Jos It really is the little things that make a big difference while living aboard. This is a list of the things we use that are mostly not related to sailing/navigation (there are a few items thrown in, of course). These are more of the ‘house/personal’ items that make our living onboard more comfortable.
- Grosche (any size) stovetop espresso maker – https://grosche.ca/
- Wet-It Swedish Dishcloths – They are amazing and reduce paper towel use to almost nil! https://wetcloths.com/
- Bee’s Wrap Reusable Food Storage Wraps (available in vegan and non-vegan patterns) – I just got them and I love them. I already sent some vegan wraps as gifts! https://www.beeswrap.com/
- Marmara Imports Turkish Towels – Thin, lightweight, thirsty – they get better with every use! https://www.marmaraimports.com/
- Simple Human trash bins – We have a 10L stainless lidded bin in the head and a 40L plastic galley bin that fits perfectly under the companionway stairs. 10L: https://www.simplehuman.com/products/small-semi-round-step-can-10l?variant=30245378195587 40L: https://www.simplehuman.com/products/slim-liner-rim-step-can-plastic-40l?variant=31308636225667
- Dash Express Egg Cooker – Engine or generator needs to be running, but makes perfect hard boiled eggs with way less water. We love having eggs available while we’re underway. https://bydash.com/products/express-egg-cooker
- Dash Air Fryer – Engine or generator needs to be running, but we love how it heats food up. https://bydash.com/products/dash-compact-air-fryer-aqua
- Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage containers – Better than OXO and half the price. And they look great! https://www.rubbermaid.com/brilliance.html
- Thermacell Mosquito Repellent – Pricey, but it works https://www.thermacell.com/
- Sea-Bands for guests who get seasick (or hungover, LOL!) https://www.sea-band.com/
- Academy and/or Duluth Trading for affordable outdoor gear: https://www.academy.com/ https://www.duluthtrading.com/
- Shark Rocket Cordless Vacuum IX140 (there are probably better models at this point in time) https://www.sharkclean.com/
- Airhead Composting Toilet https://airheadtoilet.com/
- Sailrite Sewing Machine LSZ-1 with Worker B Power Pack (extra) https://www.sailrite.com/Sailrite-Ultrafeed-LSZ-1-PLUS-Walking-Foot-Sewing-Machine
- Zizzo folding bikes (I have a Dahon, but I like David’s Zizzo better because it is lighter and newer, but my Dahon works just fine) https://zizzo.bike/
Here is a general list of things to have on board:
- Handheld VHF
- Quality PFD with harness
- Jacklines
- Sailing gloves
- Work gloves
- Quality foul weather gear/boots – (We have Gill foulies and Dubarry sailing boots-definitely a splurge, but I also love my white rubber fishing boots bought in Darien, GA) YOU CAN DEAL WITH ANYTHING WHEN YOU HAVE THE PROPER EQUIPMENT!
- Wool, fleece, and synthetic clothing
- Fleece throw blankets (Can be used to supplement cold weather gear as necessary – see below – I think I am going to make a fleece wrap skirt to add to our cold weather gear duffle bag)
- Log Book
- Waterproof bags
- Waterproof cases for phones, tablets, etc.
- Lanyards for phones, tools, etc.
- Eyeglass lanyards
- Hat clips
- Hats with ties and brims
- Sailing Knife
- Marlin Spike
- Sunglasses
- Prescription swim goggles – GAME CHANGER!
- Sunscreen
- After Sun lotion
- Aloe Vera
- SPF Lip Balm
- Moisturizer w/SPF
- Bathing suits
- Water Shoes
- Silica packets and cedar
- Vinegar, tea tree oil, baking soda, and Concrobium spray for the epic and unending cleaning and mildew battles. https://www.concrobium.com/
- Shitty clothes for the dirty work – I don’t know how many ‘ANCHORING/MOORING/WORK’ shirts I have.
- Spares, spares, and more spares – lines of varying lengths/sizes, bungee/shock cords, filters, impellers, pumps, clamps, hoses…because, (according to Tocino’s PO), they break.
- Butyl tape (Bed-It is our favorite)
- Captain Tolley’s Creeping Crack Cure – (I’d like to have the entire boat dipped in this to get ahead of any possible leaks. LOL!) https://captaintolley.com/
- Microfiber cloths
- Diesel diapers
- Rags (in general) (rags are what my anchoring/work shirts become after they can no longer be worn-that’s why we seem to always have an abundance of rags!)
- Ziploc bags
- Sharpies
- Any and all pet supplies (see Speck’s separate post)
