Home>Free Stuff>Lists & Quizzes>Skip's Tips 10 Essentials for Reluctant Single Handing This list accompanies Skip's "Confessions of a Reluctant Single Hander" article in Nuts & Boats Issue #11 (Dec 1 2003). I like to have these items within arm's reach in the cockpit whenever I start out on my own. I also have my “virtual crew member” in the autopilot, without which the job of single handing would be a lot harder for me. 1. Chart/Cruising Guide
I like Maptech's chartkits, spiral-bound, nicely organized and easy to use. I research the pertinent cruising guide ahead of time, and earmark pertinent pages (anchorages, marinas, hazards, etc.) with plastic paper clips. 2. Needlenose Pliers
I lay the pointed end of the pliers on my position on the chart and move it as I go. This allows a quick glance to get my bearings, instead of having to take attention off my surroundings to concentrate on the chart’s small print in order to reorient myself. 3. Magnifying Glass
Invaluable for making out those tiny navigational aides on the chart. I use a large (6 in.) 4X model (about $5 at office supply stores). 4. Binoculars
I use a Fujinon 10X50 pair with range-bearing feature 5. GPS
I use a "hand-held" model that I almost never hand hold. It's a Magellan 3000 that sits in a mount on the helm pedestal and runs on a 12V adaptor or batteries. I use this instead of my speed log to give me speed over ground, since it takes currents into account. 6. Handheld VHF Radio
My personal choice is a compact submersible actually unit made by Standard. I have a backup fresh battery pack at the ready for a quick change if the batteries run low. 7. Airhorn
You gotta have one per USCG rules, and it's nice to have it at arm's length for signaling the brain-impaired boater on a collision course, or a bridge if your VHF fails. 8. Squirter Bottle/Pocket Hand Warmers
A summer time tool, the squirter bottle is a summertime essential. I spritz my face, hair, and neck off to cool down. The hand warmers are cold weather staples, and it’s amazing what a difference they make. 9. Sun Protection
Save on those dermatologist bills and use the moola for neat boat stuff. So put that hat on (or have it ready to grab), put on the shades with side protectors, and have sunscreen handy to re-apply after sweating and spritzing. I also like a towel to spread over my legs if they're getting too much sun, and another one to dab the sunscreen yuck out of my eyes as I sweat. Cold weather doesn’t eliminate this one; though the sweating may not be an issue, the sun can still get you. 10. Munchies
Pre-made lunch, snacks, power bars, trail mix and such, and LOTS of fluids if it's hot out. I keep a small cooler in a shady part of the cockpit and delve into it as needed. In the summertime in hot weather on an 8 to 10 hour run it's not unreasonable to go through a gallon of fluids. In cold weather, I have a vacuum pump thermal pot to store coffee or hot water that straps down in the cockpit. Back to top | 
