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Allin1 · 04-11-2010, 07:50

My boyfriend and I are in the process of buying our first boat, planning to set sail at the end of February. Unfortunately at this time, he knows exponentially more about what we and the boat need. From what I have seen and others have said, she is ready to go and has all updated equipment. However, with Christmas around the corner, I was hoping to get him something for the boat.

That's where you come in. I am looking for ideas on possible gadgets or books or anything helpful/handy that we might need. We've already got a sat phone and a nice set of binoculars and things of that sort. Is there anything that he could just open up that would make him say, "Wow, this is really neat! I can't wait to use this!" That is the reaction that I'm hoping for (and hopefully for under $500).

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

imagine2frolic · 04-11-2010, 07:54

Maybe have him make a list, and you can then choose. That way you know you will hit a bulls eye for what is needed, or wanted..........i2f

delmarrey · 04-11-2010, 08:17

Does he/you have weather gear">foul weather gear?
What area of the world are you in or going to?

**hummingway** · 04-11-2010, 08:18

Do you have the charts for your trip yet?

Ruf361 · 04-11-2010, 08:20

beer. works everytime and applies to all things boating.

MarkJ · 04-11-2010, 08:31

What I could do with right NOW is a laser range finder!

The wind has switched 180 degrees and hit 25 knots waves coming into the bay and suddenly I'm on a lee shore with a rock breakwater up my clacker!

I would love to know exactly how far it iis from me and it measure often to see if I am dragging towards it!!

It looks like this one can do some toher tricks too, but check the range and the price as they could be expensive, but some are under $500
Laser Technology - TruPulse Laser Rangefinder

Quote:

Each shot taken automatically downloads a full data string that comprises of horizontal, slope and vertical distance, the degree of inclination, and azimuth* values. These measurements can be used to remotely position a target when integrating with GPS or add a height value as an attribute in GIS. For more stability, use the¼”-20 thread for mounting the TruPulse laser rangefinder on a staff or monopod

I am not sure if that means it will add information to your electronic chart.

captain465 · 04-11-2010, 08:34

An EPIRB would be a good choice............even if he already has one, you can't have too many.

Allin1 · 04-11-2010, 08:34

Haha, I like the way you think! Maybe stocking his liquor cabinet will do the trick!

We are planning on starting in the Bahamas and Caribbean for a couple years, and then haven't decided whether we want to head to the Pacific or the Med. The boat is coming with charts for the Bahamas, so I think we are good there. And we've ordered a ton of books from Amazon. We don't have foul weather gear yet, but that's on our list. I'm a graphic designer, so I was also thinking of calling in a few favors and getting some things specially made bearing our still-undecided boat name and logo. However, I don't think that will generate the reaction I'm going for!

**boatman61** · 04-11-2010, 08:39

Get him some nice silk underwear... no.. I don't mean for you to wear for his pleasure.. though I'm sure it'd be appreciated... but for his use
Beautifully comfortable and cool or warm... depending on climate..

The House of Silk - United Kingdom

MarkJ · 04-11-2010, 08:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Allin1

. Is there anything that he could just open up that would make him say, "Wow, this is really neat! I can't wait to use this!" !

Quote:

Originally Posted by captain465

An EPIRB .

ROTFLMAO

This place is funny

zopi · 04-11-2010, 08:50

I concur..have him make a list...The Admiral and I don't buy things for each other unasked..other than little stuff...box of chocolates and whatnot...

She won't buy much of anything as far as boat equipment as she doesn't know what is needed...

Me, I'd want a good sextant...but just because I have been working on marine electronics for 20 years, and I know exactly how far I trust them...The Astra III is a good choice.