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Handy Things

 

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Handy Things to Have Aboard

For prospective cruisers, here is a random list of simple equipment and supplies that we accumulated along the way that came in very handy.

Boat Stuff 

bulletBaja filter (for filtering fuel before putting it into tanks)
bulletPump for transferring diesel fuel from barrels (ashore or in dinghy) to boat's built-in tanks
bulletWater saline tester
bulletSelf-ratcheting mast-climbing harness
bulletWatch alarm
bulletLots of gasket paper
bulletMany rolls of non-skid
bulletXXX-large zip-locking plastic bags to store paper charts by region

Everyday Stuff

bulletKnee-pads (rollerblading type) -- for pain-free varnishing, scrubbing, etc., on deck
bulletSmall mirror with long handle (medical/dental supply type) -- for sticking behind things to see what the heck is down there
bulletVelcro (sticky type and sewing type)
bulletMuseum clay (to put on bottoms of things so they don't slide off countertops)
bulletButane long-handled lighter(s) -- for barbecue, etc.
bulletTiny electric sander with polishing pad attachment
bulletSpelunking-type flashlight with strap to wear on forehead -- for hands-free light
bulletTiny battery-operated book light -- for reading on watch
bulletMagnifying glass with red illumination -- for reading tiny print on charts without destroying night vision
bulletHands-free family band radios (we like the black Radio Shack ones with the small earplug attachment) -- for anchoring, going up mast, etc.
bulletAlcohol "prep pads" (medical supply type) -- many uses, but I always carry some in my purse or pocket to clean Internet Cafe computer keyboards, telephone receivers, etc., before use.  (Anything you can do within reason to cut down on getting unusual germs in remote areas pays off.)
bulletAntibacterial no-water soap
bulletVeggie Wash (antibacterial soaking agent for cleaning fruit & veg in remote areas).  

[If this seems like a heavy emphasis on anti-bacteria precautions, it's because I write this as Alan and I are just getting over a major Southeast Asian week-long dysentery-like stomach-flu-like malady that has made life miserable, death occasionally preferable, and us very relieved that the boat has two heads.  So be fore-warned -- it does happen, even if you're careful.]

bulletTupperware for freezing individual portions of meals for passages
bulletHard-sided egg container-cases (and take them with you when you shop ashore)
bulletPlastic ice-cube trays with lids to prevent pre-freeze spilling (Tupperware's version is excellent)
 

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