Mike Ball Spoilsport Questions

[Cara_NC]

Heading out on my first LOB in about 6 weeks! I have a few logistical questions for anyone who's been on the Spoilsport before.

1. Camera/battery charging: can I charge GoPro batteries unattended? I only have two GoPro batteries right now, and figure I will need to recharge at lunch and in evenings. I know there are some LOBs that require you to be around when charging lithium batteries, but couldn't find any info on the Mike Ball site. If they need to be attended, I'll probably buy one or two more before I go, but don't need them most of the time so I'd rather not if I don't have to.

2. Cabin bedding etc: should I plan on taking anything extra? How is the sheets/blankets/pillows situation? Same with towels - I'm assuming I bring all my own towels but want to check.

3. Gear storage: is there any locking storage in the cabin? I have a small portable safe that I can bring if I need for wallet, etc.

I think that's it for now, TIA! Might add more questions as we get closer

 

[rongoodman]

They probably won’t want you charging things unattended in your cabin. There are usually places to leave things plugged in on the dive deck or other common areas where people will be around. There might be extra fire suppression and alarms in those areas too.

 

[Damselfish]

A low end liveaboard - anything described as camping at sea, cabins with a bunch of bunks - you might need to bring towels or want some supplemental bedding.

Mike Ball isn’t low end and you don’t need to bring stuff like that. Most boats, think floating hotel but with small rooms. (Lots of liveaboards are known for wrapping you in a warm towel out of the dryer.)

I don’t recall ever having a safe in a liveaboard cabin. Or one with a lock on the door. No place for someone to go with your stuff, not something people worry about. At night or if people are off the boat there is usually a watchman. If you want to protect your stuff, some people put it in a small drybag in case something happens and you need to grab it.

 

[Cara_NC]

A low end liveaboard - anything described as camping at sea, cabins with a bunch of bunks - you might need to bring towels or want some supplemental bedding.

Mike Ball isn’t low end and you don’t need to bring stuff like that. Most boats, think floating hotel but with small rooms. (Lots of liveaboards are known for wrapping you in a warm towel out of the dryer.)

I don’t recall ever having a safe in a liveaboard cabin. Or one with a lock on the door. No place for someone to go with your stuff, not something people worry about. At night or if people are off the boat there is usually a watchman. If you want to protect your stuff, some people put it in a small drybag in case something happens and you need to grab it.

Perfect, thank you for the info! My only concern security wise is I'm solo traveling and will be matched with a cabin mate, so being able to throw my wallet in something secure so a card number can't get taken never hurts. I'd love to just trust that everyone on a liveaboard isn't a jerk but my theory is usually better to play it safe, especially when abroad haha.

 

[Scared Silly]

Live-a-boards often require that cabins never be locked so crew can enter at any time for an emergency. Toss your wallet, passport, other important meds, etc into a water proof bag that is "GO" bag near to your life jacket.

 

[Russjstewart]

From memory you can only charge batteries in the communal area, the lounge.
Bear in mind that in Oz we are 230v 50 Hz, we use these sockets. Best bet is to email the office. I have always found them very helpful

 

[clownfishsydney]

I think I read that they have a dedicated charging place now. It is like a hooded area that makes sure any fire is contained. Pretty sure it was them. As others have said, no need to bring towels etc and no need for a safe, no-one is going to nick your things on a liveaboard.

 

[MB NZ]

Nothing to add to the above, it's a great boat, you'll have a good time. I really don't think it will be an issue, but if you're paranoid about theft, take a small combination padlock for your hand luggage. It won't slow anyone down for a moment, but you'll know if someone has been messing with your stuff.

 

[Russjstewart]

web site says they have 110v charging station so they may have U.S sockets, but once again I suggest an email to the office to confirm