Weekend Getaway

[Rumdirty]

Here's something to think about over the weekend. As some of you know I just got my boat this year. Been outfitting and slowly fixing her up my way. Day sails have been wonderful, my needs are few. One of my goals this year though is to overnight in an anchorage. What kind of gear (besides bug spray and a cooler full of beer) would you bring?

I camp a lot so should have the majority of what's needed. I've never camped on the water though. I'm sure there's something everyone thinks is a "must have."

Have a great weekend everyone, and for those of you playing at the meet in Canada, I'm envious. Will have to do that sometime.

[Obelix]

As an avid camper you might already have the essential like stove and dishes. I'd recommend Bug-screens for the hatch and the companionway. We used to live in CT, most likely very similar to NJ, and the bugs were not any less then here in FL.
Most importantly, have fun.

Obelix

[Rumdirty]

I was thinking about that bug screen just this weekend. May have to try to build a frame that would slide in with a screen attached. Greenhead flies are bad this year. I'm thinking velcro and a screen should do the trick for the hatch and top.

Thanks!

[March]

Yeah, the velcroed screen over the front hatch works well. You could also get a large mosquito net, the one that drapes over a tent or a cot. I got one one a whim from e-bay and it fits almost perfectly over the bimini. If you don't have a bimini, you could still drape it over the boom, I guess

[Russ]

I was thinking about that bug screen just this weekend. May have to try to build a frame that would slide in with a screen attached. Greenhead flies are bad this year. I'm thinking velcro and a screen should do the trick for the hatch and top.

Thanks!

Yup, velcro screens work great and are easy to store.

A battery operated fan for sleeping at night might help. We used the coffee bags and now use the Starbucks instant. Nothing like BBQ food at dinner. If you don't have one, get a Magma grill. Awesome and safe.

Most important is proper anchoring. Make sure you have adequate chain and enough rode for a minimum of 7:1 scope. In Barnegat bay with average depth of 5', that should be easy.
Proper anchor. Most of where you are, as you know the hard way, is mucky mud. Danforth or claw anchor works very well. However, the East shore, like Tice's shoal, is sand and some anchor type pull out easily.

Enjoy. There is absolutely NOTHING like cutting the cord (or dock line) and watching the sun set while at anchor enjoying your favorite adult beverage after enjoying some charred meat from your grill. Waking up to the peacefulness of the water sipping a cup of coffee. The best times.


--Russ