What would be on your list?
One of my Facebook friends shared the following image on her wall. It’s, of course, meant to be funny but the fact is that I am often inspired to write about things that show up in my internet surfing.
For example, I recently stumbled across this post where it lists 10 emergency fix-it essentials to carry on every boat. It’s not a bad list, and I can say that we do have each of those items on board Frost.
If you had to create a top 10 list like this, what things would make the grade?
While infinitely more expensive than anything on that list, here’s one that I’d love to add: Edson Emergency Bilge Pump. Now that we no longer have ZTC’s multiple sealed flotation chambers, I know this would give me a bit more peace of mind.
Note: Our friend Ken has one of these pumps and he told us a story where it got put through the paces one time when they were delivering a wooden boat!
The problem with this test is the head pressure and siphon effect. Still, this is a good pump. We’ve a similar one on our T52 that’s built in.
Can you elaborate on this?
After the rudder discovery I can see why you are looking into this. On my later model Maramu 1989 there is a manual bilge pump mounted under the top step from the cockpit, the handle hangs to starboard. If I remember correctly it’s the Whale brand, if and when I ever cross oceans as planned I will replace with the Edson larger one as if I again remember correctly it pushes about double the water. If yours was not supplied from the factory, I can take some photos to show the mount and hose run specs.
We do have a manual pump in the same spot. The difference is, that is fixed to pump from the bilge while the Edson one I linked is portable. I think having both would be good, and at least one more electric one.
Not including the standard “list” (radio, PFDs, flares, tool kit, spares…) I would have….
* small block and tackle. 3 weeks ago the sling securing the dingy chafed through, I had neglected to trice it up, and we were under spinnaker. A small tackle with 2 biners straighten it out in seconds, stopping the boat to retie would have been too late. Many other uses when something breaks. I keep it in the cockpit.
*wet suit or dry suit. In a cold climate, this can make the difference between a short swim and a very serious situation should you have an MOB or rope tangled in the prop.
* Patch kit for the boat. If it were not for the unsinkable nature of my PDQ, I would carry a large sheet of thin FRP, saw, lots of butyl, and lots of drywall screws. Hit a shipping container in mid ocean, probably in calm weather, and the tools to make a big patch would seem invaluable. And it’s mostly stuff you should have anyway.
* drogue. Not just for ultimate storms, but for simply slowing down or parking to make repairs. Heaving to won’t work if there is trouble with the sails or rudder. Many options.
* enough Dyneema to replace any stay. This could be as simple as a Dyneema sheet that could be re-purposed, if strong enough. The idea would be to back-up anything that started to crack, not after it failed (I’ve cracked standing rigging on there boats several times). That block and tackle and enough of something to make a lashing will be handy too.
Only 5. The standard “lists” and obvious stuff should cover the rest.
Good additions.
Since you guys are heading to Cold water maybe a full wet or dry suit might be a good thing to have just case something is on the prop or a water in take plugged.
Definitely. Drew noted that in his comment too.
IMO, forget the Edson pump.
A. The first task is to find the leak, not be distracted by pumping.
B. Start your engine and let one or two of the biggest electric pumps get to work while you work to stop the leak.
C. If none of the above work and the ship is going down, you will need a crew of six to keep pumping this monster.
D. You should be preparing an orderly abandon ship instead of exhuasting yourself pumping.
E. It is insanely expensive (like all Edson products) and you have to store it.
A valid opinion. I still like the pump though!
Another subject that has been widely debated is whether a dry suit is a good substitute for a survival suit. You can’t sail in a gumby suit, so odds are you wont have it on when you need it. A dry suit is nearly as warm, but not quite, unless you have a dive hood to go with it.
Personally, I’m firmly in the dry suit camp, as it has SO many more uses, including on-deck foul weather gear for any task that may involve near-submersion. You hope you will never use the gumby suit. On the other hand, I bet active folks can wear-out a dry suit! A definite must for stand-up paddle boards in Patagonia!
I like your thoughts, as usual. The gumby suits have one use and one use only. Kind of freaky when you first put them on actually!
Mike… I am interested why this $995 portable pump is close above others several hundred cheaper? Absolutely not argumentative here— I am truly interested to hear your decision points– as that is a lot of hard earned clams to sacrifice for an emergency pump… All ears friend…
Thomas & Kelly
S/Y Explorar Conmigo
Hard to say. I pondered this myself some time ago.
http://www.zerotocruising.com/not-quite-as-sexy-but/