LITTLE THINGS

A new movie called The Little Things, a neo-noir crime thriller starring Denzel Washington, emphasizes the importance of paying attention to minute details. The same general principle applies to boating, as I was reminded during a recent evening while fishing aboard a friendÕs boat.

IIn the course of events, I asked to use his onboard flashlight. “I don’t have one,” he responded. I was dismayed. This is a captain who is meticulous, but he hadn’t thought to stash away a flashlight.

This led me to think about the little things that make a big difference in terms of convenience and safety afloat, both day and night. I am thinking about gear other than the required safety equipment. Here are some little things that can often make a big difference, each available for less than $10.

FLASHLIGHT

I always carry two LED flashlights as well as spare batteries for each. You can get an LED flashlight for as little as $8.99 at harborfreight.com.

GLOVES

A pair of gloves is handy in a variety of chores, such as weighing anchor or handling a spiny fish. I never venture to sea without a pair of gloves, available for a pittance—a mere $2.97 at homedepot.com.

TOWEL

Any old towel will keep your hands dry or wipe up a grimy deck. Microfiber towels are gentler for wiping clear vinyl and sunglasses. You can pick up the microfiber variety for $8.99 per set at amazon.com.

PAD AND PENCIL

I keep a pad and pencil at the helm to jot down reminders about maintenance chores and repairs. Rite in the Rain all-weather pads start at $5.95; riteintherain.com.

BUNGEE CORDS

An assortment of bungee cords can help secure items such as coolers or keep beanbag seats tied down on the hardtop. You’ll pay $8.86 for 20 cords at walmart.com.

SCISSORS

Just about every boat has a knife, but scissors are quicker and safer for cutting line, opening packages, chunking bait, etc. Plan on spending $6.47 for 9-inch stainless-steel scissors at walmart.com.

ZIP TIES

Use zip ties to temporarily batten loose canvas or quickly repair a torn landing net. You can get a package of 100 for $4.99 at target.com.

CUTTING BOARD

A plastic cutting board prevents guests from using your teak covering boards for chopping bait. Budget $6.97 for a board at amazon.com.

DUCT TAPE

Every boat should have a roll of duct tape to temporarily mend hoses or patch a tear in the canvas. Pick up a roll for $9.65 at granger.com.

ZIP-CLOSE BAGS

A box of quart-size zipclose bags is handy to stash small items, or store fresh fish fillets in the cooler. Buy a box of 48 for $5.29 at target.com.

HAND SANITIZER

A small bottle of hand sanitizer is nice for cleaning your hands before enjoying an onboard meal. You’ll spend only $9.89 for an 8-ounce bottle at amazon.com.

MOIST TOWELETTES

Use these to clean your hands or any spilled food or drink after a meal. At $2.99 for 280 towelettes at quill.com, maybe you should have a bunch.

TOILET PAPER

Steal a roll from the household supply and stow it in a zip-close bag to keep dry.