Going on a boating trip by just having a boat with no extra equipment would be like trying to use a desktop computer with no monitor and no peripherals. The extra equipment makes the boat and it makes the entire voyage. With that in mind, it’s crucial that you understand what kind of gear you must bring to any boat.
Now, just for the sake of clarification, and in a scenario where the title wasn’t self-explanatory enough, we have to clear something up. First, we won’t list equipment like boat lifts, seeing as this is something for boat owners. People who just rented out boats don’t need boat lifts, and the phrase “any boat” in the title was used deliberately. The same goes for fishing equipment since not all people go boating for phishing.
With that in mind, here are some gear and tools we would consider a must-have for any boat.
1. Life jackets
A life jacket is a personal flotation device that has the potential to save your life when push comes to shove. They’ll keep you afloat in the water and prevent you from drowning. When fully functional and adjusted properly, they’re the optimal form of protection. The reason why they are so great is because, unlike knowing how to swim, a life jacket is not susceptible to panic. They just work, regardless of whether you’re a swimmer or not.
Having life jackets is even mandatory by law in some areas. This is why you’ll have to buy them when getting a boat. You’ll also get them when going through boat rentals.
They should be worn by everyone, but they’re especially important if the person in question is not a swimmer or if the person in question is a child.
Just make sure to inspect your life jackets before you get on a boat. Look for frayed straps and damaged buckles. If you notice any, just replace your life jackets. This equipment is inexpensive to begin with.
2. First aid kit
Another thing you have to look for is first aid kits. You are obliged by law to keep one fully stocked on your boat at all times.
The thing is that there are so many things that could happen to you on a boat. It’s just that people focus so much on drowning that they completely forget that they could also get cut, burned, sprain their ankle, or have an allergic reaction while on a boat. You need to have a set with bandages, antiseptic wipes, scissors, pain relievers, and even some adhesive tape.
Keep in mind that there are a lot of conditions that have to be treated by professionals, as well as scenarios in which you won’t be able to solve a problem on your own. Still, you need to be prepared to make a good first response and treat some of the minor injuries on a boat. Buying some time until proper medical care is available can make all the difference.
3. Marine VHF radio
While on a boat, you’re in a very peculiar situation. While a person on the road can count on the fact that someone will come by eventually, there’s no such guarantee on an open ocean. This is why it’s so important that you always have a way to contact other boats, marinas, and even Coast Guards if the situation requires it. By having this radio, you’ll never be completely lost.
Even the best navigation can lead you astray, so you always need to have a way to call for help.
Your safety on the water often depends on your boat’s condition and your own capability. This way, if something goes wrong, you’ll be able to request assistance immediately. Sure, help. Maybe they won’t be there immediately, but the sooner they start heading in your direction, the sooner they’ll get to you.
Just make sure that you know how it works prior to actually needing it. Sure, it may sound trivial, but many people just move past this too quickly and assume that when push comes to shove, they’ll figure it out. The device is really not complicated, but you should still learn a thing or two about it.
4. Anchor
An anchor is an equipment that you use to secure your boat in a single place. This will prevent it from drifting far away due to wind or current, and it’s the only way to keep your boat steadily in one place when away from the marina.
They’re crucial for safety and convenience; in fact, you won’t even be allowed to sail away if your boat doesn’t have them.
You may decide to take a break and stop the boat. You could find a perfect fishing spot and choose to stay for a while. You may also notice a hazardous region that you want to avoid or stop your boat from being pushed into other vessels by the current. In any of these scenarios, an anchor will be of great assistance.
Just keep in mind that you actually use the right type of anchor for your boat. Also, take into consideration the conditions that you’ll encounter. Different anchors are best suited for different conditions.
5. Fire extinguisher
Lastly, the importance of having a fire extinguisher on a boat should be self-explanatory. Putting out fires on a boat is vital, especially since you often have no safe way of evacuation. Jumping off the boat to escape a tiny fire will only put you in danger, and it will allow the fire to get out of hand since there’s no one on the boat to control it or put it out.
Moreover, this is a fire in a small, contained space, and there are so many other electrical applications, even highly-flammable cooking ingredients, to take into consideration.
You need to have a fire extinguisher that’s well-maintained and regularly inspected. Most important of all, you need to check if it’s approved for marine use. You would be surprised at how big of a difference this can make.
Wrap up
These five pieces of equipment are something that you should never leave the marina without. Fortunately, most boats have them as default equipment; just check their state before setting out. In most cases, you’re even legally obliged to have them on a boat. It would still be in your best interest even if you weren’t.