I thought it would be fun to start a thread where we could share favorite/very useful gear or materials. This might introduce us to stuff we never knew we needed. I guess that could be a blessing or a curse…
Anyway here are a few of mine I can think of off the top of my head.
Velcro straps for wire runs - a while back I got tired of zip ties unless absolutely necessary. As I re-ran old wiring or added new, Velcro straps became my go to wire bundle material. Super simple to install and undo as necessary.
A cheap endoscope - Amazon sells one for $20!!
This device has saved me multiple times as I tried to inspect tight areas or recover hardware dropped into cracks.etc. my cheap device takes pictures and videos if needed. It was invaluable for the motor mount replacement job.
Bamboo BBQ skewers - don’t laugh. These things come in handy for all sorts of stuff and they are super cheap. Mix and dab epoxy, cut short pieces to stuff in stripped screw holes to the secure loose screws in wood joints, use as dowels to strengthen wood to wood epoxy repairs. Cook kebabs…the list goes on and on.
White epoxy putty - Amazon carried this stuff and it’s inexpensive. I have used it to mold replacement deck standoff pads for stanchions and padeyes. Also used to create base for exhaust water box I just replaced and to create a solid bond to hull for a platform I built to hold my new LFP battery. This stuff is fantastic, hard and grippy as hell and no muss no fuss due to putty like consistency. I think everybody should have a small box of this stuff onboard.
Self amalgamating vinyl tape - this stuff is absolutely the bomb. Unfortunately it is very expensive here in USA where one brand name is rescue tape. I found a supplier in China and bought 200 rolls of the stuff on a bulk deal for 1/4 the cost. This stuff is magic I use it for securing an emergency knife to my pedestal ( still good 10 years later), insulation of chafed wiring, protection of wiring/tubing to prevent chafe, securing solar panel wiring to pushpit tubing, binding, protecting and cleaning up external wiring going from solar panels to through deck clams, waterproofing top of mast base ring (finally found a solution which was easily removable) even wrapping the base of my coffee mug to prevent scratching the furniture. The uses are endless.
Fish tape wire puller - Have used it to pull wires through spaces that can’t be reached, reefing lines through boom, halyard through mast, even to get accurate measurements for replacing lifeline.
Two sided VHB tape - first used it to mount backing plates to the hull so I would not have to drill holes in the inner skin. Experience has shown that makes a permanent installation and now I just use it to directly attache items.
I keep a flexible very thin 6’ rod of fiberglass. I can slide it into wire bundles and push it thru, attaching wire/cable to its aft end. Works well anywhere in the boat - between bulkheads, under and thru those tightly packed bundles of wires/cables, etc.
I bought some replacement tent poles. The bendy fiberglass ones. These came with a long stiff wire to run new bungee through the poles. I have one of those aboard the boat for the same reason as you and Camino
Lost the main halyard up the mast on a wild motor trip from Santa Cruz to Pillar Point Harbor. Used the wire bent into a hook taped to a fiberglass pole. Ran this contraption up the flag halyard to fish for the halyard shackle which was up against the mast top sheave. Got it done after about an hour of fishing. Still have the “hooker” on board.
Here is another favorite. I got tired of wired reading lights aboard. I replaced the corroded brass ones with new and when those also discolored I went looking for an alternative.
I now have four rechargable reading lights aboard.
I love these things. They can be dimmed, pointed in any direction and can be removed from their magnetic mounts and used as flashlights if needed. The charge is good for many hours of use.
Only downside is one must be mindful magnets are involved so keep them away from nav gear.
When sailing with heeling, I like to eat in the saloon without having to pay attention to the plate, mug and cutlery.
So I’ve made a plywood support that attaches to the table via two suction cups. I haven’t yet had a chance to try out this system when sailing.
The small thermometer which one can see in the previous picture measures temp inside and “outside”. I have the outside temp sensor VHB taped to my LFP battery so I can easily glance at how the bat temp is doing. It is approx. of course, but matches my battery monitor pretty well. It’s just the battery monitor needs to be fiddled with to bring up the temp. I can simply glance at the thermometer.
Nice! I’m going to build one. I often use the top of my companionway slide for meals when underway singlehanded. This will be perfect to keep my chow in one spot. Plus I could add a slot or two for other odds and ends.
I have butyl sealing under mast ring. Works great and comes apart and cleans up much more easily than silicone. I also use for bedding as you have done.
