A new boat can be an exciting and enjoyable experience. The places you’ll visit! It’s common to daydream about itineraries or activities with family and friends before the engines turn on.
Before you take off for the open seas, make sure you have a list of all your boat necessities.
Boat Safety Equipment
It is a good idea to look at the Boat Safety List and Safety Equipment List to determine what you need. This list includes many items required by the U.S. Coast Guard and many we already have. Registration numbers and documentation, PFDs and visual distress signals, fire extinguishers and sound-producing devices, and navigation lights, are all available.
A VHF Radio with digital selective calling can be added to the list of recommended equipment.
Register Numbers and Proper Documentation
You should check with your state and local authorities for the right paperwork.
Tip: Keeping paperwork dry and safe onboard is always a good idea. The pouch should be kept separate from the larger waterproof bag, which protects smartphones, cameras, and other boat accessories in perth guests bring for the day.
Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs), also known as Life Jackets
Next, consider life jackets. Consider the number of people who will be aboard your boat at any time and their size. Children’s life jackets should be considered if children are involved in cruising plans. For adults who prefer to buy larger sizes than XL, some manufacturers make “big and tall” life jackets.
Basic First Aid Kit
Consider adding a basic first-aid kit to your boat’s gear after removing the life jackets. These kits are made by multiple manufacturers and include survival blankets and hydration tablets.
Visual and sound signalling devices
In case of emergency, you will also need distress signalling equipment. Smaller boats than 16 feet do not require a distress signal operating between sunsets and sunrises. You can probably go if you don’t plan to use your boat at night.
For boats 16 feet and larger, you will need to use a combination of distress flags, floating smoke signals, and flares. You can find information at a boating-supply shop about the various options available for your boat.
Fenders and Docking Equipment
You’ll need to purchase fenders next. You’ll probably pull up alongside a dock or another boat to tie it up. Having at least two fenders will help protect your boat and whatever you’re tying up on any given day.
You may need specialty fenders depending on the use of your boat. You can make a specialty fender to protect a pontoon, swim platform, or a corner of your boat. An anchor or line is also useful.
