Ruchi Verma
Did you know that new boat sales surged by 40% during the COVID-19 pandemic? Although some made a dream purchase, others made an impulsive purchase without considering all of the details.
When you own a boat, you are required to have certain items while on the water. Not only that, but you’ll need things for your family and friends to enjoy.
Keep reading to learn the boating essentials that every boat owner needs.
Required Safety Gear
There are boating essentials required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Newer boats typically come with the gear needed to meet Coat Guard requirements. Used boat owners should recheck their inventory to make sure their boats are supplied with the right tools.
These are the safety items you’ll need:
- Life jackets
- Visual distress signals
- Fire extinguishers
- Ventilation
- Sound producing devices
- Navigation lights
The above list is a starting point but you might have certain laws in your state that require other safety gear and items.
Additional Boating Essentials
Although not required, you should have other essentials for going boating. An anchor, dock lines, fenders, and manual bailers are all boating accessories you’ll want.
Some people feel as if they don’t need an anchor for a casual boat ride. However, there are situations that could arise in which an anchor can save you.
Anchors should be essential boating items because they can help during strong currents, wind gusts, or a loss of power. Choose the right type of anchor for your type of boat.
Dock lines are also important for securing your boat to the dock or other boats. Fenders are beneficial for quick and easy protection in any tricky situation.
Manual bailers can help if a bilge pump fails. Bailers act as your plan B in this circumstance.
If you don’t have a manual bailer, you can use an extra bucket to keep your boat off of the bottom of the water floor long enough to get to safety.
Pre-Departure Checklist
While you need the required safety gear and other boating essentials, you could also benefit from using this pre-departure checklist:
- First aid kit
- Tool kit
- VHF radio
- Flashlight
- Extra food and water
All of these items play a vital role in ensuring a safe and stress-free boating experience. By making sure that you have bandages and pain medication in your first aid kit, to having all the right tools in your tool kit (such as hammers, wrenches, and a Button Socket Screw), you can address minor injuries and mechanical issues with confidence.
Read more here to learn what activities are right for your type of boat.
Ready to Go Boating?
If you are ready to go boating, think again! It’s important to make a checklist of boating essentials before you get onto the water.
Even if it is just a leisurely or quick trip, you’ll need the required safety gear as stated by the U.S. Coast Guard. You’ll also want items like anchors and fenders in case of emergency situations.
When the necessities are out of the way, you can focus on things like water toys, food, and radios.
Use this guide before you go boating and don’t forget to come back to our website for more checklists.
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I was aware about life jackets, distress signals and a first aid kit. Surprised to see many boating essentials like fire extinguisher and ventilation in this list. Quite helpful.
Boating is an enjoyable activity but along with enjoyment it is equally important to pay attention on safety factor. Your post contain a complete checklist of safety gears and essentials. Will help a lot to those who enjoy boating .
Getting a new boat is an experience filled with excitement and fun. It’s wise to take an inventory of what boat essentials you’ll need on board. You have shared great Boat Safety Checklist.
I had no idea about the increase in the demand for new boats and it is totally new for me. And these essentials are so apt that everyone who wants to go for boating should keep them in mind and if boat owners provide these then it is VAS.
This is must have experience with all needed essentials for your safety. Thank you for sharing the details would surely save for future
One has to be ready for all situations and your boating essential list covers all the scenarios. Great compilation of the list.
I have been boating so many times and well in India there are not so much of strict norms but after reading about US norms in this article I am sure everybody should follow this checklist for safety.
We don’t have much of a boating scene here in India, but I am sure for the places it is picking up these tips work as a quick checklist for the enthusiasts. Thank you for sharing this with us.
Boating is something that many people enjoy to do but at the same time must also have necessary accesories I’m terms of safety as well. The post covers everything that one needs to know
Wow. I knew about life jackets and ventilators but was not aware about other things. You have shared a very helpful list.
I have not taken anything else other than a life jacket while boating. These essentials should be considered everywhere. Many clubs hardly follow such strict protocols which should be made mandatory.