This is our working list of items we are researching or planning to buy as we settle into life aboard Lucky Enough. Some are safety essentials, others are navigation tools or comfort upgrades, and a few depend on how our first season unfolds. This list will evolve as we gain experience on the Rideau and refine what we actually need versus what is simply nice to have.
| Priority | Item | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial | CHS Paper Charts – Rideau Canal (1512 & 1513) |
Canadian Hydrographic Service official navigation charts. 1512: Kingston to Smiths Falls 1513: Smiths Falls to Ottawa Estimated cost: $25–$35 per chart (≈ $50–$70 total). For planning overview and onboard backup to electronic navigation. Ordering note: The Nautical Mind charges approx. $19 shipping. Best option: The Chandlery (often more competitive overall pricing for charts). |
| Initial | DUAL XGPS160 SkyPro Bluetooth GPS Receiver |
Bluetooth GPS receiver for iPad Price: $249.00 Comes with rubber mount for dash placement. About 10 hours per charge. Amazon |
| Initial | Garmin Avionics App (Annual) |
Navigation app subscription Price: $79.99 per year Includes US & Canada maps Garmin |
| Initial | Electronic Distress Light (ACR ResQFlare Pro) |
Transport Canada approved. Replaces 6 flares, no expiry (battery powered). Ideal for night-time distress signaling. West Marine | Defender | Amazon Canada |
| Initial | Daytime Smoke Flares (Orion 4-Pack) |
Daytime visibility on lakes and open stretches. Compact, low-risk, easy cockpit storage. Canadian Tire | West Marine | Amazon Canada |
| Initial | Fenders (Polyform HTM-2) |
Qty: 2 — Size: 8.5" x 20.5" Intended as backup fenders to supplement our primary dock lines and existing setup. Likely sufficient for Rideau Canal docking situations. Amazon |
| Initial | MGD-1XL Gas Fume Detector |
Marine gasoline vapor detector Price: $219.02 PartsEngine |
| Initial | VHF Refresher Course |
Confidence and DSC best practices refresher. Advantage Boating |
| Initial | Emergency Rope-Cutting Knife (Spyderco Salt) |
Fully serrated sheepsfoot marine knife. Ultra corrosion resistant. One-hand operation. Spyderco |
| Future Upgrade | Garmin GPSMAP 923 Chartplotter |
9" touchscreen helm-mounted multifunction display. Price: $2,030 Dedicated navigation with radar/AIS expandability. Redundancy beyond iPad navigation. Garmin |
| Future Upgrade | Starlink Mini |
Compact satellite internet system for dock/anchor use. Intended for use while docked or at anchor, not underway. Must confirm billing pause policy before activation. Best Buy |
| Future Upgrade | Handheld IR Thermometer |
Quick non-contact engine & electrical temperature checks. Useful for manifolds, risers, bearings, electrical connections, shore power plugs, and spotting abnormal heat early. Amazon Canada (~$30) |