More weird stuff we have set up aboard Fayaway. Maybe a better name would be “tips and tricks” or a second installment of the popular post “Seven doo dads”? For other boaters the ideas might be obvious and not worth pointing out. We can’t claim credit for some, and more likely they’d been acquired or adopted from other boats. Enjoy!

Cockpit drain strainers

Acquired from Home Depot (or maybe it was Lowe’s?), these little chrome doilies could make the difference between a mild annoyance and a serious catastrophe. When that little button falls out of the shifter mechanism into the cockpit gutter we need not fret. Our simple strainer captures the part, while allowing all but the biggest deluge to go down. They’re easily removed if worries of a tidal wave overwhelm your conscience. And since they are thin and seemingly “cheap”, we purchased extras for the “misc spares” bin. Normally any low-quality metal exposed to salt spray will soon self destruct. However, whatever Asian metallic substance these are made from has proven to be quite resilient for almost four years now, showing zero corrosion.

2-stroke outboard engine

Our 8 hp Yamaha Enduro outboard motor may not be unusual for a cruising boat of our size, it’s worth noting why we chose it: an optimal compromise between power and weight. We find this engine just right for our 8.5 foot RIB (aka Korykory). At a reasonable featherweight 65 pounds, we have ultra-reliable quick starting and enough power for planing Kelly and me at 12 knots without using much gasoline. When offshore we hoist and secure onto the pushpit.

Three gasoline containers

1. A 3-gallon tank is firmly strapped inside the dinghy (connected to outboard engine), or when offshore is firmly tied to aft push-pit.

2. A large 5.5-gallon Jerry can resides at midship on the starboard rail. It’s too big and heavy to move around easily, but carries almost enough fuel to last the winter in the Bahamas.

3. A smaller 2-gallon can allows transfer between the first two, and serves as a mobile “reserve” to the “smallish” dinghy tank when running low or for longer distances.

This combination has proven useful. When underway, all three cans remain on deck, and unobtrusively out of the way.

Knife on a string

An extremely sharp knife is attached at the helm for easy access, always available in an emergency. On a dyneema tether to prevent disappearing, but also easily removed to allow use further away. If ever in a knotted tangle this serrated knife will efficiently slice through the problem. We recommend a high quality blade, resistant to salt water over time. Your average West Marine check-out-line version will soon turn into a ball of rust, and be useless when you really need it most. Some sailors use a straight blade strapped in a sheath, but I prefer this method in case I need to put into a pocket and head towards the bow.

Inreach hard-wired outside

Our Garmin InReach is always transmitting tracking data when underway, locked in its cradle under the dodger. No worries about the battery dying; it’s hard-wired back to the breaker panel for easy switching. We just switch on and off from down below.

Sail-ties

Sail ties are used for much much more than their namesake aboard Fayaway. They’re just the right length and super strong. We store a few of them looped on a handle adjacent to the companionway for easily available for numerous tasks such as: Tie me to the mast? Secure the lazy bag in stormy anchorage. Some extra holding of fuel jugs (or anything else) before a blow. Stop rattling of the swim ladder, lash the helm, etc. More extras for everything but tying up a sail!

Signal horn on Bimini

We already have enough hardware up on the mast, and so have purposely avoided wiring a loudspeaker up there. Secured up high with quick-tie bungee, our seldom-used foghorn remains available. Always accessible and yet out of the way. Honk during a fog or just to say hello.

Solar powered dinghy navigation light

Purchased a few years ago at Island Water World in Dutch Sint Maarten, our waterproof solar-powered navigation light is screwed permanently to the dinghy motor, automatically turning on at dusk and off at sunrise.

Carbon whisker pole

Ok, so maybe this one is not so weird. How many times have sailors complained about their genoa flogging downwind, yet decided against deploying a whisker pole due to its unwieldy heft? Not me anymore! Weighing in at a minuscule 12 pounds, I can easily deploy without a sweat. Well worth the extra cost for any long distance cruising.

Baby Gate and Hatch Holder-Upper

I have a terrible habit of tripping over the iPad power cord (sometimes mounted at the helm). A basic bungee cord creates a convenient “baby gate”, protecting it from my frequent movements around the helm. The same bungee doubles to secure hatch lids from landing on my head or chopping off toes and fingers!

Nighttime cockpit lights

We’ve added inexpensive waterproof 12v LED lights under the bimini to extend outdoor hours. When planning to return to Fayaway after dark, especially in a busy anchorage, setting them brightly with an unusual color makes a homing beacon, for finding our way back!

Mood and Safety Lights

We won these little solar powered “mood” lanterns as a door prize. In a busy anchorage we hang the same lights from astern at a low level for safety.

Do you have a few ideas like these to share? Please send us a note!

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Meanwhile, back in the city again without our boat… or furniture! How do boat people move ashore without furniture? High above from our tenth floor apartment we have a sweet view of the water to keep our sanity, and reminisce of recent days past – and soon to come again.

And the furniture will hopefully be delivered soon!

Enjoy your summer!