| Charter companies do provide the basics. But often, small items like navigation instruments, toolboxes and flashlights may not be checked due to the quick turn around of the chartered boat. The items may not be missing, they may just be damaged, rusted, or neglected to the point that they not longer are useful. |
Navigation Tools You may find that the dividers provided in the chart table have slid around until their ends resemble fish hooks. It is a good idea to bring your own navigation tools including dividers, parallel rules, pencils and sharpener, eraser and a pocket calculator. You should probably also through in a hand bearing compass and your own binoculars. I always carry my portable GPS and a set of spare batteries. Even though the boat may have its own GPS the portable makes a good backup. In addition, if the onboard GPS does not have the associated operations manual it may be difficult to program in waypoints in an expedient manner. At least I know how my own works. Charts and cruising guides are expensive items, but bring your own. You should also have onboard a light list and Coast Pilot or Sailing Directions for the area in which you will be chartering. |
| Safety The charter companies will provide life jackets, but they normally are too bulky for routine wearing. I like to bring my own personal inflatable jacket with a built in safety harness simply because it is already adjusted to my size and is comfortable. You don't necessarily have to carry extra line to the charter destination but prior to leaving the charter company dock make sure you have plenty of docking lines and lines that can be rigged as jack lines. I would also advise bringing along a knife and marlinespike, a small sharpening stone and a Gerber or other multipurpose tool. A hand held VHF makes a good backup to the boats radio and also can be used in the cockpit rather than having to go below. |
| Tools Add a small set of screwdrivers, a compact array of wrenches, and a pair of wire cutters and pliers, and you should be able to handle most temporary repairs. Don't forget a flashlight, a 20-foot hank of fine line and some whipping thread. WD-40, electrical tape |
