Needful Things

The first impressions of 'wow, we needed that' are often the most decisive and the most illuminating. So here in no particular order are the things I've come to love in a very short time.

    •    Great ground tackle. Hold against the wind and waves, this will let you sleep at night.
   •    Vesper Marine AIS Transponder with matched system. Money well spent.
    •    Auto pilot. Who would of thought this could be so helpful?. Of course it isn't necessary, but it will change your life.
     •    Ipad running iSailor for chart plotting. Too many reasons to go into. The best.
   •  Hydronic heating. Yes, I know. Expensive. This too will change your cruising world.
    •    330 watts Solar power. 19 amps on a sunny spring day, 10 while overcast, 5 when it's raining. MPPT controller. Forget the wind generator.
    •   LED lighting. DO this first and do it all.
    •  Oil lamps. If you have a gal on board just trust me on this one...
    •    BIG house batteries and an ACR to handle it.
    •   An expensive ice chest. The new super coolers will keep ice for five days.
    •    Every conceivable weather tool you can get your hands on. It's never enough.
    •    A VERY good wind tool like Windytv.
    •    You can never have enough snuggly blankets and pillows (Sarah).
    •    A girl to bring the snuggly blankets and pillows.
    •    Music, lots.
    •    A way to play all that great music. UE Boom 2. Outstanding!
    •    Two propane tanks.
    •    An easy to use BBQ.
    •    A really great teapot. Our most used tool on the boat right after the stove. 

I’m sure there there will be many more things for this list but  so far these are the standouts. 

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