[quote=marekli]there's another guy in your area that sails San Juan islands. He used to own a Nacra20 but then maybe sold it a year or so ago. He might be able to give you some more suggestions about sailing the islands. I will look up his name here and PM you...
...just get some portable LED lights and extra batteries...it's so cheap these days that installing any system simply ain't worth the time/money. Get an EPIRB if you don't already have one and then maybe consider a satellite radio system like SPOT or Delorme for longer trips. It will allow you to exchange location and information with family and friends on longer trips where you probably will be out of cell phone range. I use Delorme's InReach iridium sat phone/GPS on camping trips. It also serves as a backup emergency SOS system if your VHF or EPIRB fail.
[quote=jollyrodger]Agreed, the San Juans are amazing. I'm coming from an SJ 24 (now for sale) that took me to more than a few of the islands and got me in to a couple sticky situations, the most embarrassing of which ended in a ride with the Coast Guard. Certainly won't be going far without radio, GPS, etc. I've got a little outboard so more worried about too much wind than too little.
On a week long trip did you just bring a sack of batteries for the electronics? Did you do anything for nav lights? Part of me is tempted to put a small 12V system on my boat. On the other hand, the main reason I moved to the cat was to spend more time sailing and less time fixing stuff like that.
I've got a Waggoner guide and charts so I can find most of the established spots, I guess I'm trying to find out if there are legal places for smaller boats that they don't include in the cruising guides. Maybe I should be looking for a good kayak forum?
The Hobie is new to me. On the way to pick it up I passed what looked like a NACRA being trailered on highway 20 near Burlington, doubt is was you but good to know there are a few around.[/quote][/quote]
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