A day on a boat can be relaxing, exciting, or a little bit of both.
You can lie out in the sun all day, or when the temperature rises, take a quick dip in the water or take part in water sports like tubing, wakeboarding and waterskiing.
If you’re planning a day (or many!) on the boat this summer, here are 10 items you definitely shouldn’t forget.
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Check out the list below:
Don’t forget these essential items when packing for a day on the water. (iStock)
- Safety device
- Swimsuit and towel
- trainer
- Food and Drink
- Sunscreen
- music
- Waterproof smartphone case
- garbage bag
- Dry Bag
- game
1. Safety Equipment
safety first!
First, make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets (at least one per boat occupant), a fire extinguisher, an anchor, a flashlight, a throwable flotation device, audio and visual signaling devices, a GPS, a radio, and a cell phone.
It’s also important to have a first aid kit on board just in case. When it comes to boating safety, it’s always better to have extra equipment than not enough.
2. Swimsuit and towel
Of course, don’t forget your swimsuit and towel on the day of your boat ride.
You’ll likely be spending most of the day in your swimsuit, so wear it underneath your clothes.
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Bring an extra pair of dry clothes to change into at the end of the day.
3. Sweatshirts
Boats can be windy, and wrapping yourself up in a towel will keep you warm while the towel dries, but once the towel gets wet this method is no longer effective.
On boating days, it’s wise to also bring a sweatshirt, especially if you plan on being out on the water when the temperature drops during the day.
You probably won’t need it, but it’s good to have it just in case.
4. Food and Drink
Food and drink are essential, and sandwiches are one of the easiest meals you can make in the comfort of your own boat.
Bring a cooler filled with all your cold cuts, dressings and toppings, but pack bread and chips separately.
Watermelon has a refreshing taste that is perfect under the hot summer sun. (iStock)
People can then assemble their fresh sandwich just how they like it.
Fresh fruit like watermelon also makes a great refreshing snack on board.
Pack more water than you think you’ll need to stay hydrated throughout the day.
5. Sunscreen
It’s important to bring plenty of sun protection when you go boating.
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This includes sunscreen, of course, but you should also consider bringing a hat and sunglasses to keep the sun off your face all day.
6. Music
Music is a must on board.
Many modern boats have built-in speakers so you don’t need to provide your own. If your boat doesn’t have speakers you can plug into, bring your phone and play music loud enough for everyone to hear.
Create a boat playlist filled with upbeat tunes to keep your energy high all day.
7. Waterproof smartphone case
A waterproof phone case not only keeps your phone dry, but it also allows you to take pictures of the day.
Many waterproof phone cases are very cheap and essentially look like a clear bag.
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Simply place your phone inside the case, close it, and wear it around your neck with the included strap.
While on your boat, it’s important to keep your valuables, like your wallet and other electronic devices, safe and secure. Having a waterproof case or dry bag can help prevent these items from getting wet or damaged while you’re having fun on the water. (iStock)
That way you can take your phone with you and take pictures while you’re underwater.
8. Garbage Bags
This is a simple but important item you don’t want to forget.
Consuming food and drink throughout the day can accumulate a lot of waste, and your boat can quickly become dirty.
Bring some trash bags with you to help keep your boat clean and make it easy to collect trash at the end of the day.
9. Dry Bags
Dry bags can be purchased on Amazon.
These waterproof bags are a place where you can store things you don’t want to get wet.
Examples of things you might want to put in this type of bag include your cell phone and wallet.
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They come in a variety of sizes so you can find the one that best suits your needs.
10. Games
Last but not least, don’t forget the boat games.
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This includes board games and water games that you can play while you play.
When it comes to board games, waterproof cards are a good choice as they are easy to carry around and don’t take up much space in your bag.
