Conch Cruisers
Read this first! The information below is a compilation of suggested equipment that is recommended. How did we come up with this list? Well, mostly through past experiences, times when we were caught saying, "I wish I had ___" They are simply good ideas. To find the source of some of these ideas would require a proctologist with a flashlight. Nonetheless, this is what works.
Now that the list is posted, you must realize that if you are the skipper of your boat, it is solely your responsibility to outfit your boat and take care of your crew. Do not be caught in a situation where you are saying, "I did not think I would need ______." You may find that there are items left off of the list that you think need to go. Good. Take them with you. Do not be caught short.
If you have any questions, put them on the forum. The odds are that someone else has the same question. If you want to e-mail me, feel free.
Must have:
Passport or Birth Certificate for each crew member and skipper (foreign cruises)
Boat Registration*
$140 Bahamas entry fee (Bimini Trips)
Dinghy registration, if your dinghy has a motor*
All USCG required Safety Equipment: PFDs, Visual Distress Signals (flares), Audible Distress Signals (air horn), throwable PFDs, fire extinguisher, First Aid Kit
Functional USCG required nighttime lighting: running and masthead (steaming) lights
Anchor, chain rode, 100’ anchor line
Yellow “Q” flag (foreign trips)
Bahamas Courtesy Flag (Bimini Trips)
Charts/Chartbook: Charts of the area.
-or- a chartbook that has this information.
Even if you have electronic charts, be sure to have paper charts as well.
Sunglasses (polarized with good UV protection)
Dinghy, motor (unless you are staying in a marina)
Dinghy Bag (painter, handheld VHF, flare, whistle/horn, anchor w/rode, pfds for each passenger)
Insurance Policy Proof (in case of “accidents”)(Check with your company to see if they cover the Bahamas and Coastal Florida)
Suntan Lotion (high SPF)
GPS
Fixed or handheld Marine VHF Radio with at least 16 hours worth of batteries . It is a very good idea to have a handheld VHF in addition to a fixed mount VHF.
Ladder or some way to retrieve a Man Overboard (MOB)
Fuel (and 2-stroke oil if needed) to motor 70 miles (25% fudge factor built in), each way?
Need to have but is not absolutely necessary:
Handheld Marine VHF Radio (if you are bringing a dinghy)
Bimini Top for Boat Cockpit
Good Cooler
Spare Line (150’ or so)
Safety Lanyard
Backup GPS
Tool box with basic tools
Cruising guide
Spare blocks, turnbuckles
Second anchor/rode
Spare prop/ shear pin
American Ensign
Beer
Nice to have items
Snorkeling gear
Cooking stove/BBQ grill
Binoculars
Underwater Camera
Boat Parts: Water pump Rebuild Kit
Carburetor Rebuild Kit
Electronic Charts
Food
