Cornish Shrimper - Daislebee

Cornish Shrimper - Daislebee

Friday 2 November 2012

Top pieces of kit to have on board

I thought I'd start a small survey by looking at the top pieces of kit we carry on board small boats.
Accepting the must haves of sails, engine, fender ropes etc I was pondering the additional items that could be dispensed with but serve to make sailing that much more enjoyable, safer or generally take the strain.

My top item is the Garmin 451s

I've had mine since I got the boat - over 2 years now - bought with a collection from friends and colleagues when I left work.
I like paper charts, indeed I always have the local one to hand and prefer to look at them for planning and generally seeing the bigger picture. However, the confidence and convenience of the chart plotter is great, especially over long distances.
Several friends have got one or a similar item and some have thought about getting a larger screen version. To my mind the 4.5 inch screen is just right - it doesn't take over or dominate, it just sits there as a reassurance.

Money well spent.

What is your top piece of kit? Use the comments link to contribute to the conversation.