Simple Things for the ?Sailing Life?

Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. "The simple life" can be pretty complex--I think of it as having a plane, a car, and a house compressed into a very small space. This specialized environment calls for specialized equipment and tactics...sometimes. In spite of what marine retailers would like us to think, there are a number of 'normal' (and inexpensive) items that we can put to very efficient use aboard our boats. For example:

• For easy lighting that won't impair your night vision, stock red cellophane (the kind you get in rolls in a gift wrap store) and rubber bands. Cut squares to fit over flashlights and rubber band them in to place.

• Forget buying purpose-made bag clips. Clothespins can do double duty by securing laundry to the life lines as well as keeping the bag of potato chips (or whatever) closed. And only use rubber covered clothespins--the metal hinges on the wooden ones rust out in about five seconds in a marine environment.

• When the clothes dryer eats a sock, don't throw away its mate. Save those unmatched socks to use as jar and bottle covers aboard the boat. They provide good shock absorbency.

• If you haven't completely switched over to a digital camera, you should have plastic film canisters hanging around. Reuse them for storage aboard the boat--small fittings, pill boxes, herbs/spices, anything small that needs a compact home.

• Have several plastic spray bottles on board. Besides their use for cleaning solutions (e.g., a bleach/water combination for controlling mildew), they are great 'hand showers'. Douse yourself on hot days to encourage evaporative cooling. And when you're out on the ocean and go over the side for a bath, use a spray bottle to rinse yourself off with fresh water-- works great. Just make sure you keep your cleaning solution bottles separate from your shower bottles!

• If you aren't already doing so, save your old toothbrushes for cleaning and maintenance on the boat. There are loads of tight places above and below decks where a small brush works great. One overlooked spot: Use a toothbrush to clean the inside of anchor chain links.

• You can never have too many zip-locking bags. Keep several sizes available, and use them for more than just food storage. Spare parts, clothes, office equipment, medicines, and lots of other stuff will pack more compactly when transferred to zip locking bags. And reuse the bags: invert, wash, and then hang to dry with those double-duty clothespins.

These are just a few examples of the use of 'non-marine' things that have a place aboard a boat.

(c)Copyright 2004 Kerry S. Mason

About The Author

Kerry Mason is the webmaster for http://www.finesailing.com, The #1 resource on the Internet for sailing, boating and water sports enthusiasts. Be sure to visit his complete archive of articles at... http://www.finesailing.com/articles/index.html

---

Carnival Cruise - A Perfect Holiday - Rock and Rolling with Carnival Cruise

If you want to have fun for one low price,... Read More

Renting out Cruise Ships for Hurricane Victims, a Brilliant Idea Indeed

Who says FEMA is not doing their job. They just... Read More

Caribbean Cruise Expert Guide

Comprising of around 50 islands (750 if you count the... Read More

Diving Philippines is Impressive, Varied, and Spectacular

Scuba diving Philippines does not get any diverse, anywhere in... Read More

Affordable Weekend Getaways? Romantic Cruises!

If you are looking for affordable weekend getaways, romantic cruises... Read More

Disney Cruise Expert Guide

Experiencing the magic of Disney at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney... Read More

Sailing Hints & Tips

I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek... Read More

At the Boat Ramp

The weekend is finally here. You're all loaded up (well,... Read More

Dock and Deck Cleaning Business

A great addition to cleaning boats in a marina will... Read More

The History of Water Sports

Swimming is noted in many of the classics as relating... Read More

Italy Cruise Expert Guide

History, wine, serene beauty, dramatic people and stunning views -... Read More

Wanted! Adventurous Guests Looking For a New Experience on a Royal Caribbean Cruise

Wanted! Adventurous guests looking for a new experience on a... Read More

How to Choose Alaskan Cruise-Tours with Princess Cruise Lines Vacation Packages

Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to... Read More

Holland American Alaskan Cruising - New Alaskan Cuisine April 2005!

Alaska is a place to experience not merely to visit... Read More

Cleaning Sails

Washing SailsOften you will see a beautiful sail boat with... Read More

Yacht Competition Racing for the Disabled Takes Off!

Yacht racing, though it may seem like "a breeze" to... Read More

Artic Tours

Take an Arctic Tour by flying north of Fairbanks to... Read More

Mexico: Going Native

If you want to expatriate to Mexico to find an... Read More

Keep Cruising and Keep Traveling - It is Safe

In the time that has followed since the tragic events... Read More

Sit Back and Relax on a Crewed Yacht Charter Vacation

Ever wanted to really put yourself to the test and... Read More

Survival At Sea: What You Need To Do, What You Need To Have

Two boys from South Carolina made headlines a few weeks... Read More

The Best European Cruise Travel Vacation!

So, you are contemplating a European cruise. You are looking... Read More

Shape Up and Ship Out

For some, the ideal cruise consists of a lounge chair,... Read More

European Cruise Expert Guide

Europe is one of the premier cruise destinations in the... Read More

From Ocean Cruises and Ocean Liners to Vacation Cruises and Cruise Ships

The golden age of transatlantic ocean shipping and travel began... Read More

Water Molecule Alignment for Increased Speed In the Water

A submarine can move faster thru the water if the... Read More

First Time Cruisers

If you are a first time cruiser you are in... Read More

Interesting 5 Tips that First-Timer Cruisers Need to Know

First-time cruisers sometimes confuse about choosing the destination for neither... Read More

Sailing Itineraries

SAILING ITINERARIES IN GREECE - A PROPOSAL Bellow you may... Read More

Boat Washing 101 - Spring is Here, Lets Go Boating

As a boat owner you know that washing the boat... Read More

Silversea Cruises! Committed To Elegance, Luxury, And Gracious Hospitality

Committed to elegance, luxury and gracious hospitality, Silversea Cruises is... Read More

Preventing Boat Propeller Injuries

Each year hundreds of propeller accidents leave tragedy in their... Read More

Simple Things for the ?Sailing Life?

Owning a boat has an oxymoronic quality to it. "The... Read More