Cruising gadgets, knowledge, and ideas for the cruising sailor
This is a handy little devise used to start your diesel engine from down in the engine compartment. It can be used to bypass the solenoid on the starter, the starter button up in the cockpit and the ignition key. I’ve had each of these fail on different boats at different times. To use the starter button simply clip the
» Read moreI was at a recent Seven Seas Cruising Association GAM and I overheard a few ladies saying that they do not wear their wedding rings on their boats while cruising. I understand this because neither do I. Perhaps they don’t wear theirs because they don’t want to lose a diamond or damage their rings. I don’t wear mine because I
» Read moreNot long ago I had a few friends aboard and I had asked them if they could replace the plastic mounting handle on the outboard motor. This required that they drill a blank piece of plastic that I had brought for this. “Do you have a cordless drill?” was the next thing asked. I thought about it, smiled, and said
» Read moreThe Galley Stove top – pans must fit two at a time, get the right size pans that work with pots Pots and pans need lids – Pots should be tall Flame Tamer – flame diffuser cut down heat on burner Some Ovens – will tilt when door is down, lock them in place before opening door. Oven – stone
» Read moreThis idea was introduced to me by Andy on Geodesic, an Endeavor 37 out of Apollo Beach, Florida. It’s an easy way to make each person aboard a custom cup of coffee. It’s a French Press that is also a coffee mug. You make the coffee in this mug, press it, then drink from it. This allows those who drink
» Read moreTo store those small green propane bottles that you use for your grill, buy a 4″ PVC pipe, add a grating cap on the bottom, and a removable cap on top. You can get everything you need at the local hardware store. The bottom piece is a standard drain accessory for the 4″ PVC. The top piece is a 4″
» Read moreSunglasses Gadget There are many options when it comes to sunglasses. I now wear glasses that have some distance correction and are magnifiers for reading. Buying a pair of standard clear lenses and an additional pair of prescription sunglasses can be costly. The solution for me has been a pair of “clip on” sunglasses. I bought a pair to fit
» Read moreI think this would make a great gift for someone you know that is headed out on their boat cruising. It’s called “Garden in a Can”. It’s a self contained garden, all set to use. It’s a can (tin), soil, and seeds. It has a pop top lid. You open it, plant the seeds in the soil, water it and
» Read moreThis is perhaps less of a gadget and more of a “backup spare to carry aboard”. It’s a 3/8 inch Flare Both Ends union for propane fittings. This can replace your solenoid should it go bad while you are out cruising. My solenoid recently died on me. Fortunately, it happened just before a two month trip to the Bahamas. Had
» Read moreThese are the notes and reminders from the “Building Your Cruising Confidence” seminar. GOLDEN RULES:Never Force itFavor the windward side of the channel————————————————————————-Anchor for where the wind will be tonight, not right nowWith heavy rain coming, be prepared to lose visibility. Plan for “What ifs” when considering the weather forecast. In challenging or new areas, look at both paper and plotter.Yellow
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