Getting Ready for Cast off

Aug 11

Getting Ready for Cast off

We have been given a lot of advice to prepare for our trip.  We are trying to take care of all of it, but we know that once we are on our way (and without a car) there will be a lot of things we wish we had brought. In the last 2 weeks we have become regulars at Westmarine and Walmart.  When we think we’ve got evrything, we think of something else we need. Last night we were at Walmart at 11:45  – they close at midnight.

A few of the thing we’ve learned:

1.      Don’t bring cardboard packing material on the boat as it takes up too much space and may contain bugs (which are really difficult to get off the boat).  This means removing all packing materials on food products, etc. before they come aboard.

2.      Dryer sheets will keep spiders away.

3.      A fly swatter is a necessity for many areas (thanks Dick and Chris!)

4.      An underwater light on your boat is recommended for anchoring at night as the boat’s small white light may be difficult to see with the backdrop of city lights.

5.      Some kind of system is needed for drinking water ( a water filter on the hose, Brita pitcher- we have both) as small plastic bottles really accumulate.

6.      For me, you need a good large purse/bag with lots of pockets to carry up to the restroom/showers at the marina (thanks Mary!).  Pack EVERYTHING you need in that  bag, and keep it packed so you aren’t missing things when you get to the shower. I could’ve avoided having to shower with dish soap at the Mackinac marina with that!

7.      Check your engines thoroughly!  Bill found a loose bolt on the bottom of the engine compartment (belonging to the prop shaft) AFTER the diesel mechanic had done his survey- the mechanic didn’t see it.

8.      Make sure everything you are carrying is in a bag when you are getting on and off the boat.  Large armloads of loose things are bad! I've already dropped too many things into the water – and they don’t float!