The 9 Things You Should Bring on Your Boat
Going boating is a great hobby that reduces stress, no matter the season. Even though fall has set in, that doesn’t mean you can’t still go out and enjoy a fun day on the water with friends or family. But you may be wondering what it is you should pack for that enjoyable day in order to be able to fully relax, and we’re here to help with that.
This boating guide comes to you courtesy of Mark’s Leisure Time Marine. With locations in Conesus and Canandaigua, we’re your New York boat dealer. Here are nine items you’ll want to make sure you have when you head out for a day on the water with your boat.
1. Sunscreen
Yes, no matter the season, you should always pack some sunscreen. Even the coldest day on the water can give you a sunburn if it’s sunny enough outside. Bring a good waterproof sunscreen that’s SPF 50 or higher and reapply as needed to ensure ample skin protection.
2. Drinks
Everyone gets thirsty and needs to drink water, so you’ll want to make sure you’re bringing enough bottles of water with you for all your passengers to stay hydrated. Of course, water can be kind of boring, so you can also get unsweetened iced tea or cold-brew coffee or flavored sparkling water to your drinks roster to make things more fun. Try a powder or liquid flavoring in your water, too!
3. Snacks
Don’t let any of your passengers go hungry during your time on the water! Pack lots of healthy snacks that passengers of every age can enjoy. Some good non-perishable options include nuts, granola bars, fruit snacks, dried fruit, chips, crackers and trail mix. Perishable snacks that will require ice include sandwiches, string cheese and yogurt.
4. Cooler
The best way to keep those drinks and perishable snacks cold is to bring a cooler with you. Stash your cans and bottles in with plenty of ice that can also be used for drinks or for icing a hurt knee.
5. Towels
Boating is very likely to cause some water to slosh onboard and if you want to keep things dry, you’ll need towels. This is also the case if anyone in your boating party is going swimming. Pack more towels than you think you’ll need because you never know when they’ll come in handy.
6. Extra Clothes
You’re liable to get cold or wet on the water and it’s important to have clothing to change into if that happens. Kids are especially vulnerable to the cold and damp, so make sure you have a few sets of extra clothes for them, along with some blankets to cozy up in. Even on a hot day, the temperature on the water is several degrees cooler than it is on land. Pack a light waterproof jacket or poncho to wear if it starts raining, too.
7. A Good Playlist
Entertainment is another priority on the water. Make sure you’ve got a way to play some music on Bluetooth™ speakers or through your boat’s stereo if it has one and load up a great playlist on your phone or tablet. Get everyone’s input on what they’d like to hear or choose a theme, such as nautical songs or songs about the water.
8. Water Toys
Who doesn’t love playing on the water? For warmer days, pool noodles, floaties and inner tubes are great options. If it’s too cold to actually get in the water, you can let the kids play with small water guns instead so they don’t get soaked.
9. Dry Bag
Need a way to keep your clothes and electronics dry and safe? A dry bag is perfect for boating, as it’s waterproof and roomy enough to hold all your more sensitive supplies. Some types can float so that you can fish them out of the water if they fall overboard.
We hope this guide helps you to enjoy your next day of boating. Ready to check out some boats for sale? Now is a great time to buy! Visit our website to see the full complement of new and used boats for sale at our dealership locations in Conesus and Canandaigua, NY. Mark’s Leisure Time Marine proudly serves the city of Rochester, NY.