Purchasing your first boat is such an exciting process and you probably can’t wait to get out on the water. As you do start to become a real boat owner, you will be presented with a lot of information to learn from VHF radios up to how to care for your boat engine and so much more. It can feel really overwhelming at first and we understand.
While you and your family or friends are itching to hop out on the water, you definitely want to take a step back and make sure that your vessel is 100 percent ready for the voyage ahead, especially as a newbie on the open water. Below, we will go over some important supplies that EVERY boat owner needs to have on board.
Necessary Supplies for Your First Boat
Don’t take this list too lightly as you may find that you need some of these supplies rather quickly and early on in your adventures. You never know when something may happen and having these supplies can help save you.
1. VHF Radio
We mentioned the term VHF radio above and for good reason too. You want to have one. While smaller boats are not required to have one, you want to do yourself the favor and just get one. This radio allows you to communicate with bridges, other ships, and more importantly, the Coast Guard should an emergency happen.
2. Rope
You never can have too much rope. Trust us on this one. Keep some extra rope on hand, always. You never know when your current rope will fray or break, and you don’t want to be left without any.
Rope is used for many different things from tying your boat to the dock to helping pull yours or someone else’s boat should it break down.
3. Life Jackets
One of the most vital and important supplies to have on your boat is a life jacket. You should have one life jacket for each person who will be on your boat. If you and your family are using the boat, you should purchase a well-fitted jacket for each person and keep it on the boat.
Life jackets can save your life, so you do not want to be caught without them.
4. First Aid Kit
You never know when someone may be injured. Something as simple as a barnacle on the side of a rock can cause a big laceration. A first aid kit is a must-have, and you should keep it replenished if you use any of the supplies from it.
Some of the items you want to keep in your first aid kit include emergency blankets, antiseptic cleaner, wound dressings, cloth, bandages, latex gloves, tweezers, cold compresses, and a thermometer.
5. Anchor and Line
While you may not think an anchor is a necessity, it is wise to have one on board in case of an emergency situation. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are stranded, you want to be able to anchor your boat and the only way to do that would be to have an anchor. (The line is excellent to have to ensure you can properly anchor yourself.)
6. Fire Extinguisher
It sounds like an oxymoron, right? Fire on the water, but it can happen. You never know when you may experience a fire onboard your boat and you want to be prepared if it ever does happen. Having a fire extinguisher on hand will help you get the fire out quickly and safely.
Extra Supplies That You Should Have on Hand on Your Boat
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Extra change of clothes
- Medication (motion sickness meds, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, etc.)
- Flares
- Extra water and snacks
- Multi-tool
- Knife
Get Your Boat Water Ready Today
If you have just purchased a boat, congratulations. The supplies above are ones that you will want to equip and stock on your boat to ensure you have a fun, but safe experience out on the water. There are some supplies that you just cannot forget such as life jackets.
Above all else, include supplies and equipment that make you feel comfortable while out on the water.
An enjoyable day out boating is just around the corner for you!
