GEAR & SAFETY - SOLO SAILING electronics and equipment

This is what I use when I sail single-handed; I discuss tethering to the boat, rescue electronic beacon that I wear, PFD, AIS receiver and auto-pilot. I also talk a bit about the mindset I try to keep.
My speed (and max speed audio cue) is measured with the tcSpeeds iOS App that I created. Check it out and download it for FREE:
itunes.apple.c...
• Sailing with tcSpeeds ...
transitionalcon...
My travel story to Cuba and Mexico
Smashwords (free eBook download):
www.smashwords...
Amazon (99 cents eBook download):
a.co/hLzn4cV
Medium.com (read directly online for free)
/ tacks-and-trails-a-rec...
Equipment discussed:
AIS Receiver - Standard Horizon GX2200W
a.co/btpUJGQ
Garmin Striker 4
a.co/5ufMXzy
Garmin GPS 545s (old)
Raymarine Auto-tiller ST1000+
a.co/iqgOSaP
Raymarine E15024 S100 Wireless Autopilot Remote
a.co/fEVanYZ
Garmin inReach Explorer (plus subscription)
a.co/1FhmXWp
ACR PLB-375 406 MHz ResQLink+ (no subscription needed)
a.co/13iwGo7
West Marine PFD Automatic Inflatable Offshore
www.westmarine...
iPad running iSailor and Navionics (boating)
itunes.apple.c...
itunes.apple.c...
Boat: Corsair F-27 Hull #224 1991 trimaran
Music:
Sonic Rade - Transmission
• Transmission (by Sonic...
itunes.apple.c...
play.google.co...

[@waderogers]

Love your gear. I solo sail in Alaska and carry much of the same gear, including the self inflating PFD, a DeLorme inReach (love, love, love it) and I use it to let my wife know when I've arrived at my destination because I can be 100 miles from anyone up here. I also have 'jack lines' that I snap onto with a harness to my PFD. I run the same autopilot that you have and I have a primary and a backup unit, with small wireless waterproof remote controls. When I go forward, I carry the autopilot remote and the DeLorme with me. I also have the same Ram arm mount for my laptop and iPad and the same Standard Horion VHF radio with AIS, DSC, and the built in GPS antenna. First rule of sailing in Alaska is don't fall overboard!

[@tomaskryan]

Wow! That is great! It confirms that it makes a lot of sense to carry all this equipment. Yeah, falling overboard in AK has to be really bad, even if you manage to get back on board, you will probably not survive the cold. Thanks for you comment, love it!

[@waderogers]

@@tomaskryan You can never have too much of the right kit, for sure!

[@russellbeyer4414]

Excellent concise review. Very helpful to hear a review from someone who actually uses the equipment.

[@jokagimenez4702]

Thanks for this awesome video. Beware, just one thing worth pointing out... The Raymarine ST1000+ auto-tillers are NOT WATERPROOF!! Not even to waves splashes when too intense... I found out the hard way, single handing in gale force winds and rough seas... Opening it afterwards, I could clearly see the rust where the water had came in. They replaced it for free, but of course wouldn't admit the fault. Apparently their concurrent aren't much better... But the solution is to tailor a waterproof jacket for the tiller! (Advice given straight from the retailer ;) )

[@tomaskryan]

Yeah, i read about this before. I have not had problems so far after a few years. Maybe because I use the remote and rarely press the buttons on the ST1000+. Regardless, I really should protect it. I just added this to the todo list! Thanks for the important reminder!!!

[@ajrodzinak]

Carabiners- "If it's good for rock climbing, it's good to sail the boat!" Love it!

[@xfoxtrotwiskeykilo995]

Sweet set up bro , cheers !!!

[@robertfrederick9061]

It is great that all these electronic wizards are available now. I wish there was a PLD & AIS device when I sailed 30 -40 years ago. We did not have GPS but we sometimes could use LORAN referenced to maritime charts. Even with all these electronic aids people who sail off shore should learn analog devices for navigation.

[@tomaskryan]

You are right! I sail with 7 GPS devices, but if I run out of electricity for some reason, I am screwed. I carry no paper maps, it’s all digital. I should really learn how to use a sextant, at least get to know the basics.

[@bobbobbinson1841]

Thanks for these videos. It is very nice to see "how to" videos delivered by someone who wants to be very informative. and not just tell us brands etc..

[@tomaskryan]

Thanks Bob for your nice comments!

[@_saber_six3830]

Excellent video's. Thank you for taking the time.

[@buzzinbill1962]

As the old saying goes "Those with the best toys wins" Wishing you all the luck, my friend ....

[@tomaskryan]

Thanks! 😆

[@brentm8161]

Great info and thanks so much for posting! Please keep it up.

[@bizeigel]

Really informative and fun video. I love the F boats. Thank you!

[@tomaskryan]

Thank you!!!

[@magicman9486]

thanks for the video. great information. Sailing alone is like being on top of a very tall building. if you fall your dead. Always tie off.

[@tomaskryan]

Yep, that is right. Many sailors do not realize the full consequence of going overboard when offshore. Falling into the water is no big deal, but what comes next...

[@ZoneTelevision]

Love your Channel Tomas. Another Trimaran Channel Finally !!! Great tips and information too. ⛵️

[@giordanonagro3592]

Love this setup!! Thank you very much!!

[@tomaskryan]

Thanks and welcome!

[@John-qw4vs]

Great video....

[@anthonyunsworth1288]

Excellent, thank you.

[@laurentfroggy6631]

Really informative. Many thanks for sharing and best from HKG 🇭🇰

[@tomaskryan]

Glad you liked it!

[@gliderklajdkl]

Superb videos and channel, which is thoroughly enjoyed. It looks like You are enjoying and getting the best out of life :-) Thanks videos and channel !

[@RobertdeVries-trimaran-sailing]

A F-27 was my previous for 7 years.......enjoyed it a lot.

[@danickleduc1471]

Im going to take a chance here but would you be from Québec ? If not, your accent sound like it😃 Great vidéo, in fact, one of my favorite !! Lots of good actionable ideas in there !!

[@tomaskryan]

Salut Danick! Bien deviné, je viens de Québec. Content que tu apprécies. Merci!

[@-MOS-]

Thank for this! You just answered so many questions i had about solo sailing.

[@tomaskryan]

You are very welcome!

[@wallygater]

Thank you so much for the video I especially enjoyed your 21st-century equipment the thing is it’s not even that expensive I recently looked at one video where the gentleman was getting ready to sell by himself it was testing to see if he could get onboard he did but he was wearing a dollar store PFD! The only thing I can think was the saying “ pennywise pound foolish”.

[@ExpatMoe]

Nice setup!

[@tomaskryan]

Thanks!

[@freddy01577]

I too have an ST1000 tillerpilot - didn't like the remote price so found an alternative on Amazon $10 and the electronics goes inside the ST1000 case - also the lifeline attachment to your lifejacket - how do you get on board if 'God forbid' you go overboard? Get a webbing ladder and make a small sleeve to slide over the lifeline then if needed simply pull out the ladder.

[@tomaskryan]

Nice! Yeah, that remote is expensive. I'd be curious to know more about your remote. Good idea about the ladder. I might setup something similar. My plan was simply to pull myself up. That motivates me to keep doing many pull-ups every day. Haha!

[@freddy01577]

@@tomaskryan ladder www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Webbing-Jacobs-Ladder-Bed-Help-Lightweight-Mobility-Equipment-Disability-Black/333388761680?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 remote www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01ELJ1D1A?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details pics from sailing forum showing installed card inside ST1000 forums.ybw.com/index.php?threads/autopilot-remote-control-wifi-tablet-ipad.444821/page-2

[@westwindsailer]

great videos , as an avid windsurfer and wanna be trimaran owner.

[@tomaskryan]

Awesome!

[@kreandi]

I thought the gear on your hand was an EPIRB. Good idea to have a remote for the autopilot.

[@tomaskryan]

Yep. PLB in my pocket! 👍

[@mikemassey9145]

ZWEe

[@RF-yh3qh]

man!!!! you did a great video!!! great music.... let me know when you are around mexico.... or when you plan sell your boat!!

[@tomaskryan]

Ricardo Fabar Thanks man! Will do!

[@revelation1143]

Marine electronics are not designed for reliability or longevity. You have to be super lucky to get a few years of cruising out of them. Of course, this doesn't matter if you can afford to keep replacing them.

[@tomaskryan]

Totally agree. Good point! Electronics and salt water are incompatible. You should always be able to handle your boat and steer it to safety without your electronics.

[@RobertdeVries-trimaran-sailing]

Nice informative vid, thanks for sharing, Robert C-31uc Holland

[@aboveTheSeasNGO]

You have a nice C-31uc, that is probably my next boat!

[@0GSoon]

Thank you to show us all these useful gizmos. One question, if fall off board and dragging at 5knots sideway, how can you rescue yourself?

[@tomaskryan]

Good question! Yes, I tried it. I also do 30+ pullups every day, that helps. Getting on an F27 or any boat is not easy without a ladder. But the #1 rule remains: do not fall!

[@0GSoon]

@@tomaskryan love it! Big thanks, and will do a thirty pushups or being physical before a solo trip.

[@tomaskryan]

Great! Rule #2: have a lot of fun! :-)

[@donjvalley]

Your best and safest video, yet!!! I lived south of Denver for more than 30yrs, now retired and enjoy golf, tennis and tropical sailing courses. Thinking about Alberg 30 or Corsair 31, as both are great for solo sailing and trailerable. I heard the Simrad tiller pilots are more reliable than "Raymarine ST's" as they are 'gear-driven' rather than 'belt-driven'. Have you considered 'sheet to tiller' self-steering, no electricity needed and great for crossing oceans!!! Why do you have both floats roped to the bowsprit?

[@tomaskryan]

My next boat will probably be an F-31, much more space for longer trips. My selection of the Raymarine auto-tiller was based on reading and looking at reviews. It looked simple to setup and I really like having a remote controller, which makes sailing alone much easier. You can steer the boat from anywhere and that is especially useful when making sail changes. The attachment point of the bowsprit to the bow is hinged so you can bring the bowsprit up or down. This attachment point is not strong laterally, so the two lines prevent the bowsprit to move side to side. We are basically neighbors, I live in Boulder!

[@donjvalley]

Almost neighbors, except that now I'm living closer to Pattaya than to Parker!!!

[@mvserenity9331]

I'm solo sailing as well, obviously agree with all of your safety precautions. I like the chest pack it's better than clipping to the PFD which is how I mount my PiRB, Strobe, etc. Where did you get it?

[@tomaskryan]

I use the Coaxsher RP-1 Scout Radio Chest Harness a.co/dvLDM5l. There are many other types, this one is pretty simple and works well.

[@brianguthrie6955]

Like this, good info and presentation, me ? just starting live aboard on lagoon 42 with wife.

[@nonimus2030]

Autopilot manufacturers ought to have a panic button that turns the rudder 90° and holds it there if you fall overboard. Better chance of catching the boat then.

[@tomaskryan]

Exellent point! I think some autopilot do that, when communication with the remote fails, but not mine.

[@phcagent]

Hi Tomas. I am interested in knowing what transducer you used for the Garmin Striker and how you mounted it. Thanks. Great video!

[@tomaskryan]

The Striker 4 is connected directly to an Airmar P79 transducer which is located right below the cockpit and mounted just off the center line. Chauchau the cat is looking at it at 1:56 - kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKDNlHV8f5J7p9U

[@phcagent]

Thanks Tomas. Can you tell me about your bowsprit also? I've watched several of your other videos. They're great! Thanks again!

[@tomaskryan]

The bowsprit came with the boat, nothing special to report about it. My large screacher sail tack is attached to the tip of the bowsprit which is a bit far and tricky to reach to install the sail. I’ve setup a small platform to sit on and can rest my feet on the bowsprit just because it is a cool place to be and with the best view.

[@jtechie3]

Cool my other question that I forgot to ask how do you see the coral reefs and know to stay away.from them. ? I just always wonder that. Some.say to.look for darker color but that part would be scary

[@tomaskryan]

You get a good chart plotter and know your draft. The F-27 has a 18 inch draft (with the centerboard up), you can go pretty much anywhere including right to the beach. I use the "Boating app" by Navionics with the sonar view, it gives a lot of detail on depth and where the coral heads are. I normally stay away from any area with lots of coral heads.

[@jtechie3]

Hello, I was sailing videos all the time mostly Trimarans and cats. I grew up on Monos. This video is great gave me some insight on things I didn't think of. I normally sail on Lakes so I am not ready for the ocean yet! I sail a 21 Catamaran I have been looking at these boats for 10 years now, it would be mostly me and the wife, I have no idea which one to get! The lake i am close to only allows 27 foot. I am sure I could launch a 28 but I cant leave it there. What is a top speed you have reached?

[@tomaskryan]

The F-27 is 27 feet long so I guess would be ok for your lake. My maximum speed on the F-27 is 15 knots and I was not even trying, just a perfect day with good wind and no waves.

[@WhistlerSailing]

Hi Tomas, great video! I just purchased an F27 at the end of the summer last year. I really like your solar panel setup. Where did you get the solar panel located in front of the Pop top ? And also your solar controller? ( brand etc) You videos are very inspiring we are planning an extended trip in the Sea of Cortez next year. Any other details you could provide on your solar panel setup would be much appreciated. Merci

[@tomaskryan]

Congratulation on your F27 acquisition! It is a great boat and the more I sail it the more I like. My flexible 50W solar panel: a.co/8Aowaze This is the controller: a.co/3BznNHE I try to avoid walking on the panel but did many times with zero damage. My second solar panel is mounted on the stern rail, but I think a better option would be to put another flexible solar panel on the stern deck behind the cockpit. I did drill a hole trough the stern deck to bring the power cable to the controller. As for the panel in front of the pop top, I just bended the cables into the cabin and secured them with velcro on the inside ceiling all the way to the same controller located near the battery. Works great for me. Have an awesome trip in the Sea or Cortez!

[@WhistlerSailing]

Tomas Ryan merci pour tout les détails sur tes panneaux solaires, je viens juste de me procurer le même sur Amazon! Je viens de lire le compte rendu de tes aventures c'est vraiment Nice. Ma copine et moi nous faisons aussi pas mal de montagne surtout en ski mountaineering , on a escaladé et skier des volcans dans le nord ouest , le mont baker et Adams l'an dernier. On aimerais éventuellement faire une expédition avec un access en trimaran ! Dans le nord du Bc ou peut être alaska. J'aurais sûrement d'autre questions sur ton setup électronique au fur et à mesure que nos préparatifs avance , je garde ton contact précieusement.merci François

[@tomaskryan]

Salut Francois, Merci pour les compliments! Le combinaison montagne et voile est vraiment super! N'hésite pas si tu as des questions. A+

[@WhistlerSailing]

Salut tomas! quel es le modele du "ram mount" que tu as installe pour ton ipad, J'aime bien ton setup. merci

[@tomaskryan]

C’est un RAM Tab-Tite Cradle, disponible sur Amazon. Il fonctionne bien.

[@Trubshaw111]

Hi ... inspired by your videos .... what is that Garmin model you have around your neck ?.. thanks

[@tomaskryan]

The auto-tiller remote control I wear on my wrist is made to be worn around the neck which I thought was cumbersome. In my small chest pocket I carry the Delorme inReach (Garmin recently bought Delorme) and the ACR PLB ResQLink.

[@kingg213]

I'm curious, if you were to go overboard, would you be able to control or stop the boat, with the remote you have on your wrist?

[@tomaskryan]

If I am not tethered to the boat, I do not think the remote would work when more than 50 feet away. That would give me a few seconds to react which if not enough to effectively steer. If tethered and going overboard, I would be dragged over the water, and if the remote does not get ripped off my wrist, I would probably be able to steer the boat to slow it down.

[@kingg213]

Thanks for your quick reply.

[@russellbeyer4414]

Set the tethers inboard so you do not go in the water. Easier said than a done. But it is logical prevention

[@TC-yx1qt]

@@russellbeyer4414 What do you mean by inboard? Near the center of the boat? So if they fell, they fall in the boat and not over the side?

[@russellbeyer4414]

T C The tethers should be attached to pad eyes or jack lines well inboard on deck or in the cockpit so that if you fall or are thrown with the tether fully extended you are still on the deck of the boat. This may be difficult to achieve across the entire length of the boat but should be kept in mind when setting your pad eyes and jack lines. You will notice on some boats the jack lines run the length of the cabin top and foredeck inside all shrouds closer to the centerline of the boat rather than running lengthwise on the side decks beside the cabin top and outside the shrouds. This is so that the fully extended tether leaves you on deck and not overboard when you slip or are thrown.

[@WhistlerSailing]

Salut Tomas j’ai remarqué que tu as un Bimini sur ton bateau , j’en cherche unpour mon f27 , mais je ne trouve pas aucun détails sur internet pour la taille et hauteur , marque etc , si tu as des détails sur le tiens ça serait super merci à l’avance François

[@tomaskryan]

Salut Francois, Voici ce que j'utilise: TAY36715 Taylor Made Bimini Top Only Vinyl 6'X 36"X 79-84" TAY36685 Taylor Made Kd Alum Frame Bimini 36"X6'X79-84" Tu pourrais le prendre environ 4 pouces de moins large. C'est loin d'être parfait mais ca fonctionne. Il a fallut que je "patente" un peut pour le fit. Un peut difficile de renter et de sortir du cockpit. Malgré tout, je suis bien content de l'avoir: nécessaire en Floride.

[@WhistlerSailing]

Tomas Rya

[@WhistlerSailing]

Tomas Ryan Merci

[@Taboollc]

Love your sailing video Tomas . Have you shared this or any of your videos on sosailize.net ? ( Its Free )

[@DagGustafson]

please reconsider the lifeline, climbing carabiners are not designed for the potential sheaving force you'll experience if you fall overboard

[@tomaskryan]

I took too many very long falls on carabiners slaming against the rock in all directions and orientations. They kept me alive, as falls like these without a rope/carabiners is 100% fatal. Falling from a boat seems to be orders of magnitudes less in force or stress. I feel very confident in them. I am also very at ease manipulating them form decades of rock climbing. Maybe you are right. I’ll give it some thought. Thanks for your comment!

[@pwndyerass8485]

Rock climbing carabiners are rated to 27 KN end to end force, 10 KN at the opening gate for falls far in excess of falling off a yacht. . 27 KN= 2,753 kg of force.

[@DagGustafson]

This isn't a discussion, read the article. Straight axis loads are not what your carabineers experience when you fall off

[@tomaskryan]

You are correct. It also depends on the setup and how you fall, and how the equipment takes the load. I would say another advantage of using the real thing is corrosion resistance. The climbing carabiner gate can corrode and malfunction. You certainly have to inspect your gear regularly.

[@SpyridonMouroutsos]

:)

[@johnherlosky2412]

I love your videos! Very informative. I’m considering buying an F-27 and your opinions have been very helpful. Please friend me on FB because I have a ton of questions for you!

[@tomaskryan]

Cool. Glad the videos are helpful. I do not have a FB account. You can email me at [e-mail]

[@johnherlosky2412]

@@tomaskryan Thank you! I will do that! Cheers!