Noob seeks advice....

AllTheGear

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Hello all,

New to boating (well, did a fair bit of sailing a long time ago, but not sure that counts on here!) and need guidance on essential starting kit - collecting the boat in a couple of weeks......

Putting aside the very basics (corkscrew, life jackets, flares, bino's etc) what would you never leave the harbour without?

Berth in Chatham, so tidal estuary & coastal stuff to begin with.... lots of training booked for starters (had a couple of RYA certs from way back when but very rusty)

Thanks!
Bill
 
Safety kit, enough fuel, a well maintained engine and the right skills and knowledge, the rest is optional. :D
 
As said above.... enough fuel (you'd be surprised how many people think "it'll be grand")

Usual checks on the engine (only takes 5 mins)

Wine
 
I heard someone ask Robin KJ what was the important thing to take with you. He said it was a sense of apprehension.

Tidal estuaries look very different depending on the state of the tide. Take some means of knowing where you are. I assume the boat has a working depth gauge.
 
Pretty obvious this one, but check your gas bottles and water if you're planning to cook. And depending where you are based, suitable clothing for the weather. And sun cream
 
Tide tables :) and a VHF.

Welcome to the Forum - what boat are you collecting ?

Thanks Andy, tide tables in hand, vhf too (booked a course) and a hand held back up....
Fairline Targa 43 2002 VPTAMD73'S
Decidedly over excited at this point but aware of the pitfalls....
 
Pretty obvious this one, but check your gas bottles and water if you're planning to cook. And depending where you are based, suitable clothing for the weather. And sun cream
Thanks Prima.... all electric, but based in UK so suncream and wet weather gear all on hand....
 
I heard someone ask Robin KJ what was the important thing to take with you. He said it was a sense of apprehension.

Tidal estuaries look very different depending on the state of the tide. Take some means of knowing where you are. I assume the boat has a working depth gauge.

Thanks MS - I can see the HW/LW range in the Medway looks fairly brutal..... I have depth sounder and plotter, so will try and stay out of trouble and in deep water.....
 
As said above.... enough fuel (you'd be surprised how many people think "it'll be grand")

Usual checks on the engine (only takes 5 mins)
Thanks Alt, engine checks a must.... I've done river boat hols, checked oil, raw water filters, stern gland.... what else should I look after?
Wine
 
Be aware of wind against tide when the tide changes, can have a dramatic effect around these parts, Bristol
I'm glad apprehension was mentioned, I though it was just me! Always a little nervous for the first few minute until I realise everything's ok and we aren't going to break down or sink!
I like to have a hand held VHF and mobile phone aswel.
And a woolly hat as it usually gets cold!
 
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