headlamp – Voilier 'HIR 3'

A list of equipment that is useful on a boat is long, but I think that a good skipper should always carry these 5 essential pieces of equipment:

1. Leatherman

The most important tool that every skipper should have is a multitool with pliers and a sharp knife. Forget about cheap Chinese knockoffs, for the boat you need the best and that’s a proper Leatherman.

2. Gorilla Tape

It’s amazing how many things you can fix temporarily on a boat with a good tape. Gorilla Tape is the biggest, strongest, toughest thing ever to happen to tape.

3. WD-40

On a boat there is always something that need lubricating, or another thing that got stuck and the solution is WD-40. It protects metal from rust and corrosion, penetrates stuck parts, displaces moisture and lubricates almost anything. It even removes grease, grime and more from most surfaces.

4. Headlamp

A good headlamp is a must for night navigation. The RAW Pro is a waterproof, light weight, high power white and red beam head torch. Engineered specifically to excel in the harsh marine environment, you can rely on it in any situation.

5. Storm Lighter

A reliable lighter is a must on a boat, weather you need it to light a stove, or burn an end of a rope. Silva Helios Storm Lighter is windproof, waterproof and with very high temperature flame.

I have been working on the boat for a year and a half now and it seems that finally the day when we will be able to set sail is getting close, so I guess that all I want for Christmas this year is to set sail with my crew… but on the more practical side, here is my list of Top 15 gifts for Christmas this year…

1. Dubarry boots

Keeping your feet dry and warm in bad weather is important. Unfortunately, I only have simple rubber boots that are ok, but not great, so I would really love to have the proper Dubarry boots.

2. Leatherman

I’ve had a few multitools so far, but all of them have a tendency to jump overboard, so it would really be nice to have a proper Leatherman again.

3. Windstopper Hat

Warm hat is a must for me in cold weather, so a good, nice and warm and windstopper hat would be great.

4. Musto Hat

During the summer, it’s impossible for me to spend a day on a boat without a hat. I’ve had a few so far, but being constantly exposed to the sun, these wear off quickly, so I’d like a new Musto hat.

5. iPhone Waterproof Case

iPhone is a nice and useful toy on board for checking the weather forecast, navigation software, e-mails… but they don’t mix well with water, so a good waterproof case would be nice to have.

6. Nautical Charts

I would like to start preparing and planning for crossing oceans and for that I need proper nautical charts for passage planning.

7. Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

A bottle of fine rum is a must on every boat. My favorite is Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum.

8. DSLR Nikon Camera

There are so many beautiful moments that I would like to capture on camera. The one i have on my iPhone is ok, but a proper DSLR Nikon Camera would really make a difference between good and great photos.

9. Carbon Fiber Portfolio

Probably the coolest thing to put your boat documents in is a carbon fiber legal portfolio by RAGGEDedge Gear.

10. Navisafe Headlamp

A good headlamp is a must for night sailing. The best one on the market is Navisafe Headlamp with a red light to preserve night vision, a white floodlight to light the whole sail, and an ultra-powerful distance light shining up to 70 m plus tilt function for exact and comfortable beam positioning.

11. Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual

This manual takes both novice and experienced boatowner through minor to major repairs of electrical systems, engines, electronics, steering systems, generators, pumps, cookers, spars and rigging. Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual deserves to come standard with every boat.

12. Handheld GPS Garmin Montana 600

A handheld GPS is a must for a sailor these days. Great to use as a backup, or even as a primary navigation aid. Garmin Montana 600 is at the moment the best model. It has big 4′ touchscreen, waterproof and supports multiple mapping options.

13. Spinlock Deckwest 5D 170N Pro Sensor Safety Harness

Safety first! A mandatory equipment for every sailor on offshore passages. Spinlock Deckwest 5D 170N Pro Sensor Safety Harness is very light, comfortable design for use over long periods.

14. Safety Harness