Ever since I had four kids, the necessary items on my packing lists have grown exponentially. I often feel like I’m playing that game, “I’m going on a boat trip and I’m bringing…” where I end up with a whole alphabet list of must-haves.
Skimping on essentials may leave you unprepared for emergencies on the water, but overloading your boat can take a toll on your performance by slowing you down and hampering your fuel efficiency. (If your dealer promised you a top speed you haven’t been able to reach, extra gear on board might be the problem.) Strike the perfect balance by remembering to pack these essentials in three categories: safety, comfort, and fun.
Safety Equipment
Life Jackets
I’ll say it a thousand times if I say it once: bring a life jacket for every person on board and–ahem–make sure people wear them. They’re the most important piece of equipment on your boat. Legally required on every vessel for every person, life jackets, or Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) literally save lives. You never know when someone will fall overboard, and even strong swimmers can falter.
If you have children on board, they’re required by law to wear life jackets; make sure they fit correctly. All life jackets should be in good condition, and different categories of life jackets have different performance qualities. Type I and II have the most inherent buoyancy and can almost always turn an unconscious person face upward, keeping their head above water. Choose life jackets best suited to your boating activities and water conditions.
Throwable Flotation Device
Your boat is also required to have at least one Type IV throwable device, like a cushion or a life ring that you can toss to a person in the water. With an attached lanyard, you can easily pull the person back to the boat. Keep it within reach.
ID’s & Documents
Boats must have a current boat registration and license on board. Be sure to keep them in a waterproof case or dry bag.
Basic First Aid Kit
Always keep a waterproof first aid kit on board with the basic essentials: bandages, antiseptic cream, aspirin, gauze pads and cotton, scissors, rubber gloves, and tweezers. Moleskin also has a million uses, and I love having it on hand for surprise blisters. And hand sanitizer or wipes are perfect for keeping your hands clean if your boat doesn't have a faucet.
Flashlight (With Working Batteries)
You never want to be stuck out on the water in the dark with a power outage, so be sure to bring a working flashlight. I love keeping a compact but powerful flashlight inside my first aid kit.
Orange Flag
An orange skier down flag is required in many states, but it is a smart idea in all of them. Wave the flag when you have swimmers in the water, not just when skiers or tubers have fallen.
GPS Device Or Your Phone
Though you never want to drop it in the water, bringing your phone on board has so many advantages. If your boat doesn’t have a GPS device, your phone can help you map out routes when you’re lost or call for the Coast Guard or marine patrol in the event of an emergency. Keep an extra phone charger on hand in the event that your battery gets low.
Anchor & Rode
Although an anchor isn’t required by law, it’s a great way to keep your boat in place while fishing, swimming, or when having a picnic. Plus, if you happen to lose power it can keep you from drifting downriver or into other boats while you are waiting for help.
Dock Lines & Fenders
Tying up your boat is always going to be necessary, and it’s best to purchase small buoys that you’ll actually use with enough line to tie your boat up at the dock. All you need is a small buffer between your boat rails and the dock to avoid scratches and dents. Be sure to have the boat fenders ready to go and easily accessible. Otherwise, they’ll never be used and will just be taking up precious space.
Small Tool Kit
Be prepared for an emergency and hopefully you’ll never have one. But it’s still a must-have to keep a small tool kit with the essentials on board and in a waterproof place. Pliers, wrench, screwdriver, zip ties, and electrical tape can help you limp back to the dock in an emergency.
Paddle
Don’t get caught up a creek or balancing on the edge of a danger with engine failure with no paddle. A slim paddle can fit easily in an in-floor ski locker, or attached to the inside rails of your boat, and in a pinch, you can use it as a push pole in shallow water.
Comfort Equipment
Sunscreen, Lip Balm, & Bug Spray
Protect your skin and lips from sunburn, even on cloudy days. Remember to reapply often, especially if you spend time in the water. When you’re out in nature, there will be insects, so bug spray is a must-have to keep you from troublesome bug bites.
Hat and Sunglasses
For an extra layer of protection for your face and eyes, wear a hat and sunglasses. You’ll not only feel cooler, you’ll look cooler, too.
Loaded Cooler
Keep your food and drinks safe and cool with an airtight cooler and plenty of ice. Be sure to bring a few bottles of water for each person, and remember that having additional non-perishable snacks can help the grumpiest of us finish a day of boating with a better attitude. Sometimes our boating adventures go on longer than planned and extra goodies are always what save the day for my kiddos.
Jacket Or Sweatshirt
Sunny days can be flanked by cool mornings and chilly evenings, so keep a sweatshirt or lightweight rain jacket handy so you can always stay warm. I keep a handful of larger jackets on board so anyone can wrap up in one when they’re cold.
Fun Equipment
Fishing License & Fishing Gear
Boating and fishing go hand in hand with my family, so whenever we’re on the water, we bring our fishing gear. A small tackle box and telescoping fishing rods can easily fit in an under-the-seat storage compartment. Remember to bring your fishing license, too.
Music Playlist
Not much pairs better with a sunny day on the water than listening to upbeat songs and my kids’ favorite music. I have a few favorite playlists ready to go on Spotify, and it links so easily to the on board stereo.|
Water Sports Equipment & Air Pump
Keep your family’s favorite water sports equipment on board in the ski locker or bench storage. Always make sure to dry off inflatables, towables, water skis, and wakeboards after a day of boating and repack them on board so they’re ready to go for next time. Keep only what you plan to use on board, though. No sense taking the entire garage of tubes for an outing where you know you’re only going to break out the water skis. Remember to keep a 12-volt air pump on board if you’re using inflatables. And when you purchase a tube for towing, remember to also buy a rope to tow it with.
I’ve found that I can easily store most things on this packing list right on board, so last minute packing usually only means snacks, water, fresh towels, and the towables we’ll need for the day. And once we’re packed and ready to go, the fun can truly begin. Being well prepared helps the day on the water go smoothly, so pack these essentials and enjoy your next boating adventure.
