Useful Gadgets to have aboard while cruising

Prepared by Maryanne aboard Begonia

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Looking for gift ideas or just tried-and true useful products you might want to grant space aboard? Here are some of the items we truely appreciate aboard. We've cruised with mono-hulls and catamarans, living aboard since 2002 and are happy to share what works for us.

Odds that we love
- AQUABOT Spray water bottle (pump action) - great for cleaning in odd places, brushing teeth ashore, misting yourself, and a million other odd jobs
- Water guns - great for pushing pressureized water into small places (for cleaning off salt crystals in widlass, etc).
- Image stabilizing binoculars. Kyle really likes his Fujinon Techno-Stabi, but it is way too big/heavy for me, I prefer our Canon IS 10x30.
- Electric Fan - Portable Battery operated (rechargable) Fan. OMG this was a godsend once we purchased this - wherever we are on the boat we can dial up a breeze. Ours has a 10,000mA battery and can run (on low) for 24 hours before a recharge is required. Note we do also have fans wired in to the boat and in strategic places, but the battery one is our go to!
- Small camera with a REALLY good zoom (I use this a lot to read signs ashore - in fact I use it in place of a good pair of binoculars). You can readily get x40 optical zooms now in a cigarette packet size camera
- Wifi camera with smart phone app - great for viewing difficult to see areas, or when you need to be in two places at once.
- Waterproof camera
- Snorkel gear (duh)
- Memory Stick and/or external hard disc (formatted for mac/pc dual use) - for when you want to share files with other cruisers.
- Drone .... This is something I wish I had, I so want one.... maybe one day! Fun to take amazing arial shots of beautiful anchorage, but also useful in that you can use it to scout ahead for the a pass or anchorage in a reef, or to spot for sharks/crocodiles...
- Bluetooth hands free headsets - for enabling us to communicate without yelling when up the mast, at the bow, or with a head in the engine... love them (but don't love the price). We have SENA ones, but there are a variety on the market (mostly made for motorcyclists to keep in touch)
- Heavy duty sewing machine - You want all metal gears and to be able to get multiple layers of leather/canvass under the foot. we have an old singer, but the modern god for this is the Sailrite.
- Electronic (infra-red?) Temperature gun/thermometer - for checking engine temperature, or even stovetop/oven temps.
- Davis Shockels - heavy-duty webbing-covered elastic with easy clips on each end - which we use to add some spring in the bridle line, keep slack lines from slapping, and holding out the jib (preventing it from collapsing) in lighter winds.. I even use them for fishing lines (add some give), they get a LOT of use aboard and come in various sizes/strenghts.
- ATN Topclimber (allows someone to go up the mast without someone else to winch them up)
- A Postcard app (Touchnote or MyPostcard) - these let me send a 'real' postcard to family and friends, made from photos I've taken myself - I love it!
  - I primarily use Touchnote with a credit of postcards to use as I travel, there are also monthly plans - you you want to join this Promo Link and get $10 off (and I get 5 free cards).
  - Fizzy Water aboard, rather than purchase a soda stream, we found space for a larger CO2 cylinder and the necessary connectors (Link to our Fizzy Water project)
  - Digital wallet - lets us store our bank, credit cards (and even store loyalty cards) in your smart phone - no need to carry your cards with you in areas that accept tap-and-pay (contactless payment). Has the added advantage that you can (manually) input your card if you have the details, but haven't yet connected wtih your physical card.
- Useful Tools:
  - Cordless drill (and other power tools as required - we like Makita 18V options, whatever you buy be sure you get at least 18V for the umph!, some manufactuers have the same batteries that can be swapped between a host of tools, even vacuums),
  - BUTANE hot knife (for cutting and sealing lines) - ours is the Weller P2KC
  - Endoscope Camera/tool - inexpensive waterproof endoscope that can be inserted into tiny spaces and bent around corners. Connects (via wifi) to an app on your smart phone enabling you to 'view' what the camera sees from your smartphone screen. - Endless uses aboard!
  - Multimeter
  - Combined Printer/Scanner/Copier. Even in a paperless world, we still need to pull our our printer from time to time and are glad to have it aboard. We gave up on printers that use cartridges years ago and now only use printers with ink reserviours. They seem to last longer, work more reliably, and are much cheaper to refill.
  - Hair cutting tools (electric Hair Clippers, scissors and combs..etc). Kyle simply shaves his head 4 times a year, and I have trained him (with You-tube videos) so he can cut my hair from time to time.
- Kitchen/Galley gadgets I love
  - See lost word document..@@ to find/add
  - Pressure Cooker (small handles for easier storage) - I love my Kuhn-Rikon Duromatic with the stubby handles
  - Whistling kettle (for stovetop)
  - Motion sensor LED lighting for the areas/cupboards that don't have hardwired lighting
  - Tupperware mixers/choppers
  - Tupperware Salt/pepper shaker (keeps the salt dry, although I still add rice grains to the salt to be extra safe)
  - Stick Blender
  - Measuring cups or jugs with volume marked on the side, along with a good guide to convert weight to volume (find/download for offline) as scales are 'difficult' in a bouncy anchorage or on passage.
- Especially for the ladies
  - For your periods - explore/Try out using a Moon Cup type device and never need to purchase tampons/sanitary-towels again!
  - For hiking and generally using disgusting toilets in strange places - consider a Feminine Urination Device (FUD) - a little drain-pipe/funnel so you can pee standing up (practice in the shower). There are a host of style/options: GoGirl, She-Wee, Tinkle-belle, etc. I've always been fine with my pStyle.
- Power needs - aside from the obvious batteries, solar panels, and wind generator you need to make accessing that power convienint aboard.
  - Our boat doesn't have a built in inverter, so we use a portable (good for the car) 300w inverter to power the occasional electrical gadget (charge computers, stick bender, charge powertool batteries etc) - this means we have cables crossing the cabin floor (not idea), but cheap and easy, and portable!
  - If you don't have them - add a few 12v sockets and/or USB charging ports around the boat (we installed some in the bedrooms, and at the helm - great for charging phones overnight, etc).
  - We have a few (different sizes) portable external batteries that we use when going ashore to keep the phones charged, etc.
- Transporting Groceries / propane cans / laundry and other heavy stuff
  - a good selection of grocery & produce bags (ideally lightweight and pack small)
  - An insulated bag (with ice packs if you have a freezer)
  - Something to wheel your groceries about in (they get REALLY heavy, REALLY quickly) - we have a 4 wheel stroller type one and a fold out metal 2 wheel one. Small wheels are a nightmare on anything but perfectly paved roads, so get the biggest you can sensibly stow aboard. A cart is also useful when getting propane tanks refilled etc.
  - Egg Carrier. Solid plastic egg holders. We take ours to the grocery store and swap out the egss from the container they come in (if any) to the hard plastic ones - they can then be shoved in with all our other groceries without fear of breaking. There are camping versions, ours a a bit tougher I think and have the 'systema' style flap clips on the lids (each carton holds 12 very large eggs - and if necessary I pad that out with a strip of the original cardboard carton).
- Keeping comfortable
  - Keeping cool:
    - Sun shades / awnings,
    - Hatches that open and ideally can lock (security wise) in place while ajar (so you can leave the boat to go ashore but still have air flow
    - Fans: fixed and wired in or portable and battery operated (or both) - great to give you a nice breezed and keep you comfortable
  - Keeping the bugs away:
    - Aboard
      - Bug screen for doors, hatches, cockpit (as necessary)
      - Mosqueto coils
      - Citronella oil (don't use any essential oils with young children or pets around)
    - Ashore
      - To avoid using too much deet we prefer to explore with long sleeves/trousers, but we do also keep deet handy.
      - Bug nets for your head/face - useful for shore walks in buggy areas (like much of Western Australia).
      - I have a fold out fan that I put in my bag (one of those old fashioned southern belle types), great when stuck on a bus, or waiting on officialdom in the tropics.
  - Keeping warm aboard - we have a diesel heater that blasts hot air into the cabin and bedroom, but also use the following:
    - Hot water bottle
    - Slippers (or thick socks) for walking on a cold floor, especially in the mornings.
    - Brushed cotton sheets feel so good (but take extra laundry effort)
    - Electric blanket (oh, so nice to climb into a warm bed on a cold night) if you have power.
    - Electric heater (if you have shore power) - that you can set on a timer to come on before you wake up! (be sure it has tip/overheat protection and will turn off with any issue.
    - Chemical hand warmers (great for on cold watches).
  - Protecting yourself from the sun in the boat/dinghy/ashore:
    - Sun hats,
    - long sleeve/trouser cool wear
  - Protecting yourself while snorkelling/diving (from the cold, sun, and critters)
    - Wet-suit stuff for snorkeling colder waters. Hood for optional extra warmth.
    - Nylon Long sleeve tops and leggings, full cover for snorkeeling in the tropics (protect aginst the sun)
    - Sting-suit, lightweight full body-suit to protect agsinst 'stingers' in the water (also protects against sunburn).
    - Shark-eyes, to keep the curious sharks from getting too close
  - Keeping clean (showers ashore)
    - A small purse for quarters (coins for payment where necessary)
    - A small shower caddy that can carry all your needs (soft netting that drains and won't rot)
    - Mini camping size dispensers to decant your shampoo, conditioner, suncream into for use for shore trips.
    - A soap dish
    - Flip flops (you don't want to stand barefoot on these floors)
    - A quick dry towel can be useful too. (But I still love a big fluffy luxury one)!
- Rags/Terry cloths - mats for dirty feet, rags for wiping dew, cleaning decks, shading items, 101 uses (wash and reuse).
- Protecting your things from DAMP - Good airflow is generally key - but just not always possible, sometimes you just need to lock things in plastic to protect them.
  - Plastic, stackable tubs with lids - for clothes, tools, and lots of odds that you don't use daily.
  - ZIP Lock bags, or plastic tubs with lids for all things material/leather not in daily use (I work hard to reuse them too)
    - Shoes, tools, open packets of food, Envelopes, ... everything.
    - Even larger bags can be found/used for bedding, seasonal clothing etc (fill the bag, seal, and squeeze out the air) - pack a few dryer cloths in each bag to keep things fresh.
    - I use 2 gallon zip-lock bags for keeping books damp/mold free - also for shoes - keeps them paired and free from the damp.
  - For airation under the mattress - add something like the Froli system (which we love) - of if you need regular access to storage under the bed
    - On our previous boat we solved the problem readily using the FROLI plastic spring system (each little square connects to build any 2 d shape) - and it made the bed even more comfortable - www.nickleatlantic.com - we were really happy with it.
    - On the current boat, the beds have storage underneath and the springs were just too difficult to use (to keep removing) - so once we got our new mattresses we also invested in some Hypervent condensation matting. (We still have to remove it, and the mattresses, to get underneath, but it is easier than the froli as it is lighter)
  - Waterproof dry-bags for transporting expensive electronics ashore - various sizes (small:suitable for a phone/camera, or larger: suitable for computer)
  - Dehumidifier - we have an electric machine that we use when leaving the boat unattended (e.g. in the boat yard while we travel). You need one that can drain water not just into its own small 'bucket' but also (via a small hose) to drain overboard.
- Laundry ashore and aboard:
  - Keep a small purse filled with quarters (if in the USA) or suitable change coins as appropriate
  - Keep a portable tub/cup with secure lid to transport just enough detergents (etc). - small as possible
  - Try and stick to clothing that is quick drying (and no ironing required)
  - Several Stacking tubs (or buckets) you can use to either do
    - Hand washing (I like 3 tubs on the go, one washing, one rinsing, and once to hold clothes in between stages)
    - At the laundromat I use one as a laundry basket to transfer clothes from washer to dryer (or clothesline)
  - GOOD strong pegs (for hanging things out to dry and expecting them to still be there next time you look)
- Security
  - Protect your cockpit lockers and anchor locker with padlocks or other security devices - if you need multiple - try and key them all the same to save your sanity in the future
  - For taking the dinghy/bikes/etc ashore - snake locks are easy - again matching keys if possible.
- Let there be light!
  - Headlamps - hands free light (even better if there is a red option, and if you donÕt have to cycle through the different modes to get to the mode/brightness you need)
  - Solar Lantern (e.g. Solar Puff) - (great to use aboard and ashore)
  - Solar powered (xmas) fairy-lights (great for at anchor, for any celebration, etc..)
  - Solar lights (especially the solar-puff) - these pack small, last a while, and are readily charged. They can be easily moved about (taken ashore even) and are great to take to pot-lucks.
- Potlucks are a regular part of cruising - so you need to be able to get food & utensils ashore, and then be sure they all are returned to the boat.
  - Solar lights (especially the solar-puff) - these pack small, last a while, and are readily charged. They can be easily moved about (taken ashore even) and are great to take to pot-lucks.
  - A (soft sided) refrigerator bag (can keep things warm or cold) - good for grocery shopping and potlucks
  - Some tough bowls/plates you can take ashore to eat from (metal or plastic so they won't break)
  - Cooking pots with sealable lids for carrying ashore.
  - While you can often find a rock or a fallen trunk to sit on - portable seating (even a bucket, used to carry all your other stuff) can be useful
  - You can use masking tape stuck to the bottom of your serving pots - and a permanent marker to mark your boat name - this will ensure your pots are returned to you
- Keeping connected
  - Iridium Go - a satellite connection that connects via wifi to your phone/comuter - enables email, phone, and certain apps to connect to the internet (slow, but realiable in remote locations) - requires hardware and then a monthly subcription fee.
  - WIFI booster - give yourself a better chance to pick up a signal from your boat'
  - Cell phone booster - We've never head one aboard (a bit too pricy), but I'd love one. If purchasing, I'd be sure to get one that works on MULTIPLE channels and doesn't restrict usage to a single provider (this would allow me to make use of it outside of a single cruising area/counrtry)
  - Mail service - for those companies that still insist on still sending mail we use a mail service in the USA (there are several) called St Brendan's Isle. They give you an 'address' and any mail sent to that address gets scanned in and an email alert sent. You can check the scan and determin if you want it shredded, or opened up and scanned, and/or forwarded on to you at your current location (or someone else). All can be managed online - I love it!
- Useful Apps (and they don't take ANY space aboard either)
  - Anchor drag alarm (e.g. We use an iphone app called 'Anchor' that allows all sorts of useful alarms, and can also be mirrored to a separate phone so you can monitor from afar)
  - Off line land maps - e.g. Pocket Earth - If you are going outside of your cell phone coverage area - you can pre-download maps of the areas you plan to visit (any time you have wifi) and then see where you are at any time. Pocket Earth allows us to see contors, trails, street names, grocery stores, restaurants, etc.
  - Offline charts (via apps like Navionics - they generally require subscription to download data, but 'old' downloaded data is not lost once your subscription expires).
  - Offline satellite imagery (apps like OVital)
  - Offline anchorages (crowd-sourced) - see Zulu Waterways and the off-line app Zulu Offshore.
  - Identify and install (& test) apps for all your banks, credit cards, and currency storage apps (plus Xe to see current rates between currencies).
  - Wildlife ID guides (Birds, plants, fish, etc) forthe areas you are travelling.
- Other useful tips
  - If you have multiple keys about the boat (padlocks, etc) - color code them to the locks they fit - I use different color nail varnishes for the job (pink, blue, silver, black, green, etc). Same to match cables/plugs to sockets, tools to nuts, etc).
  - It is easy to accumulate stuff.
    - Try to have a rule for clothing that if you bring anything aboard - you must also remove something
    - Try to empty out all lockers annually. This enables you to clear any junk and also be aware of any mold/storage damage before critical need for the items.
  - Spares aboard - ugh - basically you will almost never have what you need - but you can try
  - Batteries - Go through all your portable electronics and identify the batteries required - keep a list (spreadsheet), and make sure you have a good supply of any specialist/unusual size batteries
  - Engine/propeller/Driveleg/Steering Maint
    - Identify zincs / filters / oils required - and have at least 2 changes aboard
    - Grease gun and spare nipples for greasing (e.g. steering system, folding propellers, etc.).
  - Hose clamps
  - A host of Adaptors for water hoses, power cords/cables, propane fittings suitable for where you might travel.
- MANUALs & Spares lists (with part numbers) - for boat bits and other hardware/tools, etc
  - Download all the manuals (for the stuff you have) when you have internet and store on your preferred device for future reference. - this has saved us many times, and means we don't need to carry too many paper manuals aboard.
See all our tip lists | Read our Blog | Where are we now?