What Equipment Should a Yacht Have?

We deliver yachts all over the world. It is therefore not that surprising that we regularly get asked for advice. One of the most common questions we get asked is, what equipment do I need to buy for my yacht? As with most of these things, the answer does of course depend. What sort of yacht do you own? What sort of sailing do you plan on doing? Will you be crossing oceans or just sailing in the local estuary?

In order to help, we have compiled a list of the equipment that we would expect to have onboard a  yacht going on delivery.  If you are planning a coastal or offshore sailing trip then this list should be very helpful for you too.

What safety equipment should a yacht have?

1. Liferaft (in date and suitable for the planned passage)
2. Grab Bag
3. Flares  or Laser/LED Flares (Ocean or Coastal depending on the journey)
4. Lifejackets and Harness Lines(our delivery crew always bring their own)
5. First Aid Kit
6. EPIRB/PLB
7. Satellite Phone (essential for ocean yacht deliveries)
8. Jack Stays
9. Horse Shoe Buoy (with light)
10. Radar Reflector
11. Gas Alarm
12. Fire Extinguishers
13. Fire Blanket
14. Bungs
15. Emergency Tiller
16. Torches
17. Safety Knife

What navigation equipment should a yacht have?

1. Charts
2. Almanacs
3. Binoculars
4. Fog Horn
5. Compass (handheld and fixed)
6. Dividers
7. Portland Plotter
8. Pencils/Notepads
9. Log Book
10. Clock
11. Barometer
12. Chart Plotter/GPS
13. Radar
14. AIS
15. VHF (handheld and Fixed)
16. Depth Gauge
17. Anemometer
18. Speed Log

What deck equipment should a yacht have?

1. Main Anchor
2. Kedge Anchor
3. Mooring Lines
4. Fenders
5. Bucket and Sponge
6. Deck Brush
7. Boat Hook
8. Anchor Ball
9. Bosuns Chair
10. Hose
11. Shore Power Connection
12. Ensign and Courtesy Flags
13. Extra Fuel Cans (ideally with a jiggle tube for easy filling)
14. Spare Water Cans/Bottles
15. Additional Warps
16. Gas Bottle and Spare
17. Boarding Ladder
18. Storm Sails (for ocean yacht deliveries or passages)
19. Drogue or Sea Anchor (for ocean yacht deliveries or passages)

What tools should a yacht have?

1. Engine Spares (impellor, belts, filters, oil)
2. Screw Drivers
3. Socket Set
4. Adjustable Spanner
5. Allen Keys
6. Hacksaw
7. Mole Grips
8. Multimeter
9. Oil Filter Wrench
10. Stanley Knife
11. Whipping Twine
12. Sail Repair Tape
13. Electrical Tape
14. Spare Fuses
15. Spare Bulbs
16. Disposable Gloves
17. Telescopic Magnet
18. Zip Ties
19. Jubilee Clips
20. WD40
21. Bolt Cutters

What galley equipment should a yacht have?

1. Crockery/Cutlery
2. Drinking Glasses (best if they are plastic)
3. Mugs
4. Cooking Utensils
5. Saucepans/Frying Pan
6. Kettle and Teapot
7. Cafetiere
8. Chopping Board
9. Sharp Knives
10. Tin Opener/Bottle Opener /Cork Screw
11. Tea Towels
12. Dish Cloths
13. Kitchen Roll
14. Washing   Up Liquid
15. Cleaning Materials
16. Dustpan and Brush
17. Clothes Pegs
18. Matches

You can find more information about the equipment required by law, for example, if you are coding your yacht, by following these links:

Maritime and Coastguard Agency

Royal Yachting Association

Is there is anything you would add to our list? We’d love to hear your suggestions and comments.

With highly qualified and experienced crew, Halcyon Yachts Ltd offers a dedicated international yacht delivery service. For more information or to see details of their recent deliveries please visit  

https://halcyonyachts.com