Congrats, you just bought a new boat, and a boat lift to go along with it! You’re about to have summers filled with sunny days, fishing, and hanging out with friends and family. Boating is a fun experience, but there’s a lot that goes into making sure everyone has the time of their lives. Most boaters have a physical or mental checklist to make sure they don’t forget anything they could need while they’re out on the water, such as water and life jackets, and on land, such as boat lifts or a new dock. Here are a few other things you’ll need to get in order to have a safe and fun experience on the water.
Life jackets and emergency gear
No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, a life jacket is never a bad idea, and you’ll want to have life jackets that fit and work. Spending time out on the water can be tiring, you could go to a deeper part of the water, or you could fall out of the boat. Life jackets can help prevent emergencies or accidents from happening, but sometimes, they’re inevitable. Having life rings, rafts, extra food and water, blankets, extra clothes, extra batteries, a wrench, duct tape, a jumper pack, a flashlight, and a fire extinguisher can be imperative in case of an emergency. Consult your local Coast Guard or lifeguard for more information.
A good knife
While this may sound like an odd one, a knife could come in handy when you’re on the water. Something could get caught on the boat or the propeller and sometimes, you might not be able to get it off with your bare hands. A knife could help you get rid of thick seaweed or rogue rope you could come across.
Food and water
Regardless of how long you plan on being out, food and water should be something you bring with you every time. You could get dehydrated out in the sun or get hungry. It can be helpful to have something to hold you over until you get back to land.
Extra rope
Extra ropes or lines could be helpful in many situations, and when you least expect it. You can tie the boat out, throw out a line to someone who needs help, or even tie on a raft.
Sun protection and bug spray
Sunglasses, hats, blankets, and sunscreen can help protect you from the intense summer sun. They can help in preventing sunburns, sun poisoning, and even melanoma. Bug spray can keep those pesky mosquitoes from ruining your fun and can help prevent the spread of diseases.
Basic cleaning supplies
Spills happen, and it is so much easier to clean up things before they’ve dried in the sun. To make sure your boat stays pretty and clean, bring towels, boat soap, and a scrub brush along with you.
An anchor and rode
Even if you don’t plan on anchoring down, having one in case of an emergency or if you want to stop for lunch is a good idea. Having an anchor will help you to stay in one place for a tow boat to find you, or so you don’t drift into a dangerous or busy area.
Proper documentation
Documentation to identify yourself and information on the boat can help you in many situations. Your boat registration, boater education card, and a personal identification card should stay with you or on the boat whenever you’re on the water.
Phone and chargers
These can be useful if you need directions, help, or just to take photos. You can also use your phone to identify potentially dangerous wildlife or plants. It can also help you to check the weather and the water conditions. Don’t forget the charger!
Docking and storage
Having somewhere to store your boat is a lifesaver when you aren’t using it or need to conduct repairs. Boat lifts keep your boat safe and secure, above the water. They can be attached to a dock or a marina. Getting a foot locker or storage compartment for your dock can help keep all of your boating gear in one place, so you don’t have to go looking for it every time you want to go on the water.
This list is based on this one, but you may need other personal things to make sure you and your passengers have a good time. Think about the things you may need at any time during your time on the water, do some research on the things people bring with them in your area, and create a list of your own!
