Preparing For a Day of Boating
When the warm weather hits, you’re probably eager to make the most of it. One of our favorite pastimes at Mark’s Leisure Time Marine is a day full of boating. There’s nothing quite like hitting the water for some relaxation and fun activities, from watersports to fishing. We’ve provided some tips to help you prepare for a day of boating. If you’re still searching for the perfect vessel to enjoy the water with, visit our dealership in Conesus and Canandaigua, NY. We’ve got an impressive inventory, including pontoon boats, wakeboard boats, and fishing boats for sale.
Proper Documentation
Just as there are important papers and documents you carry with you when you’re driving a vehicle, you’ll need similar documentation when you go boating. This will include items like your registration, license, and insurance information. We highly suggest you keep these items in a secure, waterproof location, such as a pouch or folio. You should also make copies of these documents in the event that they’re stolen, damaged, or lost.
Extra Blankets & Clothing
Oftentimes, the temperatures on or around a sizable body of water are cooler than on land. Between the wind and the water, it can get surprisingly nippy. Therefore, you should encourage your passengers to wear layers or at least bring a jacket with them. Even then, it would still be wise to have some extra warmth onboard, like blankets and jackets. You can even bring some rain gear if you really want to play it safe. Go a step further and have a change of pants and socks available as well. After all, there’s no such thing as being too prepared!
Health Concerns
As the captain, you’re in charge of both your health and safety as well as your passengers. During the summer months, your biggest challenge will be the sun. The direct UV rays are dangerous enough on their own, but when they reflect off the water, they become even more harmful. You’ll need to have sunscreen on the boat. Apply and reapply as needed. It should go without saying that all passengers need to drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re aware of your passengers’ medical conditions if there are any. It’s also helpful to know if anyone on the boat has seasickness tendencies. If someone appears to be feeling ill, give them some water, snacks, and a place to lie down. It would be smart to have motion sickness medication readily available in case this happens.
Safety Precautions
Your boat will need to be equipped with essential safety supplies, such as fire extinguishers, life jackets, a throwable life ring, a waterproof paper map, and a compass. Even if you prefer to rely on your electronic GPS, physical tools are important to have in emergency situations. You should have signaling supplies as well, like flags and flares. Of course, a fully stocked first-aid kit is another critical safety item.
When it comes to more specific gear, you’ll need to start by checking the weather forecast before heading out. This will let you know if rain gear is needed or if there’s a point in the day where you’ll want to head back to shore. Regardless of where you’re going and how far you travel, you should always inform someone on land of your itinerary. This can be a friend, family member, or even a park ranger. Let them know where you are headed and when you plan to return. If something goes wrong, this person can send help.
This should be enough to get you started on planning your next boating trip. Everyone’s planning process will look different. You should customize it to best fit your needs. For more information, stop by Mark’s Leisure Time Marine in Conesus and Canandaigua, NY. We can assist with parts, service, rentals, boat storage, and more! Our dealership proudly serves Rochester, NY.