What items from another 'activity' have you found use for on boat ?

[Refueler]

So there you are - if anything like me - bored walking round markets, supermarkets etc. and then you see an item ... I could find a use for that ...

So what item from another activity have you brought into boating use ?

One item that I'm particularly pleased with is the Bicycle handlebar bag ... you know those clip on bags that moutain bikers use for putting their bits and bobs in ... some even have a clear plastic pocket on top for OS map ! Well ones I found had side-press clips with a lower velcro loop ... ideal for in cockpit use for binoculars, all sorts ... and could be clipped to pushpit rail or guardlines ...

Another was a tidy rail designed to clip to head rests in cars - giving you hooks to hang stuff on ...

Beer mug holders are old hat ... but these were self adhesive ... ( I had to move them later - restricted tller movement ! ) ..

Now when it came to charts ... I mounted a Lagun table in cockpit so I could swing it fwd into a corner out of the way or back to centreline for dining ... but how to keep charts reasonably dry / tidy ? Office desk tidy - the ones that lot of us put memo's / photo's etc under ...

but how to keep the plastic flap down ? and also be used to control your table-cloth while dining al-fresco ? Drawing table clips .... (nice and flat on top so not interefering with nav .. ) ...

.... bank sticks ... if you need to tie up but have no tree / post etc. ..... find local shop that sells metal rods with eye on top for pegging horses / cows for grazing. two of those should do nicely ...

And not forgetting of course ... garden Solar Lights ...

And not one of those items cost more than a couple of quid each ..

 

[Elessar]

motor biking - as warm as mittens and as dexterous as (thick) gloves. Much much more comfortable than they look.

HG PATHAN EVO 3-FINGERED GLOVES BLACK

The Latest evolution of a Hein Gericke classic. Who needs five fingers?

Function: Sheltex membrane for reliable water + wind proofing. Adjustable cuff with Velcro fastener. Practical Velcro fastener on outer wrist.

Protection: Snug 3M Thinsulate lining. Comfortable stretch leather sections on the back of the hand + fingers.

Construction: Full-grain, soft, water-repellent cowhide. Pittards Digital goatskin on palms. Tear-resistant textile (100% polyamide). Inner lining (100% polyester).

 

[trapezeartist]

Digital goatskin? From a digital goat, presumably.

 

[sarabande]

sheep drench syringes - placing of tiny blobs of silicone grease in sail tracks.

 

[oldfatgit]

Ski jacket and salopets (is that spelt right) for sailing in cold, frosty and windy days during winter. Warm as toast, waterproof, breathable and actually quite stylish.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Being a biker in the 60's and 70's, I used to use my waxed cotton waterproofs in rowing coaching launches almost every day. I reckon they were every bit as good as my modern and very expensive sailing suit. I still have a couple of unopened tins of the Belstaff wax in my garage. It did use to pong a bit though, a bit like a labrador when it was wet. :-(

 

[Skylark]

Dry suit and scuba gear. Very versatile; use in emergency, use to help others, use for peace of mind, soley for recreation, occasionally for a very fresh shell-fish meal.

 

[MoodySabre]

Maplin's battery powered pump ideal for fish tanks and bilges

 

[Thistle]

Clip for holding bicycle on roof-rack - ideal for holding ensign staff on pushpit.

 

[Twister_Ken]

Halfords car care products work very well on GRP.

 

[Boreades]

Two metres of B&Q's finest white drain pipe, sawn in half, circlips holding them to the stern rails, port and starboard. They are excellent holders for the Danbouy and related lines.

 

[TiggerToo]

3mm aluminium knitting needle: is now holding up the port hand "wing" on Tigger's Windex. It actually seems like a direct replacement of the original

 

[srm]

Whale hand pump for sink from caravan suppliers, same product as in chandlers at lower price.
Garden furniture cushions for cockpit seats.
Garden kneeling pad to protect ribs while working on engine (under saloon deck)
Screwfix rechargable spot light with 12 v charger
Radio ham SSB receiver for weather faxes into ex military Toughbook laptop (also doubles as chart plotter)
Climbers rope clamps for mast work
Camping light charged by built in solar panel - similar idea to garden light but more LEDs and bigger battery. Use in cabin at night and stand in cockpit to recharge by day.
Ex RN gortex foul weather jackets at about £25.

 

[Trundlebug]

Oil pressure sensor from a Mini engine (A series).

At around £3, rather cheaper than Volvo Penta prices!

I'll have this boat converted into a floating Moke by stealth!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Two metres of B&Q's finest white drain pipe, sawn in half, circlips holding them to the stern rails, port and starboard. They are excellent holders for the Danbouy and related lines.

And on a similar line, 1m of B&Q's finest soil pipe.... perfect size to replace exposed parts of Eberspacher heating pipe, and thus stopping it being crushed by misplaced feet!

 

[Poignard]

A 25lb lead window sash weight

Useful as a temporary anchor when manouvering, for drudging and as an anchor 'angel'.

Occupies less space than a 2-pint milk bottle, easy to handle and easy to stow.

 

[billcole]

Bicycle speedos can be used as rev counters.

 

[michael_w]

Mira thermostatic shower mixer valve. Bristan Java taps. John Guest Speedfit plumbing. All vastly superior to boat stuff.

Aluminum foil trays - perfect for mixing up epoxy

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Maplins.....
All shapes n sizes of small plastic clip lidded boxes for tools, bits n pieces. LED lights, plugs, sockets, headtorches, lightweight folding sack truck, cable ties etc. etc..

Tesco.... All sizes sealed clip down 'food' boxes to ensure damp free storage.

 

[Poignard]

The wooden boxes that Havana cigars come in. Very handy for storing small parts.