Buying a new boat could be seen as a daunting task. Most people who are first-time buyers are not fully aware of how to maintain a boat in proper conditions. Most new boat owners may also not be aware of the accessories to keep in it, to ensure smooth and safe sailing. Let us have a look at the 17 essential supplies that one must keep on their new boat. Today we will look at a few supplies that should be one of your newly purchased boats. This list will help you curate the necessary and correct supplies to get ready for your maiden voyage, safely and with some peace of mind.
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Boat Supplies Checklist You Need for Your New Boat:
1. Flotation devices
One of the most important supplies to have on your new boat is a flotation device. Having items that fall into this category can be of utmost significance when it comes to saving one’s life. Several items can be considered as flotation devices such as life jackets, throw cushions, and flotation gear.
Check out the Best Life Jackets – Reviews and Buying Guide
2. Sound devices
You must have a sound device on your new boat. It is advisable and in some countries mandatory to keep sound devices such as a bell, horn, or a whistle, on board, in case of emergencies. It is of great help when you need to send out a sound signal should there be an unfortunate incident.
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3. Flare guns
In case of emergency, it is good to have a flare gun or handheld flares to send out a visual signal, to call for help. Flare guns shoot out bright flares that stay visible for a very long time after it has been launched. This will help search parties or the rescue teams of the coast guard to find you.
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4. Marine VHF radio
You must keep a handheld VHF radio on your new boat. This will help you send out a distress signal in case of an unforeseen event. A VHF radio acts as a combined transmitter and receiver that can be used to send out various signals. It operates on international frequencies known as channels. The international distress channel is channel 16 (156.8 MHz). Spare batteries are also a must for any battery-operated electronics.
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5. A GPS device/compass
Keeping a GPS device or even a basic compass will help you navigate in the right direction. It is a very important part of the boat to help you from getting lost out on the water.
6. A sturdy bucket
One small detail that is most often overlooked is the need to keep a sturdy bucket on a boat. Though a small requirement it is a very useful supply to have in hand in times of trouble. It can be used as a bailer to get water out of the boat, should there be leakage of some kind.
7. A basic first aid kit
Possibly the most important answer I give to anyone who asks me ‘what supplies do I need for my new boat’ is to always keep a basic first aid kit on board. The first aid kit should contain some basic antiseptic solution or cream, gauze, bandages, sterile gloves, cream or spray for insect bites, painkillers, cleansing wipes, scissors, distilled water for cleaning any wounds and a thermometer. A basic first aid kit will be of great help for basic treatments in case of injuries and can be of significant importance in saving one’s life.
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8. Additional safety gear
Bilge pumps and fire extinguishers are an integral part of the boat safety kit. These will help you in being ready in case of emergencies like leakages and fire outbreaks. A bilge pump is a device that helps to get rid of excess water build up in the boat bilge. This can be a manual or automatic pump.
9. Weather protection clothes
One might not consider temperature as a big factor when sailing, but only a distance of a few miles or kilometres can result in a significant change in the temperature. So be sure to consider both extremes of the temperature spectrum and pack clothes accordingly. Keep one thing in mind, no matter what clothes you pack, they should not hinder your ability to move.
10. Legal documentation for the boat
If you are in an area which falls close to an international border, make sure to carry proper legal documentation for the boat and your identity proof. This will help authorities recognize you and guide you to the correct help. This will also save you from a case of mistaken identity and save you from a lot of unnecessary legal troubles.
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11. Throwable PFD (personal flotation devices)
Along with life jackets, you should also keep some PFDs on board, so that they can provide added help when in need. PFDs include life vests, flotation devices, etc. Remember to select the right PFD, keeping in mind the specific conditions of the place you are sailing at.
12. Backfire flame arrestors
In case of engine backfire, you can use a backfire flame arrestor, to control the ignition of gasoline vapors. This will help in preventing a fire breakout and will ensure the safety of the people on board.
13. Hand-held fire extinguishers
While enjoying the beauty and thrill of your new boat, it is also important for you to be prepared for any kind of unforeseen situation that might arise. You should have a hand-held fire extinguisher on board so that in case of a fire, it can be used before it gets out of hand.
Check out the best hand-held fire extinguishers
14. Extra food and water
You should pack extra packets of food and drinking water in your storage, apart from your regular ration. Pack dehydrated food items that have a longer shelf life than regular food. This can be used if you run out of normal food in case of an emergency. Keep vitamin water and pack electrolytes, which can help you maintain your nutrient levels.
15. An anchor and rode (line)
One of the most important supplies that you should have on your boat is an anchor and a rode. An anchor rode is essentially what connects the anchor to your boat. Without an anchor rode, it will be difficult to stay at one place and your boat might end up drifting away out of safety.
Check out the 5 Best Boat Anchors
16. Basic tools for repair of the boat
Keep some basic tools for repair of the boat. Before you purchase a new boat, brush up some pointers on how to carry out some basic repairs. It will help you if something goes wrong, with the engine or any other part of the boat, and save you from any mechanical failure. This will keep you from being stranded in the boat with no help.
17. Extra fuel
Keep an extra barrel or two of fuel on board, just in case you get lost or end up taking the wrong direction, and your fuel runs out. This will keep you from being stranded out in the water, and help you sail closer to the coast, where you might find helpful.
Final thoughts
We have just gone through the essential supplies that you need to keep in your new boat. Having them on board is not only essential but also are mandatory in some countries. Do make a point to check with the coast guard authorities of your country or area to get a proper list of items that are mandatory according to them.
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