Essential Equipment You Need for Your Boat

If you’re a boating enthusiast, it’s nice to squeeze a trip to the lake into your free time. However, you must be ready to ensure you don’t miss out on the fun.

Some items are necessary for a successful trip, whether they provide safety or comfort. This is the essential equipment you need for your boat.

Life Jacket

A life jacket is one of the most basic items you should bring with you on the water. Even if you can swim, it offers protection against drowning in case the boat flips over or has a collision. Most boating fatalities occur due to drowning, so remember to bring your life jacket.

Getting a vest that’s the correct size for your weight and height is crucial to your safety. Life jackets should be in good condition and free of holes, tears, and other issues that could affect how they work. Yours should also have a bright material to make it easy to spot if you get stranded in the water.

Battery

Another essential thing to remember when going out on your boat is the starter and deep-cycle battery. Cells should be in good condition and adequately charged for your trip. Depending on the type of battery you have, you may need to take additional precautions.

You should appropriately secure lead-acid batteries so that they don’t fall over and spill. If you go with lithium-ion, you’ll need to ensure the casing is in good shape and that no loose items can puncture it. Knowing why your marine battery overheats and what to do will help you troubleshoot if there’s a problem while you’re out.

Anchor

In most cases, you’ll probably also want to bring an anchor along on your trip. Whether you’re planning on fishing or exploring the waterways, an anchor will allow you to keep the vessel in one place without floating away.

To use your anchor effectively, you’ll need to know the water’s depth and your boat’s weight. Start by finding a position upwind of where you want to be so that you can drift into the ideal spot. Lower the anchor over the bow and secure to the rope.