New tent

[Doug SC]

For lighting I started using the original Luci solar light when they first came out. I bought the Outdoor 2-way USB-A port for lighting and charging my phone. They USB charge in 2-3 hours and solar charge in 14 hours of direct sunlight so probably double that or more in a real situation. They will shine 50 hours on low, 24 hours on medium and 5 hours on high. They collapse from about 6 inches to 1 1/2", float, and are waterproof. I bought 3 one for Caroll and 2 I use camping they were $35 now $50. I have had them for about 8 years, and they still work. I haven't bought a battery for camp lighting since then. I like that they are double duty. Rechargeable 2000 mAh Li-ion battery. however I use them mostly for lighting.
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[Chris Muthig]

Captain Kidd, I bought that same 1, very happy with it.  Mine doesn't have the induction charging, but it's the same thing.  It has the 4 different cables popped into the back of it.  Very well thought out product.

[Riley Smith]

Late to the party, but hijack away. Nice enclosures all. My primary concern would be keeping insects at bay, and of course rain if it came to that. And storage size and the ease of putting it to use.

[Captain Kidd]

A lot going on in these two tent threads. I'm going to have to study the lights, fans, and chargers posts some. I must admit that I'm weak on the electrical parts.

I set my tent up again today hoping to see how it would perform in the rain. It rained twice today. I wasn't able to get in it during those rains but afterwards it seemed ok.

I took the time to figure out my tie-down/strap-down plan. I added four eye straps for points to attach the stern guy lines. All total I have 9 attachment points: 5 forward and 4 aft. Here are a few more pics. They will look very similar to the first ones posted but those had the temporary tie-downs.

From the side you can see the tent is fairly taught.

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I did get in it and it is very roomy. This view may give you an idea of the space inside. The tent is 8-1/2' front to back and 42" tall at the tallest point. I guess I have 4-1/2' width. The side windows open from the inside. A big plus!

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Here are my attachment points forward. I bought small carabiners. It may make it a little simpler and quicker to set up. The forward lines are attached to a line that I ran under my inwale. The bottom is attached with a piece of 3/4" velcro run through little blocks that I included in my build for just such purposes. A little later I stretched a loop on the leading edge of the tent over the daggerboard blank. Worked nicely.

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I added the eye straps in the stern. Two on the edge of my seat and two on the transom. They're all out of the way and small. I added a little 4200 to each one. I'll be able to attach these from inside the tent since it has a door at both ends. Very convenient.

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With the two showers we had today, I saw just how much water the boat is going to collect with any substantial rain. I have a decent hand pump but it will take some doing even with that. Makes you appreciate self-draining cockpits!

The setup and takedown is going to be fairly straightforward and easy. I got in the boat to put the tent away. No issues.

Can't wait to "field" test it.

[Doug SC]

I am glad to see that your tent kept the rain out. That's a real plus! Also, I will probably add a few more guy lines because keeping the roof taut will help it shed water. My other concern is high winds and extra guy lines should help offset the pole flexibility.

I still think I will buy or make a small canvas tarp to put over the boom just in case heavy rain and high winds do become an issue. Or if that is in the forecast use the canvas boat tent I made. I put no-se-um mesh screen in the ports and around the tiller entry through the transom, so I could get some needed through air circulation and keep the bugs out of my canvas tent. I have the fans because I knew I would need them to sleep comfortably under the canvas in hot weather, and it would help reduce any condensation. Which may also be needed in the popup tent.

I am glad that the Scamp has a self-draining cockpit. Captain, a small electric bailer with a small battery in a waterproof case might come in handy. I have seen versions that are used in white water canoes and sea kayaks but never pursued actually using one in my boats.

On the Luci light most don't have phone charging capabilities and cost about $25. We use them for power outages at home as well camping. If you don't want to set up a boat electrical system the small power banks and these lights can suffice for phone, fan, and lighting. They are what I use kayak camping.

[Doug SC]

I case you aren't aware of this type of power option. There are Small power stations like Jackery and Code Zero and videos on how to build your own. I picked one up for the house for power outages, then realized they would also work for boating. You would want them in a "waterproof box" if capsize was a possibility. Here is an ad for the one I have. They make larger more powerful ones, but I wanted something small enough to carry in the car for family camping yet with enough power to run a few things. I happen to have a 100W solar panel that I can use on the Scamp or at home and these power stations can be charged with solar panels.

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[Captain Kidd]

More to ponder and digest. Thanks for the tips and suggestions.

[Noemi - Ensenada 20]

More to ponder and digest. Thanks for the tips and suggestions.

Aha!  I'd love to have one of those for power outages....

[Doug SC]

The Luci Light I posted below is now on sale at REI.com there are also other options at REI. I haven't any experience with Luminaid but a friend seems to like theirs. Like some say they aren't the best for a phone charger, but they are really good for lighting the ones that don't charge phones are less expensive. I do like the ones I have. and use them for camp lighting and power outages. I also like the fact that they can put a charge on a phone if needed. Power banks work better for that.

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