Boating is a hugely popular hobby, and with good reason; there are few things more relaxing and enjoyable than spending a few hours out on the water with friends and family. If you're planning to take your boat out for a day trip in the near future, here are a few things you should do to ensure you are fully prepared for the excursion:
Have it inspected
It is absolutely crucial to have your vessel checked for faults and damage before your trip. If you don't, you could find yourself stranded out on the water on a malfunctioning boat for hours whilst you wait for a rescue crew to arrive.
Look for a company in your local area that offers marine services, and inquire about having your boat inspected. The marine mechanic will carry out a visual inspection, during which they will look for things like holes, corrosion and damaged components, after which they may do a computer-aided diagnostic scan; this will enable them to identify any faults within the engine.
Make sure to have this inspection carried out at least a week or two prior to your trip so that, if a fault is discovered, it can be repaired long before you're due to leave.
Check and restock your safety equipment kit
Whilst the chances of something going wrong during your time on the water might be quite small, it is still sensible to err on the side of caution and prepare for every eventuality, including things like illness, a fire or a passenger falling overboard.
You should check and, if necessary, restock your boat's safety kit several days in advance of your trip. Your kit should include basic first-aid supplies (including sea sickness medication and rehydration salts), distress flares, and a foil blanket (to prevent anyone who has fallen overboard from developing hypothermia).
Your safety equipment should also include a fire extinguisher, a life ring and enough life jackets for everyone on board (don't forget to examine each life jacket for tearing or holes. If you notice any, replace the jacket before your trip).
Pack carefully
If you're only going out on your boat for a day, you may feel as though you don't need to put too much thought into what to pack. However, if you want your trip to go as smoothly as possible, it's worth making an effort to pack everything you and your passengers might need.
One of the most important items that you should bring along is sunscreen. When you're on a boat, you can get burnt not only by direct sunlight but also by the rays that are reflected by the water.
Make sure to pack plenty of bottled water, too (more than you think you will need), particularly if high temperatures are forecasted and you or your passengers will be consuming alcohol. Just a brief bout of dehydration can cause disorientation and dizziness, which in turn, may increase a person's risk of falling overboard.
Share18 June 2017
Hi, there! Welcome my friend to my new blog. When I was a child, I hated the water. When my dad tried to teach me how to swim in the local pool and burst out crying and ran to my mother's arms. After that traumatic experience, I decided that I wasn't going to near the water ever again. I managed to keep myself dry for the next 27 years. I met a wonderful woman who loved to swim and sail on the open sea. She encouraged me back into the water and I had an amazing time. I now own a sailboat and take part in swimming competitions. I hope you enjoy my blog.