5 MUST HAVE Safety Items For Your Boat
Safety plays a huge role in boating for any boat owner and is always top priority. We always recommend to carry the following items at all times to ensure you are safe and can fully enjoy a worry free day out on the water!
1. Life Jackets / Floatation Devices
Every person on the boat must have a life jacket. We recommend that all life jackets on board are Coast Guard approved. It's required to have one Coast Guard approved life jacket per passenger on board. During an encounter with law enforcement your non Coast Guard approved life jackets won't fly, sorry wake surfers. You can buy safety packs that contain 4 ugly orange life jackets that are extremely uncomfortable or you can buy individual neoprene life jackets that are much more comfortable to wear and are better for water sports. As long as you have one coast guard approved life jacket for each person on board, you're set. Additionally, you will need one throwable flotation device on board which is required by law.
2. First Aid / Safety Kits
We at Munson Ski know from personal experience that you'll pay the price if you don't carry a first aid and safety kit on your boat. When on the water you don't always have access to quick help so it's important to carry a first aid kit in case of emergency. Nobody knows when it's going to happen and it's better to be safe than sorry. If you you have a small to medium size boat it's acceptable to have simple first aid kit on board but if you have a bigger boat and want to be extra prepared, stock the items listed below on your rig:
First Aid Kit Should Include
Emergency Phone Numbers
Sterile Gauze Pads
Adhesive Tape
Adhesive Band-Aids
Elastic Bandages
Anti-Septic Wipes/ Alcohol Wipes/ Ethyl Alcohol
Antibiotic Ointment
Hydrogen Peroxide
A safety kit is just a good idea on all boats. Big or small, it's good to carry one on board just in case. Carrying a fire extinguisher is required by law, but all the other items will come in handy in sticky situations.
Safety Kit Should Include
Flares
Air Horn and Whistle
VHF Radio/Cell Phones
Flashlight
Basic Tool Kit
Fire Extinguisher
Jump Pack
3. Dock Line / Anchor / Fenders
We highly recommend that every boater includes dock lines, fenders, and an anchor on their boat to make for an easier boating experience. We recommend carrying 4 dock lines and 4 fenders no matter the size of your boat. You may not always need em' but there will be a time and place when you do and you'll be happy to have them. If you are unsure on the sizes we have some measurements for you to use.
Dock Line Suggestions
- 3/8" up to 27'
- 1/2" up to 36'
- 5/8" up to 45'
Anchor Suggestions
The most common anchors are the fluke anchor and mushroom anchor. Mushroom anchors are generally used for smaller boats - nothing bigger than 18'. Anything bigger then that you will want to use a fluke anchor. Knowing your lake and the type of bottom you will be anchoring can also help you make a educated decision on which anchor is best.
Fender Suggestions
Fenders come in all different shapes and sizes, but to keep it simple we only suggest medium and large fenders. For smaller boats 20' and under you can get away with having medium size fenders. Anything 20' and up we recommend large fenders for the best protection.
4. A Full Fuel Tank
We know, sounds stupid, but you'd be surprised how often this happens. Leaving the dock without having a full tank of gas is one of the top mistakes that lead to being towed in. On a hot Saturday at 1pm, it's unlikely you'll want to be getting towed in. Plus your wife will be upset. Know the lake you are boating on and if the lake doesn't have a gas station or place to fill up, maybe keep an extra gas tank or two on your dock.
5. Legal Documentation
Don't leave the dock without these two things and you'll be good. If you're fishing, don't forget that license.
1. Registration
2. ID
3. (Fishing License)