You’ve just purchased your new vessel – the price was right, the sales process was a pleasure, you’ve got a good handle on safe navigation from having taken a vessel orientation – now what?

Boating is a great pastime and making sure your boat is outfitted with the items below will make the difference between having a great day on the water or an abrupt end to a trip. In more serious case scenarios, situations could even become life threatening without the right boat accessories – being over prepared is never a bad idea.

Here is a list of the essential must-have items we recommend you stow on board before leaving the dock this 2022 season:

• Life Jackets – PFDs – 1 per passenger + doggy life vest!
• Throwable Flotation Device
• Updated Vessel Registration + Insurance Documentation
• Current Fire Extinguisher
• Spare Clothes
• Extra Food & Water
• First Aid Kit + Medicine
• Sunscreen & Bug Repellent
• Bailing Device
• Signal Horn / Whistle
• Hand-held Spotlight
• Flares / Flare Gun
• VHF Radio
• Binoculars
• Hand-held Compass
• Basic Tools + Knife
• Paddles
• Snorkel & Mask
• Anchor & Rope

Having the right gear on board is a must, but it doesn’t stop there. Knowing where and how to use this gear is the second part of the task. What good are life jackets if they’re inaccessible? Or your VHF radio if it’s not turned on? How about your fire extinguisher being past it’s prime? Being mindful of where you stow these items and how to use them is equally important as having them!

Written by: Capt. Greg Thornton | Professional Captain Services

For Boat Lessons & Boat Deliveries and to learn more, please visit Norseman International