5 Important Items to Have on Your Boat

If you're a relatively new boat owner, you're probably excited to get out on the water as soon as possible. However, before you embark on your first boating journey, there are a handful of certain items that you won't want to leave the dock without. For more information on all things boating, stop by Club Royale at our location in Waterford, Michigan, also serving Rochester, Michigan.

1. Life Jackets

Even if you and the other occupants of your boat have no plans to end up in the water, you never know if something may go wrong, and it's much better to have a life jacket and not need it than the other way around. If you're ever boating in stormy or adverse conditions, in addition to having them handy, it would be wise to have everyone on the deck wearing theirs at all times, too.

2. Depth Finders

To avoid running aground or ending up in water that's too shallow, it's important to have a depth-finding device onboard at all times. With an accompanying sensor mounted to the bottom of your boat, these devices will feed you real-time information about the depth of the water you're navigating. Having one of these makes for an all-around safer boating experience.

3. First Aid Kits

Injuries can sometimes occur when you're out on the water, especially if you're taking part in any kind of water sport or physical activity. Having a first aid kit on board is crucial for treating these injuries should they occur. Some of the items you'll want to make sure yours contains include bandages, antibiotic ointment, hydrogen peroxide, aspirin, and cold packs. Depending on the size of your boat and the nature of its usage, there are several other medical supplies you'll also want to include.

4. Dry Boxes

There's a good chance you'll have certain objects on your boat that you won't want to get wet, such as electronics, papers, and other fragile or valuable things. With a water-tight dry box, you'll be able to safely store these items while you're out on the water. The higher-quality box you go with, the more reliable it will likely be.

5. Water Bailing Containers

Hopefully, you'll never be in a situation where you need to bail water out of your boat. However, if you ever are, it'll be crucial that you have large enough bailing containers to help you keep the vessel afloat.

To make sure you have all of these on every boat trip you take, make a checklist and take the time to go over it each time you're getting ready to embark. To learn more, come see us at Club Royale. We're located in Waterford, Michigan, and also serve Rochester.