Instant Poll: I never leave the dock without this piece of gear ....
Tell us what you always carry aboard your small boat. Maybe it’s common, or maybe it’s a little unusual—but you’d never push off without it!
For more information on packing a boat, be sure to see our feature article here that includes a PDF downloadable packing list,—Eds
Anchors, and extra anchors, chain and rode, since losing one during a cruise (without spares) can put a quick end to the enjoyment—or the cruise itself. Also carry a decent toolkit, spare engine parts, more line than I’ll ever actually need, and plenty of extra butane cannisters for the one-burning cooktop. Oh, yeah, and plenty of full drinking/cooking water jugs…and more coffee than I could possibly brew during the planned cruise.
I never leave the dock without a boat! Well, that's not completely true as I have fallen in off the dock more than once!