Ten Boat Travel Tips You Must Read Now

By Author: Keith Raven
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If you are planning a boating trip on the water then you always plan ahead. Everyone plans for the essentials such as food and water. However, it is always important to make sure you have a list of the most important things to pack for boat travel so you don't forget something important. The following are ten important things you need to pack for all boat travel experiences.

First there are two important pieces of safety equipment you need to have. The first is an aerial imply kit like a sparkle gun. This is important should you become stranded on a large body of water. An imply horn or fog horn is the second most important piece of safety equipment to have when traveling by boat. This is important should you become stranded when there is low visibility. Since they are small you can easily store these items, but make sure they are kept in an area where you can easily access them in the event of an emergency.

Second you need to have a life jacket designed specifically for each individual on your boat. Make sure everyone have a life jacket that fits them correctly and is on hand in the event you need ...
... it. It is best to have a Coast Guard approved life jacket. For children they are mandated to have a life jacket on for as long as the boat is on the water. For adults it is okay not to wear a life jacket, but you should have one handy in case you need it during an emergency.

Likewise, it is important to have a first aid kit on hand in the event of an emergency. Make sure it is stocked with not only the necessary supplies, but also anything you might find useful such as bandages, gauze, cold compresses, alcohol, cleaning pads and antibiotic cream.

Fourth, make sure you have the correct magnitude of presenter on your boat. You should have one on the back and front of your boat. You will need one of these if you are ever in a disaster situation.

Fifth you should have a towrope on hand in the event you become stranded. This allows another individual to tow you to shore if you need it.

Then you should have at least one fire extinguisher on your boat while you are out on the water. The best fire extinguisher to have on hand is a good A-B-C extinguisher. You probably won't ever have to use this fire extinguisher but it is still a good idea to have one on hand just in case.

It is also a good idea to have a few boat cushions on hand. These brightly colored life cushions can be good if someone needs help swimming back to the boat or should the boat capsize and you find yourself stranded in open water.

For legal purposes you always want to have your boat registration available. Should law enforcement pull you over you will need to show your registration to them.

Ninth you should have some pier lines ready to go when docking. Have loops already tied into the rope of different sizes, this can make it easier for you when docking.

Lastly you want to have an onboard radio. This is important should you need to call someone or need to get valuable information such as weather updates.