Leisure

Brig It On

Five Things You Need on Your Boat

The Miami International Boat Show. It’s back. Which means it’s time for your annual flirtation with the idea of yacht ownership and living the type of life that requires you to constantly wear a captain’s hat. Well, should you actually go for it this year, here’s five essentials to bring aboard.

THE GEAR

A Saltwater-Proof Knife

What: A seven-inch Japanese steel blade that’s been treated with nitrogen so it won’t rust when exposed to saltwater. Or when used to slice your caipirinha’s lime.
Best for: Cutting extra lengths of rope. Filleting your pole-caught grouper. Fending off pirates.

THE TROPHY

Fish on a Wall

What: A fiberglass replica of your favorite catch. Wall-mounted, hand-painted and fitted with the original teeth and jawbone.
Best for: Your cabin. Anyplace with a mantel or a captive audience.

THE GALLEY

A Seafaring Personal Chef

What: A fleet of personal chefs with years of maritime cooking experience (Coach Shula uses them on his boat). Which basically means they’re really good at throwing together a raw bar. And swimming.
Best for: Turning a 30-pound tuna into sushi.

THE ENTERTAINMENT

A String Quartet That Wears Sequins

What: A four-piece, all-female string section that plays electric violin while in barely there sequin dresses.
Best for: Scoring your martini deck-party. Or should you hit an iceberg: frantic lifeboat evacuation.

THE NAV SYSTEM

A Map of the Stars

What: A hand-fashioned 16-inch globe that shows all 88 constellations and more than 1,100 naked-eye stars.
Best for: Avoiding having to ask for directions. Fancy paperweight.