·        AGC Series Fuses for Solar Panels
Constant high current melts solder.
Use ATC fuse - Radio Shack has good 30 amp Water Resistant holders

·       Balmar Alternator with Temp Sensor
75amp Alternator needs external cooling - Use Atwood Turbo Blower with a Hose running to cool/dry spot in bilge
Alarm still goes off at startup and when running windlass

·       Most Zippers - One of the most frequent maintenance items.
Clean frequently McNett Zip-Care and Aqua Seal Zip Tech
If frozen, soak in Boeshield T-9 and then work free carefully, clean corroded area of zipper with brush
Happens on expensive water proof clothing and raincoats that are stored for a while

·       Rip-Stop Nylon
Light rain coats, back packs and bags mildew and you can't get the stains out.

·       Lewmar Opening Ports craze after two years even under 70% shade fabric and using 303 Aerospace Protectant

·       Some Airtight Containers (bought online .. wouldn't seal)
Bugs will get in if not 100% air tight. O-ring Seals are best

·       Small Two Way Handheld Radios
Don't work well if there is any wind-have a backup plan for communication.

Instead try:
     Hand signals for anchoring during day
     Light signals for hauling anchor at night
     Light signals for motoring to relieve strain on anchor bridal

Nordic makes a small penlight with a movable lens that converts the light from white to red easily.

·       Spray in Foam for Extra Refrigerator Insulation
The previous owner sprayed in foam but forgot to take into account the expansion, so we no longer have a square box. I kept threatening to redo the insulation but it is a messy job and good insulating materials are hard to come buy. Check the effectiveness of the box first thing, Redo it if not excellent or else you will be playing catch up your entire cruise.
We DID use a thick closed cell foam mat to line the inside of the fridge and cover the top open (like a second hatch) which seems to help a lot.

·       Nylon Webbing Bought Outside the States
Everyone says its nylon but it turns to powder VERY quickly in sunlight- bring extra.

·        Noisy Wind generator on neighbors boats
They might put out a little more power than the Rutland 913 but I can't stand having neighbors with Air-X wind generators. It sounds like you are anchored next to a helicopter launch pad. In Bum's bay in Australia we had five surrounding us.. uggh!!