There are many things to consider when planning to spend an afternoon out on the water. Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely day on the lake on a pontoon vessel or plan on a more active fishing trip out at sea, there are certain factors to keep in mind. Here’s a helpful list of what to bring on the boat for a day trip so you know how to prepare before you cast off and head out.
Safety Gear
Naturally, you should make sure that your boat has all of the necessary safety gear. Life vests and floatation devices are essential, and you should always check that they’re still in good condition before heading out on the water.
Apart from life-preserving equipment, your boat should have a fully stocked first aid kit in the event of an injury. A good kit should have bandages, antiseptic, sunscreen, pain relievers, and seasickness medication.
Food and Drink
Many people don’t realize how vital it is to have enough provisions when you head out on the water, even if it’s just for a day trip. Spending the day out under the sun can quickly lead to dehydration, even if you’re not exerting yourself, so having enough water for every person on board is vital. A general rule is to bring at least 1.5 gallons of water per person if you’re going to be out there for a day.
While many people like to load up a cooler of refreshing beverages when they head out on a boat, be careful what you stock up on. As a friendly reminder, glass bottles are something that you should never bring on a boat due to potential breakage. Stick to plastic or aluminum just to be safe.
Activities
Not everything that you need to bring on the boat for a day trip must ward off catastrophe. Sometimes you just want to make sure that you have everything you need to have a fun time. If you’re going fishing, remember to bring your rods, lures, and bait. For a scuba expedition, you may want to pack extra wetsuits and make sure you have enough oxygen tanks. Nobody wants a day of fun to be cut short by needing to head back to shore early, so double-check your planned activities and make sure you have everything first.
Communication Devices
The thought of getting stuck out on the water is a scary one, but you can minimize those risks by maintaining communication equipment. Every boat should have an onboard radio to call for help. It’s also a good idea to bring your cell phones, cables, and portable chargers. Other essential communication devices are signal flares and flags so that you may attempt to contact other boats and get their attention should you need assistance.
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