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On 24 Jan 2004 09:18:25 -0800, (Parallax)
wrote:

Knotlog- really useful or does the reading off the GPS suffice?

Yes, GPSes are cheap enough to have one for the boat and another for
the crash box. The boat one is mounted in a bendy suction cup thingie
that runs a 12 V fused line to ship's power, because they eat AA batts
for breakfast. The bendy mount thing, instead of being suctioned to
the bridgedeck or the bulkhead (too much motion for that on my boat)
is lashed to an old gooseneck lamp extender that pivots into the
companionway. When I need it, I deploy it so that I can read it from
where I sit or stand at the tiller. When I don't, I fold the gooseneck
back onto its mount and lash it down tidily. Works for me and is dead
cheap.

Handheld VHF- useful or not?

Yes. I use the submersible Standard Horizon 260S I got a few years ago
much more than I use the base unit, because when I want to gam with
nearly vessels, it's right there, with its lanyard clipped via a light
carbiner (the $1.50 type used for keys and such) to a hard point in
the cockpit. I checked out remote speakers and channel-display mics
for the base unit, but they cost just as much as the handheld, and
couldn't go with me in the Zodiac when the wind was too calm for
sailing and I wanted to bomb around the Island.

Electronic masthead windmeter (I'd like one but am doubtful about its
robustness)- useful or not?

I like it but they are expensive and delicate if you pull your mast
every year like me. Upon reflection I would just buy a handheld,
although my refurbished ElectroMarine analog meters look extremely
salty in the cockpit at night. I have apparent wind direction, wind
speed and a knotmeter.

If I raced my boat I would want them more, but I mostly cruise AS IF
I'm racing (I race on other boats...far cheaper and less stressful!)

Radar- Takes too much power I think for a sailboat.

This is utterly dependant I think on your location, your style of
sailing and your ability to keep watch. For a daysailer in familiar
waters not prone to fog, it's a frill, but a nice one. In areas of
sudden weather changes, heavy commercial traffic or offshore passages,
it's a lifesaver. I am thinking particularly of the proximity alarms
that can be rigged to give you time to change course if Big
Undermanned Tankers are closing on your position.

Lazy jacks- (I am sure I can make my own) but really useful or not?

If you single-hand, sure, but not necessary. And yes, it's pretty
simple to rig your own for under $100 and a little time drilling and
riveting.

Any other useful things?

A Koolatron with a blanket over it (except for the exhaust fan) is
easier than ice or a fridge on board. Take off, load from the home
fridge or beer store, take aboard, plug into the 12 V and enjoy...
They draw about three amps.

Other useful stuff: engine alarms (oil pressure, water temp.);
bulletproof bilge pump setup (no chance of dry cycling); manual
windlass (if you anchor out a lot), a headlamp with three or four
bright LEDs (*VERY* handy at night or deep in the sail locker looking
for a dropped tool)l those dollar-store closet dome lights powered by
four AA batteries (use in lockers, nav station, engine
compartment--bright enough to see by but dim enough not to wake the
boat); a propane/gas sniffer with a solenoid cutoff, a CO detector.

R.