Planning to rent some bowrider boats for your next holiday trip? That’s a great idea. If you’ve already planned an itinerary, the next thing you need to do is research the location, weather, local laws, satellite networks available, best spots to visit, accident-prone areas to avoid, hours needed to complete the itinerary, and more.
If you don’t know what to bring on a boat, we’ve prepared a list. Whether you’re looking for boating must-haves or other essential items, this list is perfect for you. Ensure that you’re prepared for whatever awaits you on your next boat adventure.
1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
If you’re contemplating what to bring when boating, the first and most vital thing to pack should be buoyancy aids. Whether it’s boating or water sports, a personal flotation device should always be ready on hand. Accidents can happen, so it’s best to be prepared. Here are some types of personal flotation devices:
- Offshore Life Jackets – This type of PFD is best used in open and rough waters where help or rescue may be delayed. This type provides the most buoyancy, and it can turn an unconscious person face-up.
- Near-Shore Buoyant Vests – This type of PFD is recommended when boating in calm waters where rescue is more likely to happen. While buoyant, near-shore buoyant vests cannot turn an unconscious person face-up.
- Flotation Aids – This type of PFD is for calm waters where rescue will be quickly available when needed. Some examples are fishing and watersport vests.
- Throwable Devices – This type of PFD can be used in different bodies of water where rescue is available; it is not recommended for bodies of water where there is heavy boat traffic. Some examples are ring and horseshoe buoys.
- Special-Use Devices – This type of PFD is designed for specific watersports, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and wakeboarding. Some can even provide protection from hypothermia, with examples including work vests, deck suits, and boardsailing vests.
2. GPS Trackers
Getting lost is one of the most frustrating — and dangerous — situations, especially on the water, which is why GPS trackers should be on everyone’s list of boating must-haves. With a GPS tracker, you can track or have someone pinpoint your exact location on a map. Although it’s rare to get lost with an experienced tour guide, it’s still best to be prepared for any scenario.
3. Signaling Devices
Both visual and sound signaling devices can be of great help in times of crisis. If ever you need help, you can send a signal to nearby boats or emergency responders. Visual signaling devices can be very effective during the daytime since they can easily be spotted, while sound signaling devices are better at night when visibility is low.
4. First Aid Kit
While bandages and antiseptic creams must always be included in your first aid kit, when boating, especially with first-timers, it’s ideal to include motion sickness medication. Don’t forget to also bring treatments for possible fevers, allergies, and asthma attacks.
5. Extra Clothes, Jackets, Towels
Whether you’re planning to get wet, it’s always recommended to bring towels, extra clothes, and an optional jacket with you. Because weather forecasts aren’t 100% accurate, some extra layers can come in handy when it suddenly begins to rain.
6. Cameras and Phones
Use your phone or camera to take pictures of the scenic sunset, vibrant marine life, and picture-perfect seascapes. Every adventure is unique, and, in just a few clicks, you can create photographed memories to look back on and reminisce.
7. Dry Brag
One of the most often overlooked boating must-haves is a dry bag for keeping your valuables, such as phones and wallets, dry when not in use. You can also keep your extra clothes and towels inside, so they won’t accidentally get wet on your boat adventure.
8. Snack and Drink Cooler
Bringing a cooler to store your snacks and drinks should always be a priority. Boating may be fun, but it can be just as tiring, and it’s never bad to have something to keep your body topped up, no matter how long you stay under the sun.
9. Emergency Repair Items
Boats can sometimes experience issues, but a fully-stocked toolbox and some spare parts are enough to erase the pain of impossible maintenance while out on the open seas. If you’re renting a boat, any rental company worth its salt should provide everything you need.
Now that you know what to bring when boating, all that’s left to do is get ready for the thrills and chills. Need to rent a bowrider boat? Bay Excursions can provide you with an affordable private boat charter on Clearwater Beach, FL. We’re looking forward to making your Florida boat adventure the best you’ve ever had.
