Must Have Equipment and Accessories for your Small Boat

Unwinding on a boat, holding a fishing rod hoping to catch the biggest fish in the lake, while watching the beautiful sunset can be one of the most relaxing pastime activities around. River rafting, boating on a kayak, cruising on one’s yacht or even drifting away in an inflatable boat can be a wonderful way to enjoy nature’s gift of relaxing bodies of water.

Boating provides solitude amongst the turbulence of life. However, taking a boat out for a ride isn’t child’s play and not as easy as it may seem. There are many factors to be considered before taking the plunge. Following are the basic fundamentals:

It is absolutely necessary to know the weather conditions of the area that you plan to take your boat out on, be it for a cruise or even a wild ride. The weather conditions out on the water can be very erratic and can change very rapidly in just a few seconds. If you plan an entire day picnicking on your boat out in the sea make sure you find out the weather forecast of that area for the entire day, changes expected, high/low tide notification etc.

If heavy rains are expected it is better to call off the trip as small boats are not capable of facing strong torrential rains; these boats not having the stability can be capsized or even flipped as compared to bigger boats. The impact and intensity of the rains is much more drastic in sea than in land, hence a minor rain storm can turn into a major disaster. Additionally, on a small boat there is no place to neither hide nor escape from the mighty winds and heavy rains, which can prove to be fatal.     

If you plan a long trip on the ocean, it’s a safe idea to let someone know about where you are planning to go and what time you expect to return. Filing a float plan with the marina is a good idea and safe option which can really help if you find yourself in the middle of a storm helpless in your small boat.

Carrying along a VHF marine band radio is a must as it is the easiest way to contact someone in case of any emergencies.

The type of boat doesn’t matter here, what matters is that these essential items form a part of your trip on your boat:

• Life Jacket or PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
• First Aid Kit
• Flashlight
• Whistle
• Mirror or shiny object
• Blanket
• Rope
• Plastic bags
• Bucket
• Oars

Carrying along a life jacket or PFD is common sense, especially if one does not know how to swim. If you are in a canoe/kayak it is very essential to be wearing a life jacket at all times as given the light nature of these boats they can flip easily causing unexpected emergency situations.

There are three types of PFD’s: Type I, Type II and Type III and are used in rough, medium and calm waters respectively.

Your flashlight should be water proof, bright and long lasting. If you are stuck in the middle of the water in the dark, using the flashlight you can send international SOS signals to call for help. Flashlights can also be used to spot for other boats or objects to avoid hitting them.

A durable whistle that works even when it gets wet should be an essential on your boat; it should be bright colored so that it lessens the chances of it being misplaced on the boat. A whistle is used to attract help when in danger; however it should be used as a last resort or in dire emergency situations as it is considered as a distress signal.

This is the day version of a flashlight, if you are stranded in the sea during the day, you can attract attention by reflecting the sunlight on the mirror.

Ropes have multiple usages on the boat. You can tie your boat to the shore or to another boat for towing or probably even rescue some one from drowning. It is important to have knowledge of some useful knots and it comes in use in times of emergencies.

You should always have oars in you boat even if it runs on motor. In case your motor breaks down or you run out of gas, with the oars you can paddle your way to the shore. Make sure they are tightly secured to your boat so that they do not fall of in rough waters.

This has been just a brief description of common precautionary measures. It is highly recommended that you take a course on small boat safety and know the laws of the concerned area before setting out on your trip.

For the purpose of a convenient sea travel you can have Boat Bedding selected based on your comfort. Bedding for boats are often selected based on the interior design and it will enhance the look of your boat and improve its comfort. Yacht Sheets are available online and you can choose from a range of displayed beddings and sheets.