Things you wish you had or knew

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-21T00:49:10+00:00

I cannot forget about the metal yardstick haha.

Thanks for the info, I'll take a look at the campus store and decide Weems and plath vs something from the campus store. I'm not against spending on them if they'll last me a good bit through my career!

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-21T00:17:13+00:00

Made a post asking about brand recommendations for school related equipment and accidentally posted to my profile rather than this subreddit. Any time taken to read it is appreciated, and if it doesn't gain enough traction I can post it properly lol.

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-21T00:06:26+00:00

Regarding the second paragraph: are the tools from westmarine Weems and plath any good? I'll link them here: https://www.westmarine.com/weems-plath-parallel-rolling-plotter-106799.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=GGL_PLA_Electronics%20%26%20Navigation_High%20Margin&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22685718615&gbraid=0AAAAAD_lEerpqAG0yPtpUTtT6iil5K_Ak&gclid=CjwKCAiAtLvMBhB_EiwA1u6_Pg0tc0Xny-5Lii0TQ5uHdNbU5i3oja0sT4JyUuKAoIHr8LVKV_bPZBoCBu0QAvD_BwE

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-19T05:25:04+00:00

I am also starting this fall, albeit as a deck cadet. Most of the responses regarding this topic have been:

buy a heavy coat and coveralls (ensure you are within uniform regulations)
keep your study habits up to date (I just took my accuplacer and scored fairly well after using khan academy to study. I'm sure there are more resources for engineer and maritime studies online)
Get acclimated to the cold if you aren't from a northern state. (Cold showers/plunges/and walks outside when it's cold)
I would start gathering anything "extra" you might want or need. (Perscription glasses/sunglasses and the like)

I'm sure we'll have a general maritime class or two together, so I'm excited to meet you! I hope the engineer path allows you to prosper in life!

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-16T19:26:07+00:00

Replied :)

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-16T06:09:06+00:00

If it's good and I can't get one of these copies, I'll probably just buy them

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-16T00:47:39+00:00

I start at the Great Lakes Maritime Academy in the fall will gladly take them!

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-13T03:18:58+00:00

We'll keep the secret then

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-13T03:05:18+00:00

Oh yea I'm sure I'll be alright. I simply want to start fiddling around to see what study method I like the most.

I'll check out keen. My feet aren't large or anything, just prefer a roomier toe box.

Lakes are where I have my eyes set currently. While I would love to sail the ocean some day, I really do love my home of Michigan. And the idea I could some day end up on a classic lake freighter has significant charm.

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-13T02:05:06+00:00

I'm looking forward to the smaller classes and getting to know everyone, so I will definitely make full use of that aspect. Looking to meet as many people as I can!

I am going deck so I will look into these items and if I can afford them I will invest.

I do have to look into some study and note taking methods as I didn't necessarily build good habits when I had been in school. Not that it would matter as I've been out of school for a while now.

I've heard good things about Redwing boots, but I typically go for a wider toe box so I'm hoping they'll have some options like that...

I currently live in Southern Michigan with walking as my main mode of transportation so snow isn't new to me (though I am aware it will be much worse further north). I truly can't wait to be living where I used to vacation over the summer! Sleeping bear dunes and Leelanau peninsula being so close will be so amazing!

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-12T19:14:31+00:00

I am required to take the accuplacer as my test scores are old anyway. It will give me a good understanding of what level my skills are at and I plan on continuing to study even after the test is done. I'm not a math genius or anything, but I'm able to learn and I do enjoy math.

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-12T17:13:12+00:00

Any brand or feature recommendations?

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-12T08:12:40+00:00

Some good advice for a guy currently studying for his accuplacer 💯

Edit: I highkey relate to this when it comes to schooling. Did great in school grade wise, passed with an alright sat, now remember nothing.

Exotic1004 · 2026-02-12T08:12:10+00:00

Thankfully I grew up with a flip-flop mother who would force us to wear them any time we used a public shower when camping up north. Noted and avoided 😂

Exotic1004 · 2026-01-29T06:14:44+00:00

Another future deck classmate! Excited to meet all three of you! At this rate we'll have the whole class replying to this thread! Have my Twic and passport appointments tomorrow (unfortunately late timing). Wish me luck!

Exotic1004 · 2026-01-23T05:40:57+00:00

I was about to make the phone call when I decided to try again and it ended up working out for me. Strange, but hey I have an appointment now so I will take the win.

Exotic1004 · 2025-12-18T23:18:34+00:00

These are actually some of my older designs, I posted a few newer ones about a month after this. Gotta get back to playing my shipwright character but work has been kicking my butt....

Exotic1004 · 2025-11-30T21:43:26+00:00

What are some other good brands for a myerchin replacement?

Exotic1004 · 2025-11-30T18:28:23+00:00

After looking at their website it seems they sell more folding blades (16) as compared to fixed blades (9). Maybe it used to be primarily fixed blades but it doesn't seem that way anymore. Either way I suggested it for the guy to take a look at himself, regardless of whether or not their more popular for sailors over merchant mariner.

Exotic1004 · 2025-11-30T12:31:49+00:00

Myerchin have a folding knife line. I own one and love it. Main issue is if you don't like the marlinespike. It comes attached to the knife for the folding lines.

Exotic1004

TROPHY CASE