Heading out onto the water can be the ideal way to spend your weekend. You can pack the fishing gear for a relaxing day. Or you bring along some water toys, like jet skis, for a more action-packed trip. Regardless of how you plan to use the boat, you’ll need to spend some time planning your trip. Let’s look at how you can do this.
Check The Weather Reports
Before you leave, it’s important to check the weather report. This will give you a wealth of useful information. You’ll know what type of ocean conditions you can expect. It will tell you which location you should visit. If you have a longer trip, you should try to check the weather periodically.
Inspect the First-Aid Kit
The last thing you want is to have an accident on the water. But if something does go wrong, you must be prepared. It’s important to check the first-aid kit. Make sure that it’s well-stocked before you leave port. You’ll also want to look at the expiry dates. Though it only takes a few minutes, this can make a big difference if the worst happens.
It’s also important to make sure that you have all the right safety equipment. For example, you’ll need to check that you have flares and other signalling equipment. Check that you have batteries and torches. Sometimes, the government will specify what type of safety equipment you will need to take with you.
Check the Boat’s Electrical and Motor Systems
It’s important to make sure that the boat is in good working condition. If you are going on a multi-day trip, consider booking a service. This will give you peace of mind. Remember, it’s easier to fix mechanical problems at the wharf.
Take Plenty of Water
Though you might be surrounded by water, people on a boat will often get dehydrated. The heat from the sun, reflecting off the water, can be enough to make anyone feel sick. Because of this, you’ll need to make sure that you have plenty of fresh water in addition to the refreshments you may be enjoying. The US Coastguard recommends that you pack 30 gallons of fresh water per person per day.
Pack Plenty of Food
On your trip, you’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of nutritious food. The more people you have on board, the more food you will need to pack. You should have a fridge on board to keep everything cool. If not, you might want to pack an icebox.
If you’re on a boat, you won’t have a lot of space. But that doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to enjoy delicious food. Grilling your food can be a great idea. The grill will be compact and easy to store when you’re not using it. Plus, it doesn’t take a lot of bulky equipment to get to work. If you want to look through some popular options and get some tips on finding the right one, check out this boat grill compilation.
Tell Someone Where You’re Going
Before you leave, you’ll want to come up with a “float plan.” This just means that you will need to tell someone where you are going and how long you will be. When you safely arrive back and the dock, check back in and tell them about your trip. If something goes wrong, your friend can tell the Coastguard where you are expected to be.
Conclusion
Once you’ve finished planning, there’s just one thing left for you to do. Head off on your next boating trip. By using these tips, you’ll be able to arrive back at the dock safe.
