Congratulations! You’ve just closed on your new yacht, and you eagerly anticipate your journey to an exotic tropical destination, but do consider it is still a boat before you rush to grab the board shorts and sunscreen. That is to say, being prepared for potential repairs and safety concerns will ensure a worry-free voyage. So, before embarking on your trip, consider obtaining the following tools and spare parts, and plan to check them in a bag with you!
Tools:
- Mechanics 140 pc. Tool kit from DeWalt or similar and that covers a lot of onboard needs.
- Wire strippers, crimpers, heat shrink connectors, lengths of 12-14 AWG wire
- Crescent wrench
- Rigging knives
- Pliers
- Adjustable fuel/oil filter wrench
- Small screwdriver set.
- Spotlight
- Task Lighting type flashlights
- Headlamps
- Multitool like a leatherman
Back-up electronics:
- Handheld VHF
- Tablet with GPS or iPhone with Navionics
- Spot Tracker or Garmin In Reach
Safety concerns:
- Inflatable life jackets (the boat will have the big orange PFDs, but they are hardly comfortable to wear on a night watch)
- EPIRB (registered ahead of time)
- Personal Locator Beacons
- Harness & Tether
Spare rigging items:
- Snap shackles
- Soft dyneema shackles
- Spool of small lashing rope (Rob Line)
Spare engine parts:
- Fuel filters
- Belts
- Impellers
- Oil and coolant (can likely be sourced locally to the boat)
Books and Resources:
There are some great guides by Nigel Calder that cover a lot of onboard systems from 12v DC to marine diesel engines. Or look up some digital guides that you can download to your tablet or phone. Or even some "How to Videos" on YouTube that you can download as you likely won’t have service out at sea.
Personal Comfort:
- Sunshirts
- Buffs
- Hats
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water bottles
It's worth noting that most locations where you'll be retrieving your yacht have marine infrastructure, allowing you to procure essentials like engine fluids, WD40, and longer lengths of rope locally, thereby minimizing your travel load.
While this list serves as a starting point, it may not cover every potential need. Feel free to consult your dedicated Moorings Yacht Broker for any questions or advice. Our team of experienced boaters is passionate about this subject and is eager to assist you in preparing for a memorable voyage.
