Cruising Gear Suggestions

Equipment for the simple cruising life.

Think of these as suggestions for you to get started outfitting your own boat for the cruising life.   Vendors such as West Marine, Defender, Lofrans, Raymarine etc. are all well known in their field and mentioned on this site.   At one time or another, I have used them all and have been very satisifed. You may be able to get better prices elswhere.   You should also know, that these suggestions are close to the minimum.   As you venture further offshore, you may want to add solar panels, wind generators, diesel gensets, watermakers etc., etc., etc.   Of course, it all comes with a price.  Sometimes with a big price...

Category

Adequate

Nominal

Best

Sundowners

Cold Beer

Margarita on the rocks

Both w/cuban cigars

Food On Board

canned goods (for the gastronomically challenged)

Fresh Food 

Chef or a Cookbook

Navigation Charts

NOAA Charts Books

Chart Plotter 

Chart Plotter with cruising guides

distant viewing

Bushnell Compact Binoculars

Nikon StabilEyes

Furuno Radar

Anchor Retrieval

Manual Windlass

Electric Windlass

Electric Windlass w/Redundant Ground Tackle

Swiss Army Knife

One Victorinox Swiss Army Knife

Two Victorinox Swiss Army Knives

Three Victorinox Swiss Army Knives

 Radio Communications

VHF Transceiver

VHF Transceiver and  SSB 

 SSB ,   Pactor Modem   and laptop ( for email )

Depth Meter

leadline

Electronic Depth Sounder

Electronic with leadline as backup

Auto Pilot

above decks model

below decks model

below decks model with Scanmar windvane

 Voice Communications

laptop with Skype

satellite phone

Skype / laptop and satellite phone

dinghy

rowing dinghy

dinghy with outboard

planing dinghy (big outboard)



Genset Trade Study (Completed 2009)

Click on the Format of your Choice To Download:

Open Office Calc - or - MS Windows Excel

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