Most responsible boat owners have a good idea what they have on their boat and where it is stowed. But as our boats get larger and more complex and our voyaging plans reach further afield, the need for more gear grows. It becomes ever more critical to know what you have and where it is — especially when it comes to medical supplies, safety equipment, tools, and spare parts.
I recently helped friends decommission their 65-foot pilothouse sloop. These were owners who were really squared away and planned for every possible need for spare parts, specialized tools, backup safety gear, extra hardware, and more. They kept meticulous notes and logs, yet it was inevitable that “things” would fall through the cracks. Yes, everything was neatly labeled, but just as items in our homes get relegated to the garage, basement, or attic, gear tends to also disappear as boats get bigger and storage space is ample.
The solution? An app for iPhone and iPad called “What’s On My Boat?” that can inventory, locate, schedule repairs or maintenance, make lists, and even see reference photos and notes. The data can be filtered by location, category, and list. With an app like this you might be able to say goodbye to notebooks and scraps of paper. “What’s On My Boat?” is available through the app store.
Now where did I leave my iPhone? I think there’s an app for that!
