Boat sales in the United States increased by 19 percent in 2020, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The rising popularity of boating is partly due to many individuals discovering that a serene cruise is a worthy way to unwind after months of hard work. It offers a novel means to enjoy nature by yourself, with your significant other, or with a small, intimate group. If you have never gone on a boating holiday but would like to do so soon, here are some essential points you would do well to remember.
Essential Items To Bring
The items you’ll pack for a boating holiday will depend on who is coming with you and the activities you intend to do. The essentials include food, toiletries, towels, clothes, first aid supplies, communication devices, as well as floatation devices, and other life-preserving instruments.
Batteries, 12v adapters for charging, and lighting devices such as flashlights are also recommended. If you decide to bring pets along, don’t forget their essentials such as leashes and toys. If the kids will be joining you’ll want to make sure to bring floatation devices and kids swim shirts. It would also be wise to bring along some cleaning supplies when you intend to stay longer than a few days.
The essentials will make up the bulk of your gear, but you can trim down the things you need to bring depending on what you think you can do without. The activities you will pack for are what will truly define whether you pack heavy or light. The usual pastimes while boating includes picnicking, board games, and watching movies on a portable device.
However, you may also be interested in swimming, fishing, birdwatching, stargazing, and other hobbies that require heavier equipment. Take such activities into account when managing your baggage to ensure that you do not overburden yourselves or your vessel.
Safety Tips To Remember
Different waterways always present their own set of safety hazards. Even a current running at moderate speed can cause you to collide with an obstacle with enough force to render you unconscious. It is also a well-known fact that even skilled swimmers can drown in seemingly calm-looking waters. To take necessary precautions, you would do well to brush up on the major risk factors of drowning.
Other chief aspects of safety are staying informed and formulating plans. You must check the weather and other conditions along the waterways you will travel on. Forming a float plan is also crucial. This will inform your family and staff at your marina of the contact details of everyone aboard, your itinerary, boat registration info, and your communication and signal equipment.
Keeping these tips to heart ensures that you will not set off from the pier unprepared. With this information in mind, you can have a successful and fulfilling boating holiday.
