Boating, especially out there in the blue, can be an exciting venture. If I’m talking about myself – I feel amazing, even when I’m going fishing in the sea. So you can probably imagine my level of excitement when I’m trying to go on an adventure in the deep blue desert of water.
But here’s the thing.
While boating is an exciting endeavor, it can also be quite dangerous. I mean, I have gotten lost quite a few times in the water myself. But thankfully, I had an amazing boat and a few things to help me out with. And that’s what I’m going to talk about in this article.
So, let’s begin.
5 Must-Haves on Your Boat
I know what you are thinking.
‘Why should I keep seven things on my boat when I’m only going for a little excursion?’
Well, it’s the sea we’re talking about. It might feel calm and serene when you are sitting on the beach. But when you are exploring through the same, it will get quite unforgiving. That’s why, no matter what happens, you should always be prepared for what’s about to come.
So, no matter how much of a daredevil you are, be sure to keep these things in your boat when you’re going on a journey. Let’s get started with it, then.
1: Life Jacket
Life in the ocean is difficult.
No one knows when a massive wave might come and overwhelm the heck out of your boat. So, it’s best to have at least one piece of protective equipment on your watercraft – like a life jacket.
However, before you bring something on your own, I’d suggest you talk to the coast guard first. That’s because the type of life jacket you’ll need to bring will depend on the activities you’ll be indulging in. There are three assortments of jackets available, FYI. But it’s not just about safety; being well-dressed complements the overall boating experience too.
For this, you might want to consider getting some custom boating apparel from specialised online stores like The Custom Captain. They offer a wide range of fashionable boating clothing that is not only comfortable and durable but also perfectly suits your personal style and helps you make a statement on the water.
2: Throwable Flotation Device
Another thing that you need to bring is a throwable flotation device. It’s kinda like a life jacket, but you can throw it at someone who’s fallen into the water, and they can hold it to stay afloat.
These tend to be pretty lightweight and small. Therefore, you can easily keep them anywhere it fits. Also, they can be thrown at a distance of 25 feet to 50 feet, considering the circumstances.
3: Visual Distress Signal
The sea is an unending place to venture through. However, if you are too curious to see what is lying ahead, you might get lost in the blue. And it might be difficult for someone to find you.
That’s why you should make sure to keep a distress signal near your hands. These can be used when you’ve been lost and want to attract someone else’s attention in the sea.
However, before you get a distress signal, make sure to check if it’s older than 42 weeks or not. Going for something older than that may not count toward the legal requirement of your boat.
4: First-Aid Kit
As I’ve said before, you must be ready for anything and everything when you’re in the sea. So, it might be best for you to have a first-aid kit onboard too. It can be used if you get injured.
A basic first-aid kit is only capable of serving four people or less. And it might last for only one day or so. So, if you’re going on a family trip, go for a more comprehensive kit.
5: Fire Extinguisher
It is not really common for a boat to catch fire out of nowhere, especially if you have taken good care of it. However, as I’ve said before, it doesn’t hurt to be careful and cautious.
Usually, most people tend to keep one fire extinguisher on their boat. However, I’d suggest you keep two. Apart from extinguishing fire, you can also use them as a weapon if needed.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we have offered some additional information on our topic in a question-answer format. So, keep reading to learn more about it.
What safety equipment should I have on board?
You should have personal flotation devices (PFDs) for every person on board, a throwable flotation device, a fire extinguisher, flares or other visual distress signals, a horn or whistle, a first-aid kit, and a tool kit.
What navigation equipment should I have on board?
You should have a compass, a map or chart of the area you will be boating in, a GPS device, and a VHF radio.
What clothing should I wear while boating?
You should wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather conditions, including a hat to protect your face from the sun, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the water, and non-slip shoes. If you are boating in colder weather, you should wear a wetsuit or drysuit. If it is a morning boat trip, then also carry sunscreen. Protect your eyes with the best eyewear out there, this boat trip as well.
What food and drinks should I bring on board?
You should bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, as well as other drinks and snacks. Avoid bringing glass bottles or containers, as they can be hazardous if they break.
Should I bring sunscreen?
Yes, you should definitely bring sunscreen and apply it regularly to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Go for an SPF-30 option for better protection from UV rays.
The Final Say!
When it comes to traveling by boat, be sure to follow the rules subjugated by the authority. And ensure that you have all the additional security and safety stuff before boarding.
Also, if you are thinking about bringing your pet along with you, do not forget to check if your boat can tackle them or not. You can acquire more information on it from an online shop for portable sailboats as well. So, make sure to do some research from your own end.
Good luck with your venture!