What to Pack on Your Boat

Going out on the lake in your boat is a great way to create memories with friends and family. In order to make sure that everyone has a good time on your boating adventure, you should ensure that your boat is stocked with all the supplies you might need. In case you’re not sure what you should stock your boat with before your next trip, we’ve provided this helpful list to get you started.

Only Pack Essential Items

First, a caveat: while it’s always good to be prepared for emergencies and to have the supplies you need for an enjoyable boating experience, you don’t want to overburden or clutter up your boat with too much weight. Use care when deciding what to bring and not to bring.

Food & Water

Having snacks and sufficient drinking water for you and all your passengers is necessary for everyone’s comfort and health. Stock a cooler with bottled water, sandwiches, cheese, fresh fruit, and keep some dry foods like crackers and granola bars handy.

Clothes & Blankets

The temperature out on the water can be several degrees colder than on land, which means you and your passengers might get chilly. It’s also a good idea to bring some waterproof rain gear, like ponchos, to protect everyone in a sudden storm. Warm wool blankets, jackets, sweaters, and thick socks can help keep everyone warm and toasty on your boating adventure.

Emergency Supplies

It’s also important to be ready for an emergency, especially since you might be quite far from land on longer boating trips. Every passenger should have their own personal flotation device, otherwise known as a PFD or a life jacket, that fits them well. PFDs should be worn from dock to dock. You’ll also want to have a throwable life ring to toss to someone who falls overboard.

An emergency radio that can be operated by a crank or batteries is a good idea so you can signal for help or listen to weather forecasts. You should also have at least one fire extinguisher on your boat in case a fire breaks out. Stock a first-aid kit with bandages, ointments, painkillers, tweezers, and any other supplies you may need to deal with minor illnesses and injuries.

Necessary Paperwork

Finally, you’ll need to ensure that you have all the right paperwork on your boat in a secure waterproof folio. Keep copies of these papers on land in a safe place in case your originals are damaged. Papers to keep on your boat include proof of insurance, your boat registration, and your boat license. You should also always have a current photo ID with you.

Stop by our dealership in Clinton, CT, to check out our selection of new and used Chris-Craft® boats for sale. Clinton Harborside Marina serves our Connecticut customers in the cities of West Haven and Milford.