Blue water kit

Put three bluewater sailors together to discuss gearing up for long offshore passages, and you’re likely to get three very different kit lists. Nonetheless, that’s just what we did. The case studies below reflect three different cruising stories and three different routes to readying the boat for an ocean crossing. In between, we’ve curated lists of the best equipment in each category, from watermakers and windvanes to EPIRBs and liferafts.

WATERMAKERS

Advances in technology mean that watermakers are now quieter, cheaper and more efficient than they were even 10 years ago. They provide a key insurance policy for long crossings, or vital comfort on larger boats. Look for a unit that covers reasonable water consumption for the least current draw. All small boat systems now include some form of energy recovery.

Dessalator

DC units from 30-100 litres per hour or AC units from 60-200 litres/hr, with automatic rinsing and remote-control panel. From €6,635 ex-VAT dessalator.fr

Rainman

Aussie-made portable system that is described as being ‘like a genset’. Pick a motor unit and a membrane unit for a modular set-up with no invasive installation. DC version only in 34 litres/hour format;