OK now that the captain and skipper have quit reading lets see if we can ease the pain somewhat. Were not going to even try to be all inclusive here, but just some little reminders to get you thinking about your cruise. Obviously you have a spotless well equipped boat and many things are already on board.
WarningPlease, please, please, this is just a bunch of suggestions, you don't really need all this stuff to go for a boat ride.
- I'll bet you don't have an underwater flashlight, they are great for attracting (teasing) sea creatures after dark, and will add hours of entertainment time to answer your children's "I'm bored" comments. (hint, stick a cheap led flashlight in a ziplock bag) Now tie it to the end of your boat hook and poke it under water.
- How about heavy duty zip lock bags, or the ones they sell at the outdoor outfitter stores for river running, you know for your cell phone, ipod, camera, wallet, etc, etc, etc.....
- Speaking of waterproof have you got any good wood matches in a waterproof container?
- Matches mean campfires, that means you need a folding pruning saw. (get a good nasty sharp one) TipLeave the ax, machetes, and hatchets at home because, #1 they don't work for gathering firewood, #2 someone may get hurt and your a long way from an ER.
- Here's one you really miss and then its too late - chap-stick with spf 99 (how high do the #'s go?)
- Remember that hat that blew off into the water? ditto for glasses! you need a chin strap or leash.
- OK, this is good one, get a second or third corkscrew, uh huh! (try em at home first to make sure you can trust-em)
- Dramamine in all forms for everyone.
- Cheap little led flashlights, lots of em, they're cheap.
- Plastic kites (not paper) for beach fun, don't forget the string.
- Multi-function tool that you carry in your pocket all the time.
- Boat cleaning supplies, wax, polish, paint thinner to remove tars you track on board with your shoes. We seem to do our heavy cleaning while on a cruise, I see others doing the same.
misc. boat repair supplies and tools. (sail tape, soft scrub)
Much, much more to come, keep reading.
Those were just some starter ideas for boaters.
Since some folks really benefit by having in depth detailed instructions and are lost without to-do lists.
They will find below a list for general travel just for them.
Click here and read more >>>>>
..
did you make it here? OK, here's that detailed list.
They will find below a list for general travel just for them.
Click here and read more >>>>>
..
did you make it here? OK, here's that detailed list.
This list was intended for travel in general not just boating, but you can figure what you -- oh just read it.
Travel Checklist
Things to do at home before you leave, and on the day you leave:
Print this list and add to it while making plans. Keep a copy of this list on your computer and update it as you prepare for your trip.
- create a trip planner/outline “This could be a to-do list”) add to it and edit often
- pay the bills
- turn off water heater
- turn down/off furnace
- cancel paper and stop routine deliveries (have the mail held at post office)
- hold the mail
- tell the neighbor
- leave a list (itinerary) and keys (with friend, relative) where you are going
- leave extra keys with someone (you may need them mailed to you)
- emergency numbers (bring list, include all numbers, e-mails too)
- mow the lawn, arrange for sprinkler system operation or shut it down preferred
- arrange for pet and plant care
- make the house look lived in
- lock windows, doors, garage
- set the alarm
- set voice message
- forward calls
- turn off water
- deal with garbage
- enable, disable computers, electronics
- unplug TV's and anything that uses a remote control or standby power
- credit/debit card info and what to do if stolen
- if your bringing a lap top, what about photo software, updates, make sure wifi works, charger, 12v inverter?
- The number one most important vehicle check is to grease your trailer bearings or possibly abort you entire cruise somewhere on the highway.
- Oil check, carry spare oil
- Tire pressure/condition (buy new tires for peace of mind)
- Spare tire and Jack
- Check brake lining, master cylinder fluid
- Check hoses and carry spare coolant, atf.
- Check the belts, bring extra serpentine belt if you're traveling to or from a remote area.
- Tune up and service
- Wipers and washer fluid
- Battery check & connections, jumper cables
- Cell phone travel charger
- Do you know where and how to check fuses (spares)
- Do you have a fire extinguisher?
Vehicle checks before you go
First aid kit, plus prescriptions, etc:
antibiotic/alcohol wipes (sealed), antiseptic cream, aspirin, motion sickness pills, bandages, burn ointment, elastic wrap, eye wash, hydrogen peroxide, Ibuprofen, insect repellent, sterile tape, scissors, snake bite kit, sterile gauze and pads, sun screen lotion, tweezers, Benadryl
Clothing:
Regular day wear, out on the town wear, shirts, t-shirts, trousers, jeans, dresses, sweater, raincoat, wind breaker, pajamas, swimwear, shorts, socks, joggers, hikers, sandals
Toiletries:
Brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, TP, soaps, shaving, sunscreen, deodorant, mirror, foot powder, scissors,
Children’s clothing, toiletries:
(who invited them anyway?)
Pets, needs, etc. (did you forget?)
(and them?)
More stuff to help jog your memory, plus some good things to bring along but often forgot.
Aluminum foil, camp cook kit, cooking oil, corkscrew, cutting board, flatware, spices, knife, measure cup, paper towels, plastic cups, trash bags, pot holder, tongs, spatula, matches, zip lock bags, flashlight, batteries, travel alarm, cell phone, gps, map, rain poncho, chocolate, pet needs! CASH, camera and tripod, medicines, hard copy of friends and relatives phone numbers in case your cell phone quits. weather report, books, sunglasses, binoculars, contact lens prep. hats, laundry/wash bags, mini sewing kit, playing cards and games, car inverter to run chargers >> this list is not all inclusive and needs your additions/subtractions as you prepare for your travels.
Important numbers & things:
- passwords for getting online and atm banking etc.
- do not rely on cell phone or laptop memory for numbers/names/addresses (make a hard copy)
- auto insurance info.
- your automobile license number (in case its stolen)
- do you have current hard pictures of everyone?
- serious medical condition information
- passports, photo ID, vaccination proof, reservations, birth certificates
Had enough lists yet?
Don't toss in the towel, it's time to lighten up. This preparation stuff is really a one time thing that never gets completely finished. As you cruise again and again, you will simply add to your arsenal, usually when you realize you forgot something like marshmallow & hot dog sticks. Aha, now use your pocket multi tool and cut some sticks (crisis averted).
