So many times the question arises about how many things you need to enjoy your boating trip. I would say, the major thing to worry about is the seaworthiness of your vessel. All other stuff is a bonus if you can afford it.
Think of the forces of wind and waves, and make sure your rigging will stand up, no matter what. Reflect over the possibility of not being seen by other vessels. What can you do to improve visibility. Is your boat leaking when it rains, then it might leak worse when at sea, and water is flushing your deck. Fix that.
For all the other stuff, you can possibly do without it and enjoy the ride. The more fancy stuff you invest in, the more things can and will at some point break down. Some people cannot think without the comfort of a 36 inch flatsceen TV, freezer, airco, microwave, and so on. OK, but is it not just being at sea that is fantastic?
From all the fancy stuff that is available on Isabell, the most enjoyed are according to the list below:
- Windvane self-steering
- Compass and good charts
- AIS B-transponder
- Big freshwater tank
- Crispy sails
- Windscreen, sprayhood and sun top
- Coffee
About in that order of importance and esteem. All the other stuff is mostly extra luxury. So if you cannot afford to have the comfort of a general luxury apartment on your boat, do not worry about it. Just shove off and go sailing. Make sure your boat stays afloat and in the deep enough parts of the mighty blue.