DO'S & DON'T

Last updated

23 Sep 2007

Basically a boat is it's own little universe. All the items which are taken for granted on shore, like the fuel and water supply, electricity, garbage and even sewage disposal are systems which we must manage and maintain for ourselves aboard Good Grief . Therefore, monitoring the quantities we use and the when, why and how of using the different systems is vital to a happy life afloat. Basically, conservation is the keynote and the way things are done on board always works toward that goal because a boat is inherently limited in both space and resources. We are often surprised at how little we actually need of either after living aboard for fifteen years but it is invariably difficult for "dirt dwellers" used to lots of room and lots of stuff.

As a rule we omit sending prospective visitors a laundry list of rules and regulations because we don't wish to appear inhospitable nor to present too limiting a picture of the experience of staying in a smallish cabin aboard a smallish boat! but the more you know, the less apt you are to be saying "Gee, I wish I had known that before I left home."

Giving a welcome guest the impression that there is a host of precautions and numerous no-no's just naturally goes against the grain. Never-the-less it is true that life aboard a boat is NOT like life ashore and if a few tips about the things we have learned the hard way will make your stay more enjoyable well, why wouldn't we share them with you! We want it to be fun for all!!

Before you leave home..

	Pack only the quantities you will use while aboard and use a soft, foldable bag, like duffle bags. They are easier to transport in the rubber dinghy, can be stored folded up when not in use and are more friendly to boat surfaces in general.
	Limited storage space dictates bringing a bare minimum of very casual, easy care clothes. The cruising destinations rarely require dressy attire. Almost any kind of coordinated top and bottom whether it is shorts, pants or skirt looks put together enough for most places, (especially if you add some resorty type fun jewelry). A long sleeved blouse or shirt is enough for the cool night air or a surprise drenching by a sudden tropical rain shower if you are prone to chill.
	Leave good gold jewelry at home. Sadly, in most places today, it attracts the wrong kind of attention.
	If you want to snorkel or scuba dive bring your own gear. We have tanks and a compressor but the proper fit of fins, snorkel, mask and regulator are key to being comfortable and having a good time in the water.
	Bring your favorite beauty products, sun screen and insect repellant unless you don't are ..then there is plenty aboard.. usually left by guests preferring to use the space for souvenirs.
	If you like to have a favorite snack, food or beverage either bring it or make sure we do a stop to get it when you arrive. The limited boat storage does not allow for a large variety and the selfish crew stocks what they like (or can get.)

On the boat...

	No hard or black soled shoes. No shoes at all inside the boat ..it keeps it cleaner and we use the floors for all kinds of things ..no, I mean like watching TV!
	No oily substances to stain boat furnishings indoors or out.
	Never flush anything down a marine toilet that you did not eat or drink. Everything else goes in the nearby waste container.
	Conserve fresh water. There is no supply other than what we have in the tanks. We can make fresh water from sea water at the rate of about 45 gallons a day so there is ample water for general use but it conserves to take "navy" showers. Wet down, water off, soap up, water on for the rinse.
	Usually not enough water for the washer so keep track of your own towel and washcloth and clothes and always hang damp or wet items somewhere unobtrusive outside on the lifelines or in the engine room if it is rainy to prevent the quick tropic mold.
	Conserve electricity, always turn off lights and fans when you leave a room. They draw on the batteries for power.
	Always rinse off outside with the fresh water hose after a swim and do your feet upon return from a dinghy trip.
	Stay outside or request a towel if you are wet and dripping.
	Keep track of your own drinking glass or mug. There isn't room for a sink full to collect.
	Avoid the galley unless you are asked to participate. No room for more than one butt in there and if "Cookie" wants any help she knows how to get it!
	This is tough but NO aerosols please and use gels rather than oils. If you need such items get non aerosols the overspray in a small bathroom can take a week of cleaning to remove. If you can't live without ithem get in the shower stall to use it and then clean the walls when you shower. The overspray damages the varnished teak that is everywhere on a boat.