What basic things should be kept on board for emergencies?
I don't see any reason to make an exhaustive list with things like - an anchor, extra batteries, spare filters, fuel additive, energy bars, pretzels, etc. Those things belong on a different list.
Over the years I have been impressed by well prepared boaters I meet.
A skipper will offer to lend me a tool or give me a spare part he just happens to have on board.
What really impresses me is when they say "just a second, let me take a look" and they are back in one minute with exactly what I need. I can't find one of my five flashlights let alone a spare 3/8" galvanized shackle in under thirty minutes.
I carry stuff I may need, and of course some of it is never needed, but I never know, so yes, "let me take a look."
Here is my incomplete list of things I keep on the boat all the time, you may have your own ideas.
Not necessarily in order of importance:
- Dramamine seasickness pills or gum.
- take them ahead of time if you suspect a problem
- Extra line or rope.
- You may never need it, but someone else might.
- I carry an old barbeque bag stuffed full of misc. long and short lines.
- Miscellaneous tools.
- Vise grips, adjustable wrench, four way screwdrivers, needle nose pliers, channel locks, wire and rope cutters, knife - more? yes a flashlight
- An oar or paddle for the big boat
- Even a thirty footer may be paddled a short distance.
- A telescoping boat hook.
- A bucket with a strong bail. (lately I have been using those square kitty litter ones cause they fit below deck better)
- Duct tape, cable ties, hose clamps, roll of ss wire. Coffee cup full of nuts bolts screws little things, pencils
- Big sponge, big rag, paint thinner.
- Big magnet with an eye. (this has saved my cookies, big time)
- Mirror
- Basic first aid supplies
- At the very least I bring along bandaids for minor cuts.
- Soft Scrub w/bleach - you need this!
I don't see any reason to make an exhaustive list with things like - an anchor, extra batteries, spare filters, fuel additive, energy bars, pretzels, etc. Those things belong on a different list.
