The cost of aging

[Roberto]

I have to buy a magnifying lens to read the nautical chart, I must be that old.


What other equipment should I consider in the next 5-10 year sailing budget ?

 

[Evadne]

I passed that mark a few years ago, but I found that someone has invented a hands free chart magnifier. It's called "reading glasses".

 

[Sneaky Pete]

Do they produce charts in braille?

 

[Twister_Ken]

I have to buy a magnifying lens to read the nautical chart, I must be that old.


What other equipment should I consider in the next 5-10 year sailing budget ?

A set of pontoon steps, to allow you step aboard your pride and joy, rather than climb up on to it.

A notice above the heads. "First, open zip."

 

[awol]

Every so often Lidl (that source of useful sailing bits) have magnifying glasses with LED lights in the rim.
Other useful device is a dinghy bailer or modified plastic milk bottle for in-cockpit micturation without the risk of involuntary disembarkation au Robert Maxwell.

 

[Hoolie]

A set of reading glasses of different strengths, colour coded with cable ties so you can tell which is which.

 

[doris]

I'm told Stannah now do a companionway lift!

 

[Poignard]

A bulk pack of Ibuprofen.

 

[peterb]

A set of pontoon steps, to allow you step aboard your pride and joy, rather than climb up on to it.

A notice above the heads. "First, open zip."

A fender-step, so that you can carry your steps with you. Makes it much easier to get off, too.

 

[Talulah]

Electric dinghy pump. Save on the leg work.
Fender step.
Electric winches for when you get too weak to pull ropes.
Bowthruster as your reactions slow down and giant leaps become impossible.
In mast furling and roller furling.
Bigger and bigger chart plotters/radar/vhf for failing eyesight.

 

[Talulah]

You'll also be able to dispose of some stuff.
Hairbrush/comb.
Toothbrush

 

[Twister_Ken]

You'll also be able to dispose of some stuff.
Hairbrush/comb.
Toothbrush

Yes, but you have to replace them with an ear and nose hair trimmer.

 

[Robin]

I only need a bow thruster for a full set..

 

[ianat182]

White stick?

ianat182

 

[Searush]

Motor boat . . .

 

[jwilson]

I have to buy a magnifying lens to read the nautical chart, I must be that old.


What other equipment should I consider in the next 5-10 year sailing budget ?

I've been using a chart magnifier for thirty years, now it's glasses plus magnifier!

 

[binch]

lifts

We have seen a large lift in a barge.
Takes the mate in her wheelchair up or down from wheelhouse to saloon level.
It was self designed and built so it went in hoppity jumps.
Wasnt there a singer who recorded "I'm all shook up"?
That's how it was.

 

[quimby]

A folding Zimmer Frame!

 

[Billjratt]

I'm in the process of inventing talking instruments for the hard of hearing, but I can't stop the prototypes arguing.
We have already thrown out the marine plotters and fitted a screaming TomTom - difficult to differentiate between it and the crew sometimes.
May I also suggest rearview mirrors for those with stiffening necks and "P" (for prostate) extensions that fit the cockpit drains.

Seriously, anything that will help keep an old duffer aboard, as MOB rescue becomes increasingly unlikely with age....

 

[savageseadog]

I've seen some old timers on the racecourse and they can scream and shout with the best of the youngsters