10 items that any boat should have on board

If you are a sailor, fisherman, recreational sailor or sailor and if you have a boat then do not forget to have these 10 essential items on board for those emergency repairs that you have to do yourself.

Thanks to the increase in the reliability of today's engines, staying in the water is something that has become less common than before. But the boats are still boats, and unlike cars, if yours has a fault you will not be able to park it, go out and walk for help. In addition, engines are not always the problem when there are mechanical failures - there are many other things that can be damaged or damaged in a boat. We are sure that you have your security equipment in perfect condition, but can you continue to enjoy your boat or return to the harbor on your own when something breaks on board? It is very possible that this depends on having or not these 10 essential items on your boat.

1. EPOXY POWDER STICKS AND FAST EPOXY GLUE

It is advisable to have one or even both emergency stickers on your boat. You can use them to make a temporary repair on almost everything, from a damaged Bimini socket to the support of a shredded transducer or switch and it is super resistant. Better yet, these epoxy resins adhere to almost any material, including glass fiber coated gelcoat. The drying takes just a few minutes, can be molded in almost any shape or size, and (choosing the right type) can even be used under the waterline. 

2. NYLON STOCKINGS

Yes, means - It may be that your most common function is another but a pair of socks can be used for several things. If you need a colander for dirt from the fuel or to serve as an emergency filter, the media is the solution. Or suppose that the belt of the alternator has been broken, in this case we can place the stockings around the pulley, stretch well and tie with a knot. They also function as an emergency rope. Even fishermen will find them useful, if they break the bag of bait. You just have to put the bait in the stockings, make some holes and hang them from the rail. 

3. WHITE VINEGAR

It may not prevent the boat from sinking or causing that clogged engine to start but the vinegar can be used for an almost unlimited amount of emergencies. For starters, it is very useful when nature becomes hostile and we have to take care of ourselves or another crew member. Rub mosquito bites with vinegar to reduce itching. Use it also to mitigate itching when a swimmer or water skier comes across a jellyfish. Let's suppose now that the bathroom is clogged - that it can be said that it is an emergency on board but the vinegar can also help us there since it replaces a plunger very well. Finally, if you like to go out to sea in winter, the vinegar helps prevent the windshield from freezing. Spend some vinegar on the windshield before starting your cruise. 

4. POTATOES

In this case, the potatoes are not emergency food, they are rather an emergency stopper that adapts to the size of any unwanted hole. If a hoof is broken or if a hose is released and the fitting is open, you can push a potato to cover, give half a turn and cut the flow of water. Cut-to-size potatoes can be used as plugs for hoses, pipes or valves. And of course, if the situation demands it, they can also be eaten! Remember not to leave the potatoes on board especially if branches and roots start to come out. 


5. AMERICAN TAPE OR INSULATING TAPES OF DIFFERENT TYPES

Few inventions have become so useful in an emergency as the insulating tape or its variant the so-called "American tape", absolutely essential in daily use and much more in case of any type of emergency , however small it may seem - and we believe that there is no need to give further explanations. 

6. EXTRA LARGE TRASH BAGS

Garbage bags take up very little space, but it is very important to have them on board. In small boats with very limited space to store anything, they are particularly useful. In a boat of 5 or 6 meters in length, for example, it is difficult to keep four sets of water clothes at all times. But there is room for four bags of garbage. When it rains, cut holes for the arms and head and the bags are transformed into instant raincoats. They are also useful for when we want to protect something important (like a newly bandaged wound or a mobile) from an unexpected rainstorm. Plastic bags also serve to plug a leak, make a patch for a fabric that has broken, collect and store rainwater, and in a time of harrowing need, can be used for garbage.

7. WAX CANDLES

Forget about lighting the cabin, the real reason to have candles on board is lubrication. Everything can be unclogged and loosen by rubbing a wax candle in the part that resists: jammed zippers, corroded brackets, non-slip ends, steering arm seized. Do some friction, try to move the jammed components and the wax will keep everything running until you arrive at home and repair them permanently. 

8. GOATS OF RESPECT

As obvious as it sounds, you have to include them in this list. Ropes are needed to lower things, tie something that has been broken and many other uses. If you do not have space to put a box with spare ropes and cables because your boat has little space, you can opt for survival bracelets, such as Survival Straps paracord bracelets, which are unwound providing 5 meters or more of super resistant rope . 

9. A PLASTIC BOTTLE

Again, the obvious emergency use is hydration. But this object is more versatile than it seems. The bottle can be cut through the base and transformed into a bailing device, the upper part serves to obtain an excellent funnel. You can also cut a piece to cover breaks or holes in a hose.

10. A TOOL BOX

This seems too obvious. But ask around and you will be surprised with the amount of patterns that come out to navigate without a basic toolbox. The minimum essential that must include: spanner, screwdrivers, pliers and a razor. A circuit tester, spare fuses and electrical tape can also be useful when fixing electrical problems.