Most experienced mariners have a pre-departure checklist; if they trail their vessels, they should also have a trailering checklist. Others may have a checklist for spring commissioning that they only consult once a year or a checklist for sea trials on unfamiliar vessels that they only consult when boat shopping. But shouldn’t everyone also have an inventory of items they must carry on board each time they leave the dock? Most definitely.
Other than the proper documentation, these 5 items are always essential on board for your boat trip.
1. Security Gear
Safety equipment is at the top of our list and should be at the top of yours as well. This includes both required equipment and additional items that you should always have on hand when boating.
2. Provisions for the Day
There’s no question that you already consider bringing food and drink on every excursion, but you should also bring some additional supplies when you go boating.
Here are some suggestions on what you should take aboard a watercraft:
On sweltering summer days, it is easy to become dehydrated, so it is essential to always have extra water on hand.
It is also a good idea to bring along some fresh watermelon, yoghurt, or citrus, as they all provide both hydration and vitality.
Other essential items include sunblock and insect repellent, both of which can significantly improve your comfort on a boat.
3. A Knife
An obstructed propeller is one of the most prevalent issues that can occur on the water. Rope, dense seaweed or fishing line can entangle the propeller and bring your watercraft to an abrupt stop. If you don’t have a weapon handy to cut it free, you may need to contact a tow truck.
4. Basic Cleaning Products
Even if you clean up after a tow at the dock or at home, you should bring boat detergent, a soft cloth, and a scrub brush. Immediate cleanups of spilt liquids, such as juice or wine, culinary condiments, or fish blood, enable the removal of such substances. However, if they are allowed to dry in the sun, scrubbing them away becomes difficult, if not impossible. This is especially essential for a boat’s vinyl, canvas, and carpet.
5. Urgent Repair Supplies
The majority of sailors are considerably more interested in having fun on the water than in wrenching or conducting on-water repairs. Therefore, if you’re not a DIYer, you probably won’t want to transport a completely stocked toolbox and spare parts. However, there are a variety of emergency repairs that can be conducted swiftly and easily to get you back home and/or prevent further damage to your boat and its equipment.