Looking Ahead: Make a Plan For Your Boating Day

If you crossed Little Big Town’s Pontoon with Daniel Powter’s Bad Day, what kind of song would you get? Maybe something like this:

The trailer got a flat and we ran out of gas
Dragged the ‘toon to the boat ramp and faced an impasse
Finally got to the water and had good cause to howl
Cause the dog dried her paws all over our towels
Then the kiddo took a jump straight into the water
And popped from her life vest like a cork from a bottle
Broke a prop on a rock while we fought over the throttle
Then the tow rope snapped clean while I was out on the tube
So now I’m floating here stranded with a juicy bruise
And slowly getting sunburned, and feeling abused
Never mind that I forgot the Capri Sun at home today
So I can’t even drink the day’s pain away…

Simply put, we don’t want you to be there this summer. Nobody needs that much character building. So we put together these solid tips on how to make the most out of your day on the water by planning ahead. You might be tempted to give a little eye roll at the obviousness of some of these must-haves, but remember—someone’s been there, and that’s why it made it to the final list.

Dry Bags

Whenever you bring expensive or non-waterproof items on your boat, it’s always nice to have the extra insurance of a dry bag. For some excellent options, check out Watershed.

Their duffels come in different colors and sizes, ranging in price from $105 to $200. Watershed also sells boat bags, such as the Large Tote for $120. Long handles make slinging it over your shoulder comfortable and this boat bag is big enough to accommodate almost all sizes of laptops, while able to stow flat in tight spaces when packed lightly.
(www.drybags.com)

First Aid Kit

Make sure your first aid kit (you have one, right? Riiight?) is updated and fully-stocked with everything from tweezers to bandages, gauze, scissors, cotton balls, latex gloves, antiseptic lotion and pain relievers. This will give you the assurance that you can face incidents from small cuts and slivers to more serious injuries. You can assemble your own or start over fresh with a new kit; check out www.RedCrossStore.org for tons of options. They offer sizes such as their pocket first aid kits for $3 and up to the behemoth Deluxe Family First Aid Kit for $27. (www.redcrossstore.org)

Floating Key Chain

Ahh, you dropped the boat keys?! It’s all good if you have a floating key chain; just lean over and pick it up out of the water. These little babies are essential for preventing mishap of the worst sort. Go to www.FloatKeyChain.com for some low-priced custom printed floating key chains. You can create unique floating key chains by designing an imprint for one or both sides. Custom float key chains add substance, design and color to any key ring for $.49 to $1.50, with various prices for personal customization. For another option you can always look at Bass Pro Shops’ Floating Key Chain for $1.99, which doubles as a protective capsule for things like boat papers. (www.basspro.com)

Sunscreen 

Being around water goes hand-in-hand with reflections from the sun, which of course increases your likelihood of getting a mean sunburn. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection (from both UVA and UVB), an SPF of at least 30, and is water-resistant. My family, mostly a clan of blue-or green-eyed redheads, prefers Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 70, which you can find at stores such as Costco or Walmart, as well as on their website. (www.neutrogena.com)

Koozies

Oh man, nothing helps you cool down like downing cold drink. Once you open a can or bottle, keep them cool with koozies. Bass Pro Shops sells can and bottle coolers of various types, ranging from $1.99 to $5 (www.basspro.com). Another option with customization services offered is DiscountMugs.com. Their Premium 4mm Collapsible Can Coolers sell for only 28 cents, while their neoprene Water Bottle Drawstring koozies retail at only $1.56, with varying prices depending on personal customization. You can also check out KustomKoozies.com—they even have wine glass koozies for $1.80, but of course always remember to drink responsibly. (www.kustomkoozies.com)

Or, if you want to ramp up your koozie, you can always try the Dometic Eskimo Cup that we tested in our June issue. Retailing at $199, this refrigerated drink holder flush-mounts easily, keeps drinks nice and chilly, and is even accented with two blue LED interior lights. (www.dometic.com)

Water-Proof Phone Case

Not only is having your phone onboard handy in case of an emergency, you also get to take fun pictures while out on the water. Protecting your investment with a waterproof case will ensure any accidental dips or spills will keep it in working order, and will also prevent little ears from being exposed to cursing that no doubt would follow if you neglect this. Waterproof-Case.com, a company that especially caters to iPhone and Samsung Galaxy protective cases, has some awesome and affordable options. For example, the Samsung Galaxy 4 case is shockproof and waterproof up to 6 feet while keeping your phone slim and sleek, all for only $23.95. (www.waterproof-case.com)

Also consider a company such as Quality Logo Products (www.qualitylogoproducts.com) who sells branded products so when wanting to add koozies, floating key chains or other items you can get thos personalized. 

Now that you have some must-haves in mind, check out a few more to-dos for that final bit of confidence that you really have thought of everything. Take a quick peek at your boat registration to make sure it’s current, and if you’re planning on any fishing, make sure your fishing license is up to speed as well. Double-check that your boat is stocked with Visual Distress Signals in case of an emergency, such as handheld flares or an electric distress signal. Don’t forget an extra prop just in case you break a blade; being able to swap it out on the water makes for a quick and easy fix during your vacation day. Sit down and think about your location and time of year, and make sure to accommodate for anything different you might need, such as windbreakers or extra food. If water activities are on the to-do list, double-check that you have air pumps, nozzle fittings and a good rope.

And finally, once you’ve narrowed down the final list that best works for your family, make a copy of it, laminate it, and keep it in a safe place with your boating gear so you have it whenever you’re planning to head out. Sitting down and taking the time to think through these minute details now will ensure that you can pack fast next time without forgetting anything important. Make sure your day on the water will be a good day!

Checklist 

• Boating snacks 
• Bug repellent 
• Cheap pairs of sunglasses 
• Chapstick
• Cooler 
• Copy of your own list (to always keep in your travel bag)
• Dry bags
• Extra clothes 
• Extra water
• Fire extinguisher 
• First aid kit
• Flotation rings for glasses and keys
• Fresh towels
• Garbage bags
• Hand wipes 
• Hats 
• Jumper Cables
• Koozies
• Life jackets 
• Medications
• Motion sickness pills 
• Music (iPod, mp3 player, etc)
• Pocket knife
• Rain gear 
• Rope
• Sunscreen
• Toasting forks
• Toilet paper
• Waterproof flashlight and spare batteries
• Waterproof phone case
• Water shoes