Welcome to the crew of the Betty Lou. This crew information is applicable for overnight voyages, and is intended to help ensure a safe, fun and peaceful voyage.
Float Plan
We’ll jointly prepare a planned itinerary well in advance, but be prepared to be flexible to respond to weather or mechanical issues, or to take advantage of surprise opportunities. The Captain will always make the final determination when it comes to safety, but otherwise the itinerary is a crew decision. Considerations include:
- Start and stop locations. The trip may start and end at the same location, or crew can join or leave the boat at intermittent points of a longer voyage, depending on their schedules (but remember to allow for weather and mechanical uncertainties).
- Stop at marinas or anchor out. A blend of these two choices is usually most appropriate, with the right mix depending on the cruising location, supply needs, and crew interests. Marina stops are more expensive, but allow easier access for dining out, sightseeing, re-supply, and plenty of water and electricity. Anchoring out is more peaceful, allows for a different type of sightseeing, and is cheaper.
- Daily time under way and speed. Travel by boat is slower than other travel you are used to (except perhaps walking or biking). An average of 40 to 50 miles per day is reasonable; more than 80 miles in a day is hard work. Fuel cost goes up with speed, so speed—except when safety is concerned—is a crew decision. Tides have a big impact on slow moving boats, so they should be factored into each daily plan.
What we Provide
Betty Lou is equipped for safe coastwise cruising, mooring and anchoring, and is provided with an outboard powered dinghy for local excursions (especially helpful when anchored or moored). Additionally, we provide:
- Bedding and towels
- Personal flotation device (PFD) for each crewmember
- Basic first aid kit
- Drawer and hanging locker space for personal items
What you should bring
Space is limited on board, and most crew, including the Captain, bring too much. Suggestions are:
- Hat
- A soft sided bag that can be rolled up and stowed below deck after the contents are unpacked and stowed.
- Sunglasses/spare glasses
- Medications, sunscreen
- ID, passport (depending on itinerary)
- Mobile phone—power will be available to charge, but cellular service will be intermittent.
- Avoid electrical devices such as hair dryers, irons.
- Raingear, but not umbrellas
- Boat shoes; may also want shore walking shoes–but limit to 2 pair
- Be prepared to dress in layers, according to the season. Long sleeve sun block shirts are a good option, even in the summer. If any clothing other than casual will be appropriate, it will be discussed in advance. Bring something you can wear in the water (swimsuit).
- If the voyage is expected to be more than a week, we’ll plan on doing laundry.
- If you’d prefer an automatic self-inflating PFD, check with the Captain for recommendations.
Water and Waste Holding Tanks
Both are limited. Hot water is even more limited.
- When using a sink/lavatory, open–use–close. When showering, wet down/close, soap down, rinse down/close.
- Each head is supplied with a dedicated color-coded wipe down towel; the shower also has a squeegee.
- Never flush anything you haven’t eaten first. Toilet paper is placed in waste basket.
- Work out with your bunk mate a flush sharing plan.
Power
Electricity is limited.
- Turn off lights when not needed.
- Avoid unnecessary opening of refrigerator/freezer.
- Charge portable devices when generator or engine are running.
Galley
The first mate (Admiral) is in charge!
- But everyone is invited to assist.
- Meal plan prepared in advance, with assumptions on restaurant meals
Operations
The Captain is in charge!
- Everyone is invited to stand watch, and to learn and practice new skills.
Pre-departure safety briefing:
- Locations of fire extinguishers/alarm, PFDs, first aid kit
- Use of VHF
- Man overboard response
- Doors/hatches/stairs—one hand for you
- Use of the head
Expenses
Betty Lou and associated maintenance is the responsibility of the Captain and Admiral.
Shareable expenses are:
- Groceries/provisions
- Fuel (depends on several factors, but $50/day average usage is a good estimate.
- Marina/mooring fees: Moorings are cheap(er). Marina docks with utilities are around $100/night (total). Anchoring is free.
- Land transportation for crew at intermittent stops
Crew are responsible for their own land transportation to/from voyage start/end locations. Several strategies are possible for travel to start/end points:
- One-way car rental between end and start locations
- Oncoming crew rent 1 car and swap with off-going crew for return trip.
- Drive two cars; leave one at end point, drive the other to start.
- Public transit
- Uber or similar