Boating 101: 15 Essential Items for Your Day on the Lake

BoatingEveryone loves to go boating, but some forget to pack important items needed for the trip. This information has been compiled in order to help you stay on track with your boating venture. There is nothing worse than packing everyone up and arriving to your destination to not be able to have the most fun because you forgot something.

Here is a list of 15 items that are essential in almost any of your boat outings!

#1: Boat Registration

This is important to have before the boat touches the water. It is a requirement in order to operate the vessel.

#2: Camera

Make sure to take a waterproof camera to ensure you can capture the memories.

#3: Marine Radio or Waterproof Cell Phone

This is important for your safety should you become stranded.

#4: Clothes

Just in case an emergency should happen and you are stranded, you may need to take clothing (protected by plastic) to change into should your clothes become wet.

#5: Cooler

If you are going to go fishing, then you will need a cooler for the fish. You will also need a cooler for you drinks or your food.

#6: First Aid Kit

Face it, accidents happens. It is important to have a first aid kit with you for the safety of you and those with you.

#7: Fire Extinguisher

This is self-explanatory. If your engine catches fire, you will most likely want to put it out!

#8: Fishing License

You will need your license on you if you plan on doing some fishing (unless it is private property and you own the lake).

#9: Hand Sanitizer and Wipes

You will be handling a lot of things that hold bacteria. It is important to take wipes and hand sanitizer with you on your trip.

#10: Repellent

Most times it is important to take insect repellent to keep bugs off of you . You are in nature, it will happen.

#11: Food and Beverages

Take food and beverages with you, you never know when you’ll want a snack.

#12: Personal Floatation Devices – PFDs

You will need to make sure each passenger has a PFD for safety. This is a must.

#13: Visual Distress Signals

This is important to have if you are far away from land and your radio is not responsive. This will alert people to your location and that you need help.

#14: Map and Compass

Just in case you venture too far out on the water, you will need to be able to work your way back to land. The map and compass will allow you to stay in control of where you are.

#15: Sunscreen

You will be outdoors, and the reflection of the sun’s rays off of the water can quicken the effect of sunburn.

Make sure that all of these items are packed before you leave for a boat outing. It is suggested to make a list of everything you need to take and everything you want to take to ensure you leave nothing behind, especially anything that is listed here.

Essential Items to Always Keep Aboard Your Boat

There are many ways that you can ensure safety as well as enjoyment as a boat operator. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with boat safety equipment and consider items that will provide peace of mind while using your vessel.

First, always ensure that you have the valid Certificate of Number or registration card while the boat is in use. This will allow you to prove registration and ownership.

You should keep at least one wearable life jacket for each person on board your boat. The life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved, which will be indicated on the label. They also must be the appropriate size for each person and in good condition. A life ring or flotation cushion must be kept on board for vessels 16 feet or longer.Essential Item: Life jacket

In the case of an emergency, a whistle and an emergency light are necessary. Emergency lights come in many varieties. Varieties such as strobe lights that can be attached to the boat, lantern-styles, and utility style for bright, adequate illumination.

Distress signals are required for boat use as well. These signals can be orange distress flags (used by day only) or signal flares (for use by night).

Another required item to keep on board is a fire extinguisher. Although you are surrounded by water, it is still necessary to keep a fire extinguisher handy in case of a fire while under way. Be sure that you have the correct type for your boat, meeting the minimum requirements for the size and type of your vessel.

There are some situations in which you may need to make lots of noise. Noise besides that of the laughter and fun from passengers on board. In meeting, crossing, or overtaking situations, sound signals are required, particularly during times of reduced visibility or while at anchor. You will need to keep at least one sound producing device available. These can be a bell, a whistle, air horn, or gong.

To aid in navigation, it is helpful to keep a waterproof map available for reference. Many boats come equipped with GPS, which is the most convenient way to navigate waters. But, in the absence of GPS, keeping a waterproof map would ensure efficient navigation.

Waterproof maps also inform you of any marine hazards, general configuration, and character of the lake floor. They also include prominent landmarks and port facilities.

Besides safety equipment, there are many things that you can keep on your boat that will ensure comfort and convenience. A VHF Radio would be used for communication and emergency traffic, and an AM-FM radio would be great for your favorite tunes or to catch up on local news.

Essential Items: compassA compass is a great idea to keep on board, as well. You can purchase a magnetic compass to ensure that your boat is pointed in the right direction at all times.

Be sure to always keep a tow line on board, and that it is an efficient length. 75′ is recommended, by at least 1/2″ thick. A small marine tool kit and spare parts would come in handy should you ever find yourself in a situation that requires repair.

Waterproof flashlights in various sizes and styles can be purchased as well. These are easy to tuck into a small space out of the way. Don’t forget extra batteries! Extra fuel is a plus, as well as a First Aid Kit, cell phone, (in a waterproof case), personal identification, and binoculars.

To ensure personal comfort, carry with you a change of clothes and foul weather gear such as a poncho or rain jacket. Also keep sunscreen, bottled water, and snacks, in order to combat UV rays, and stay hydrated.

To make things easy for yourself, create a Pre-Departure Checklist to be sure you haven’t forgotten anything once you’re underway.

Preparation is key to having a great time.  With proper safety and convenient equipment, you can enjoy hours on your boat in relaxation, fun, and pleasure.