"In Gear We Trust"
Everything listed on this page is gear we personally use aboard Scalawag, our 1977 Formosa Sea Tiger 41, and stand behind through real-world experience. From safety equipment and galley appliances to rigging hardware and creature comforts, these are the tools and products that have helped us restore, outfit, and operate our yacht through every leg of the journey.
None of the brands or items featured here have paid to be included—this is not sponsored content. These are simply the essentials we’ve come to trust through miles of open water, long days of boat work, and countless charters. If you’re looking to outfit your own vessel or just want a peek at what keeps Scalawag running smoothly, this is your inside look.
We only recommend what works—because we use it ourselves.
Discovery 330
TrueKit Dinghy
We use the True Kit Discovery 3.3m in red as our go-to tender aboard Scalawag, and it’s been a game changer. It’s incredibly lightweight, quick to deploy, and handles beautifully—even getting on plane with just a 6HP Mercury outboard. The sleek catamaran design not only draws attention wherever we go, but also offers remarkable stability and efficiency on the water. Whether we’re making shore runs, cruising back bays, or hauling gear, this inflatable does it all—and looks sharp doing it.
Battery Supply
Ecoflow Delta 2
The EcoFlow Delta 2 was one of the most essential pieces of equipment during the early stages of Scalawag’s restoration—and it continues to be a reliable power source onboard. With its high-capacity lithium battery and multiple AC and USB outputs, it ran fans, vacuums, laptops, and even our coffee maker without breaking a sweat. Now that Scalawag is back on the water, we still use the Delta 2 to supplement our onboard systems—especially when we’re at anchor or conserving shore power. It’s compact, fast-charging, and solar-compatible, making it perfect for life aboard a cruising sailboat where flexibility and reliability matter most.
Captain's Tools
Remarkable Writing Tablet
The reMarkable 2 tablet has become an indispensable part of my daily workflow aboard Scalawag. Whether I’m jotting down to-do lists for boat maintenance, sketching out refit ideas, or tracking progress on restoration tasks, it’s always within arm’s reach. Its paper-like feel and distraction-free interface make it perfect for keeping focused while on the water. Beyond the boat, I also use it for all my client work—taking meeting notes, reviewing documents, and organizing project timelines. It syncs seamlessly with my phone and laptop, so everything stays in one place without the clutter of loose papers or notebooks. For anyone balancing hands-on work with creative or administrative planning, the reMarkable 2 is a powerful and refreshingly simple tool.
Below Deck Cleaner
Pink Stuff
The Pink Stuff quickly became a staple during the initial deep-cleaning phase of Scalawag’s renovation—and it earned its spot onboard. From grimy fiberglass to stained stainless steel, it cut through years of dirt, rust, and buildup with surprising ease. I used the original paste on stubborn surfaces like the galley counters and topsides, while the spray and cream versions worked perfectly for interior plastics, vinyl, and tight spots where a gentler touch was needed. Each variation paired well with different tools—scrub brushes, sponges, detailers—making it adaptable to every part of the job. Whether you're starting a major refit or just keeping your boat clean week-to-week, I highly recommend The Pink Stuff as a go-to cleaner for nearly every surface onboard.
On-Deck Cleaner
Mad Soaps
We first discovered MAD Soaps at the Annapolis Boat Show, where we had the chance to meet the crew behind the brand and get our hands on their SiO₂ Boat Wash. After a great conversation and live product demo, we were impressed not just by the formulation—but by the passion they brought to boat care. We brought a bottle back to Scalawag and put it straight to work. From the very first wash, the difference was clear: a deeper clean, a slick finish, and real protection for our newly restored surfaces. The silica infusion helps revive ceramic coatings and lays down a thin layer of gloss-boosting shield, making regular washes faster and more effective. We've paired it with a foam cannon for full-coverage application, and it’s now a regular part of our washdown routine. Meeting MAD Soaps in person gave us confidence in the brand—and using their products has made us believers.