i didn't see it in any of the above replies, but 'one hand for you and one hand for the boat' might save you from hurting yourself or falling overboard while underway. the boat will always lurch when you least expect it. and you'll get used to doing things one handed.

as mentioned above - when solo, always always wear a harness and keep yourself tied to the boat.

get in the habit of keeping everything secured - tied down. that lurching around can and will launch everything.

we thought the stove / oven was secured in the new boat - until we weathered a storm. the boat lurched, the oven door opened (it had a closure pin that wasn't in place) and launched cookie sheets and pots and pans stored in the oven across the cabin, the cooktop's burner restraints weren't tight enough and the half full - thankfully cold water - teapot was also launched across the cabin, and the stove came out of its built-in space. only the gas line held it in place.

needless to say this all occurred in the dark while it really stormed. scared the beejeezus out of my dad who was soundly sleeping in the dining area berth and was the recipient of the pans, water and teapot.

funny now, wasn't then.

i loved the two years i lived on that boat.