acquire your list but if on a fine budget do not do anything until you have the boat...

 

[Ru88ell]

Now to get a flaming....

Forget it, do you day skippers and then go sailing on other peoples boats.... Whilst looking for your boat.

Do not buy anything other than your personnel sailing gear, you are on super tight budget you say? Sail other peoples boats its much more affordable.

Whilst doing this, look and decide what type of boat you want. Look at all of them...

There is no point buying in advance, the boat you buy will probably come with a surprising amount of bits (normally that you did not think you need) and a lack of things you thought you would need!

Acquire your list but if on a fine budget do not do anything until you have the boat...

Wise words. There seem to hundreds of yacht owners who never sail because they don't have crew. If I lived nearer the coast I would certainly have done just as onesea suggests. Do it for a year whilst saving up as much as you can to get your own boat later - by which time you'll have far more of an idea of what you want and need.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Go out sailing on other people's boats as much as possible, your views will change many times over about "needs" and "wants". In terms of priority of equipment and focus of effort, safety equipment come first followed by extensive effort to learn how to use the safety equipment properly. Enjoy sailing and stay safe.

 

[l'escargot]

I would say buy your own boat, see what it comes with and then decide what you need. Start off with short trips, day sails and the odd overnighter in familiar waters, you can do it with amazingly little. As long as you have the basics in the way of safety equipment and knowledge go for it - if you wait to get everything first, you'll never do it, and personally I much prefer having my own boat to being beholden to someone else. It's also a good way of finding out what suits you and not necessarily suits other people.

 

[jwilson]

Clothing that will keep you warm and dry, a tide table, a chart, a steering compass, a handbearing compass, a pencil and a leadline. Some food and drink useful too. All else is inessential, despite what people seem to think nowadays.

 

[john_morris_uk]

Clothing that will keep you warm and dry, a tide table, a chart, a steering compass, a handbearing compass, a pencil and a leadline. Some food and drink useful too. All else is inessential, despite what people seem to think nowadays.

If the OP is thinking of buying a pocket cruiser (The Corribee/Alacrity/Fox Terrier sort of thing) then I would agree wholeheartedly (except he ought to also have a lifejacket and harness.)

You can have a lot of fun cruising round the Solent (or even just Portsmouth Harbour) in a tiny cruiser like those mentioned above and you don't even need a GPS.

When the OP says REALLY tight budget, then I wonder what he means. You can go cheaper (almost) by sailing a dayboat or dinghy with a cockpit tent...

In terms of pocket cruisers, this one would be worth a look, although the seller doesn't seem to know what he is talking about and you aren't buying his spelling! http://www.ybw-boatsforsale.com/boa...er_page=24&query=Fox+Terrier&price__unit=4831

 

[Uricanejack]

I suppose I am a relative Newbie myself. Although I have been sailing of and on for 3 decades or more. I’ve only had my own wee boat 24ft for 6 years. Just upgraded this year.
Your on line “Day Skipper” is probably good place to start putting general knowledge into perspective and filling in the gaps.
I can’t say enough about actual hands on practical experience. I would recommend after completing your on line course contacting a local sailing school and having a go at the next level up.
Unlike some of the others recommendations to sail other peoples boats, Its not my style and didn’t work for me.
By your little day sailor and get out on the water and have fun. 20 to 25ft lots of cheep options

A short Check list if you like on minimum equipment. For bare bones sailing safety gear is still if not legally required wise to have. I hope it helps its based on my take Canada Safe Boating Guide for a 20 to 30ft boat. Plus my additions. RYA probably has something similar

Life Jacket or Personal Floatation Device for every one on board.
6 hand held Flares.
1 bailer and or manual bilge pump
1 buoyant heaving line 15m long.
1 life buoy attached to buoyant heaving line 15m long.
2 paddles or oars.
1 boarding ladder. (for re boarding)
Anchor and at least 50m or rode. ( some recommend only 50ft)(1lb anchor per foot of boat 10m chain rest rope)(any dam anchor)
1 watertight Flashlight or torch with spare batteries. (I like wind up LED)
1 sound signal device( air can horn) whistle
1 Magnetic compass( for steering)
Navigation lights.
1 RADAR reflector
Fire extinguisher if you have motor and or stove.

Additionally if you are going to sail further than local pond.

For area you intend to sail.
Navigational Charts.
Tide Tables
Current Atlas
Sailing directions, Pilot Book Cruising Guide.
List of Lights
List of radio signals.
(Some Cruising Almanacs cover a lot off the above except charts or used to) (Macmillan and Silk Cut. Probably illegal and bad for your heath and banned)

A lead line or depth stick a la Dylan.

Hand Bearing Compass.
Parallel Ruler ,Drawing Compass, Dividers, Pencil,
A wind up transistor radio to listen to fore cast.
There you go

The above list plus a sleeping bag, foamy, camp stove, and coffee pot and frying pan and the world's your oyster.
Others will say some of above is out of date and you will never use some of it.
Others may tell you need Radios, Sounders, Plotters, RADARS, GPS, EPIRBS, Life Rafts, Kitchen Sink and all sorts of other things. fill yer boots as budget allows.

But its a good list to start.

 

[lustyd]

I suppose I am a relative Newbie myself. Although I have been sailing of and on for 3 decades or more. I’ve only had my own wee boat 24ft for 6 years. Just upgraded this year.
Your on line “Day Skipper” is probably good place to start putting general knowledge into perspective and filling in the gaps.
I can’t say enough about actual hands on practical experience. I would recommend after completing your on line course contacting a local sailing school and having a go at the next level up.
Unlike some of the others recommendations to sail other peoples boats, Its not my style and didn’t work for me.
By your little day sailor and get out on the water and have fun. 20 to 25ft lots of cheep options

A short Check list if you like on minimum equipment. For bare bones sailing safety gear is still if not legally required wise to have. I hope it helps its based on my take Canada Safe Boating Guide for a 20 to 30ft boat. Plus my additions. RYA probably has something similar

Life Jacket or Personal Floatation Device for every one on board.
6 hand held Flares.
1 bailer and or manual bilge pump
1 buoyant heaving line 15m long.
1 life buoy attached to buoyant heaving line 15m long.
2 paddles or oars.
1 boarding ladder. (for re boarding)
Anchor and at least 50m or rode. ( some recommend only 50ft)(1lb anchor per foot of boat 10m chain rest rope)(any dam anchor)
1 watertight Flashlight or torch with spare batteries. (I like wind up LED)
1 sound signal device( air can horn) whistle
1 Magnetic compass( for steering)
Navigation lights.
1 RADAR reflector
Fire extinguisher if you have motor and or stove.

Additionally if you are going to sail further than local pond.

For area you intend to sail.
Navigational Charts.
Tide Tables
Current Atlas
Sailing directions, Pilot Book Cruising Guide.
List of Lights
List of radio signals.
(Some Cruising Almanacs cover a lot off the above except charts or used to) (Macmillan and Silk Cut. Probably illegal and bad for your heath and banned)

A lead line or depth stick a la Dylan.

Hand Bearing Compass.
Parallel Ruler ,Drawing Compass, Dividers, Pencil,
A wind up transistor radio to listen to fore cast.
There you go

The above list plus a sleeping bag, foamy, camp stove, and coffee pot and frying pan and the world's your oyster.
Others will say some of above is out of date and you will never use some of it.
Others may tell you need Radios, Sounders, Plotters, RADARS, GPS, EPIRBS, Life Rafts, Kitchen Sink and all sorts of other things. fill yer boots as budget allows.

But its a good list to start.

I would disagree with many items on this list, and my boat doesn't have many of them so I'd certainly not call them essential, having just completed the Poole cruise. Certainly a hand bearing compass is almost never used on a modern boat. Flares are more of a liability on a boat which never leaves coastal waters, and often end up out of date rotting in the bilge. Charts are very rarely used and the money is better spent on a cheap hand held plotter, on a very small boat it's all but impossible to use charts while at sea alone.

All of this is personal preference so I'm not saying don't get any of it but rather don't take this list as essentials.

 

[prv]

Certainly a hand bearing compass is almost never used on a modern boat.

You've not read this recent thread then? http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?358282-Do-you-still-use-a-Hand-Bearing-Compass

Charts are very rarely used and the money is better spent on a cheap hand held plotter, on a very small boat it's all but impossible to use charts while at sea alone.

I see where you're coming from here, although obviously for merely mentioning the idea of doing without paper charts you will now be engulfed with dragons trying to bite yer bum or snap your tiller off . But I think there's two ways to go depending on exactly what "SUPER restricted budget" means. A plotter is cheaper than a whole portfolio of paper charts covering most of the South Coast, but it's not cheaper than a single Imray sheet (say C3) covering a beginner's likely cruising area. I still have the single Y33 that constituted my dad's entire chart collection when we used to pootle about in a Wayfarer.

If a plotter can be afforded though, it's a sensible way to go, much as I mourn the demise of traditional chartwork . Talk of backups is moot - the OP is not going to be lost with all hands in the shadow of the Spinnaker Tower or Fawley Chimney.

Certainly agree that carrying things like the Admiralty List of Radio Signals on a 20' pocket cruiser in the Solent is absurd.

Pete

 

[Ru88ell]

I would disagree with many items on this list, and my boat doesn't have many of them so I'd certainly not call them essential, ....

I'm not sure I even know what some of them are, let alone have them!

 

[lustyd]

Not read it until just now. The consensus seems to be collision avoidance and finding marks. Neither of these are all that useful within the Solent for a small boat though. From my own personal experience, finding your way in your own local cruising area is done bit by bit where generally you'll know the area well enough. For the OP with a mooring at Gosport that will mean starting with short trips up the harbour keeping to the channels. Later, they will see it at low tide and begin to get more daring outside the channels. Eventually a trip to Gunwharf for which a VHF will be required, then later a trip out to Gilkicker and back followed by that first daring trip to the Island where an anchor and possibly sleeping bag and cooker might be needed.
You're right that a single local chart might be enough and is probably nice to have but Navionics would be better for that money on a smartphone if they have one.
Finally some kind of light on the mast will be needed in case of being out after dark but I'd say everything else is optional. Even a life jacket (don't worry I have dragon repellent...) if you choose your weather carefully can be seen as optional. I certainly don't wear one in the Solent when it's calm so if I didn't go out when it wasn't I'd never use it.

 

[jimbaerselman]

Gain a little experience in other people's boats. Consider the Cruising Association's crewing service - only £20 for a year.

http://www.cruising.org.uk/public/crewing

Then you'll soon have a good idea of what's needed. Weekend sailors have very limited needs; those who spend a month at a time aboard have much bigger inventories.

 

[Bru]

Whatever the list of essential and desirable kit you eventually decide on, you'll likely as not have a coronary when you cost it up!

Seriously, you do realistically need to budget a fairly whopping sum of hard earned (relatively speaking) for the basics if you're buying a basic cheap(ish) small(ish) boat - we bought Brigantia three years ago for near as dammit three grand and promptly spent over a grand on basic essential gear despite the boat being "ready to sail" (she was, but we weren't!!). Spent a whole lot more on her and us since but we have a (once again relatively) generous annual boat budget so I get to buy lots of new gear every year

 

[jwilson]

Not read it until just now. The consensus seems to be collision avoidance and finding marks. Neither of these are all that useful within the Solent for a small boat though. From my own personal experience, finding your way in your own local cruising area is done bit by bit where generally you'll know the area well enough. For the OP with a mooring at Gosport that will mean starting with short trips up the harbour keeping to the channels. Later, they will see it at low tide and begin to get more daring outside the channels. Eventually a trip to Gunwharf for which a VHF will be required, then later a trip out to Gilkicker and back followed by that first daring trip to the Island where an anchor and possibly sleeping bag and cooker might be needed.
You're right that a single local chart might be enough and is probably nice to have but Navionics would be better for that money on a smartphone if they have one.
Finally some kind of light on the mast will be needed in case of being out after dark but I'd say everything else is optional. Even a life jacket (don't worry I have dragon repellent...) if you choose your weather carefully can be seen as optional. I certainly don't wear one in the Solent when it's calm so if I didn't go out when it wasn't I'd never use it.

When I posted my ultra-minimum list I thought about being PC and adding a lifejacket, but remembered that I sailed a small cruiser singlehanded many many miles without one on board. I did sometimes tie one end of a warp round the mast and the other end round my waist though.

I should though have added an old transistor radio to the list for weather forecasts, and a good torch.

 

[hopern1]

So thanks to all for their thoughts. I have just submitted my application to do some crewing with the Cruising Association. That should help me get up to speed. I understand the Solent can be challenging so will concentrate my crewing efforts in that area (making an assumption of course that my application is successful and there are skippers out there willing to take a novice but eager crewman).
so thanks all.
Will look and learn.
Hope to see you on the water some time.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Buy a small boat.... Corribee size and also go sailing with everyone else in their boat that you can. Put a note on every boat in proximity to your own and in any large marina nearby with your contact details.
Also go early one Sunday to local club(s) and talk.... many helpful people to be found.

Have a look at crewing sites... 'crewseekers' for example, you could find yourself sailing worldwide in no time.
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?101750-Crewseekers

 

[Uricanejack]

The OP asked for a checklist for equipment. To take on a small day sailer he might purchase.
Most advice was go learn to sail with someone else.
I posted a checklist.
I intentionally kept it short to bare minimum recommended safety requirements to keep cost down. No first aid Kit, no marlin spikes, no knife.
I will agree the list of lights and list of radio signals is just ballast. which is why I mentioned an almanac
Most think its way over the top.

Here is the RYA's List.



Equipment for Pleasure Vessels

Make sure you are properly equipped prior to putting to sea.



Some equipment is mandatory for Pleasure Vessels of 13.7m in length and over. Depending on how far from the coast you venture, you may be required by law to have items such as a liferaft, lifebuoys, lifejackets, flares, a marine radio and a boarding ladder.

For Pleasure Vessels of less than 13.7 metres in length (approximately 45ft), however, there are no statutory requirements for safety equipment other than those required under SOLAS V.

That said, although safety equipment may not be required by law, it is essential that you properly equip your boat prior to putting to sea and that you ensure that the craft is suitable for its intended use. As an absolute minimum we recommend that you carry:
a lifejacket (or buoyancy aid) for everyone on board (which should be worn unless you are certain it is safe not to)
a handheld VHF radio to allow you to request assistance in an emergency
a means of identifying yourself to other boats in the event of an emergency - for example handheld red flares for night time use or orange smoke flares for day time
an anchor and cable, or suitable alternative to stop the boat drifting whist waiting for help

All equipment should be checked regularly for wear and tear or damage. Flares should be in date and lifejackets regularly serviced. Don't just presume that your engine and navigation lights will work because they did last time you used them.... check them before you leave.

There are many different types of boat under 13.7m length. Different equipment will be needed for day boats and boats with eating and sleeping facilities and for sail and motor boats. In addition to having the equipment on board it is essential that you take the time to learn how each item is used. RYA Training Courses are available both for new and experienced boaters in a wide range of subjects. Contact your local RYA training centre for details.

The following list is not exhaustive, but together with the links provided should provide a basis for equipping your boat.






Key:
E = Essential M = Mandatory
R = Recommended D = at your Discretion
* = Varies with area of operation ^ = Varies with type of boat


Pleasure vessels up to 13.7m in length Pleasure vessels 13.7m and over
Radar reflector M M
Lifesaving Signals M M
Navigation lights, day shapes & sound signalling equipment M M
Alifejacket (or buoyancy aid^) for everyone on board E M
Safety harness(es) E^ E
Kill cord & spare E^ E^
Information & communications:
- Marine Radio (e.g.VHF) E M
- MF / HF radio D* M*
- SSB radio and / or Satellite telephone D* D*
- LW Radio (to receive BBC Radio 4 shipping forecast) R R
Navigation and collision avoidance:
- Chart(s), Almanac and Pilot Book E E
- Hand Bearing Compass E E
- Fixed steering compass (lit for boating at night) R R
- Drawing instruments for navigation (e.g. plotter & dividers) R R
- Binoculars R R
- Echo sounder R R
- Log (for monitoring distance travelled) R R
- GPS / Chart Plotter R R
- NAVTEX R R
- Automatic Identification System (AIS) D D
- Radar D D
- Handheld white flares (for collision avoidance) or powerful torch E M
Emergencies:
- 406 MHz EPIRB / PLB E* E*
- Distress flares E M
- First aid kit E E
- Liferaft and grab bag E* M* 3M+
- SART / AIS SART D* D*
- Fire fighting equipment E M
- Equipment to deal with a man overboard (life ring, dan buoy etc.) E M
- Emergency tiller (for wheel steered boats) E^ E^
- Equipment to deal with water ingress (Bailer, Bilge Pump, Bungs) E E
- Bucket (strong with lanyard) folding buckets are not recommended E M
- Emergency VHF aerial for fixed VHF E^ E^
Other important equipment:
Barometer R* R
Anchor & cable / warp E E
Propeller guards and rope cutters D D
Storm sails (for sailing yachts) R* R*
Tools and spares (engine, electrics, rig, sails etc) E E
Bosun’s chair or equivalent (for sailing yachts) R^ R^
Boarding ladder E M
Tender R R
Spare fuel (in appropriate storage) E E
Waterproof torch(es) E E
Mooring lines and fenders E E
Tow rope R R
Knife E E
Boat hook R R
Sea anchor & / drogue D* D*
Pump & puncture repair kit (for inflatable boats) E E
Alternative means of propulsion (oars, outboard engine etc.) E E
Ship’s Log Book E E
Accurate clock or watch E E

N.B. Vessels which are not being used within the definition of a pleasure vessel must comply with the relevant codes of practice.

The equipment listed as mandatory for pleasure vessels of 13.7m in length and over is that contained in the schedule to the general exemptions to Class XII vessels from the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection: Small Craft) Regulations 1998 (SI 1998/1011) and the Merchant Shipping (Life-Saving Appliances For Ships Other Than Ships Of Classes III To VI(A)) Regulations 1999 (SI 1999/2721). Class XII vessels can also comply with the Merchant Shipping legislation however this information is not included within the table and doing so can prove impractical and there is the possibility of conflict with the Recreational Craft Directive (RCD).

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Hi Uricanejack, you say...... "The OP asked for a checklist for equipment. To take on a small day sailer he might purchase.
Most advice was go learn to sail with someone else. "

I guess the answer is in the title............'Newbie to Cruising : Where to start,' ..........?

By starting off as many have said 'to sail with someone else', OP will soon discover the items he or she needs.