The Preparation
Nuts & Bolts
Ship Systems Checklist
Medical Chest Inventory
Online Seminar 1: Cruising Preparedness
Online Seminar 2: Health Care at Sea
The Grand Tour was a resounding success in large part thanks to the GB owners who participated - and to the effort they made in preparing, well in advance, for this long-distance journey. Some boats in the fleet had never been out for more than a few hours - new boats like the 47EU that made the Grand Tour her "shakedown cruise." Others had made journeys of similar, even longer distances, cruising all summer through Southeast Alaska.
But every owner came prepared - not just with spare parts and tools and owners manuals, but with diligent hours under their belts spent making sure each of their boats' systems were checked and double-checked. Small problems were fixed to avoid bigger ones later, and equipment was tuned, fortified and replaced as needed.
Other pre-cruise preparations were just as important: food provisioning, personal medical supplies and customs requirements were handled in advance by Tour participants. The fleet carried several Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillators "just in case" (which were, thankfully never used). Chart lists were distributed so that all boats would have the proper paper charts. Not to mention all the months of logistical planning that went into developing the event itself!
Your next cruise may not be as ambitious as bringing 16 Grand Banks on 800-mile journey to Alaska. You may, however, find some of the resources and preparation tips in the menu at right helpful to your own preparations. This collection is by no means comprehensive, but it gives you a glimpse at what GB owners on the Tour undertook to help make the cruise such a safe and successful event.
Nuts & Bolts
By GB Service Support Manager Larry Crouch
The Good News
Preparation > The success of the tour can be largely attributed to each skipper's preparedness. In all cases the boats were extremely well equipped and properly fitted out. I cannot imagine finding sixteen boats and crews better prepared. This was the most important factor contributing to a relatively trouble free cruise from a mechanical perspective.
Electronics > All of the boats were equipped with both electronic charts and paper charts. While the old standard of coastal piloting with paper charts was in full use, electronic charting provided an easy quick access to bearings and distances and their combined use with radar was essential for piloting during frequently poor visibility. After talking with many of the skippers, I think we agreed that the electronic charts were both accurate and easy to read. Also, GPS coverage was comprehensive and accurate. In addition, many boats were equipped with powerful sounders that were very effective in locating the bottom contours, which in many places shelved from very deep to dangerously shallow quickly. Sanctuary, our very efficient mother ship, was equipped with an Interphase Sonar that they reported was useful not only for navigation, but for sweeping an anchorage for unseen rocks that could become a nuisance during low water.
Engines > The lack of any catastrophic engine failures during the tour points out the reliability of modern marine diesels. The only problems encountered (oil leaks, etc.) did not cause a failure or were quickly repaired with on board spares. Again, preparation was a key to success in that all of the boats were very thoroughly checked out before departure.
Furnaces > Almost all of the boats were equipped with some type of cabin heating system. The systems, after their annual servicing, produced reliable dry heat 24 hours a day. I would not contemplate a trip north without one.
Watermakers > Many boats were equipped with watermakers and they gave reliable service. While water was readily available at all ports of call, the addition of a watermaker in many boats made for many a welcome hot shower with out fear of running the tanks dry.
Lessons Learned
VHF Radio > While all of the boats were equipped with multiple VHF radios, it had to be kept in mind that VHF is line-of-sight. With so many mountains around, VHF can become sketchy.
Cell Phone Coverage > Cell phone coverage was not dependable, although it was usually available near and around the major ports.
Electrical Systems > Boats have become very complicated electrically. Most of the failures that were experienced were electrical. In many cases they were simple problems that were easily identified. However, since the systems are composed of many highly specialized parts, some problems were difficult to resolve due to access to replacement components. Also, the number of batteries and their respective charging sources were often difficult to understand and troubleshoot. It would be a good idea to be sure the electrical wiring diagrams and manuals for your boat are up to date and that you have a thorough understanding of the basic systems.
Marine Sanitation Systems > Due to the varying age of the boats many types of heads, holding tanks, and pumps were in use. Most worked adequately, but there were several cases of plugged toilets. Many cases could be traced to inexperienced crew who were not well briefed on the vagaries of marine heads. It is advisable to post a detailed instruction plaque at every toilet. In addition, be sure to use only marine tissue paper that is designed specifically to pass easily through the system.
A Few Must-Haves
Paper Charts & Cruising Guides > While electronic charts were very useful and provided most of the navigation information for the fleet while underway, paper charts are still an important backup as well as a useful tool for planning. In addition, anchorages and tight passages should be examined on both electronic and paper charts as the details may appear slightly different. Margo Wood's Charlie's Charts was an invaluable tool for planning the day's run and making approaches to interesting anchorages.
Volt meter > As discussed above, electrical issues were a constant concern. A good quality volt meter is an absolute must addition to a full tool set.
Plumber's Helper > The common plunger, both large and small. Sometimes the low-tech solutions are best.
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