Unsung Heroes – Boater’s Necessities
Neither a First Aid kit, Life Raft, Ditch Bag, Condoms or Matches are to be found on this list. They are constantly sung about on just about every list published. This article has the not so commonly listed items, that may still make the difference between a great day and a Mayday!
Backup Power Sources
In addition to a small solar panel with USB ports, I personally carry a fully charged LiFePO4 Portable Power Station with USB, Lighter Socket and 120V Outlets. This satisfies a variety of needs both onboard and when venturing ashore. It’s also great for powering a low-cost 120V Pod-style or K-cup coffee maker. For more demanding tasks I also keep a fully charged automotive booster-pack
on board. Should the autopilot drain too much power from your battery bank, or your cranky old diesel engine acts unusually moody and would benefit from just a tad higher revs from the starter, – having one of these is indispensable and very convenient. It also places you in a unique position to assist other boaters with power issues, something I have used this item for numerous times.
Starting Fluid
A staple in many powerboats and the few sailboats with gas engines, but rarely found in a boat with a diesel engine. Which, although I agree with avoiding the use of starting fluid on a diesel, if at all possible, sometimes it can literally save the day and maybe even the boat. Let’s examine the reason to avoid starting fluid with a diesel engine. Diesels have substantially higher compression than gas engines, which is the
reason they can combust without a spark, as a result, there is no way of controlling the timing on a diesel, once the mixture reaches the compression required to combust, it does. Adding starting fluid makes the mixture substantially more combustible, resulting in A; higher compression ratios, and B; earlier ignition, often when the piston still has significant upwards movement left. It is said this combination causes the piston rods to bend. Personally I believe that the bearings on both ends would take quite a beating too, but I’m no diesel mechanic. So, why would I recommend carrying such a detrimental concoction? -For emergencies. Is my answer. In as small quantities as you can possibly administer it. It may cause some accelerated wear to your engine, but when you’re a few meters from grounding in big waves, you can decide for yourself if it’s worth the risk. I always carry it, but hope to never have to use it.