Tips for new boat owners

[barbless]

What do you carry in your boat for safety and mandatory items? Floatation devises for all, loud air horn, whistles for all, flags, flares, fire extinguisher, hand pump, oars or paddles, throw rope, tow rope, extra pull cord? Just to name a few. Boaters be safe out there. I've had to rescue a few over the years in not so great of weather. I will try my best to not leave someone stranded.

[Freedom55]

Here's a tip, "Don't stand up in a canoe". Seriously, your first boat shouldn't be the longest, widest, or deepest with the most powerful engine in the fleet. Start with something you can launch and put in by yourself when the weather changes; and it will.

Free

[tallieho]

With the newish laws on drain plugs.Make sure you drain the boat.Then next would be to remember to put it back in,before you relanuach your boat.

[AlbertanGP]

A Garmin InReach on any waters without cell service and a PFD for everyone on board. The rest is just fluff to avoid a fine IMO if you have any common sense. Keep in mind though that all my boats have at least two forms of propulsion...an outboard and a 36v electric system.

[Lornce]

Carry an extra drain plug.
Pack extra clothing socks and rain gear.
Don't hog the boat launch, pack up the boat with coolers, skis etc. before you launch to give others access
Don't let anyone sit on the bow of the boat, especially kids. Have seen some horrendous accidents with people falling in and being hit by props.
Check the weather often.

[mlee]

Along with all the other stuff mentioned....I always bring a booster pack on the boat. Ive got one of those small Noco 2500a lithium deals.....has saved my ass on the water and back in the parking lot.

[Robins36]

EXTRA FUEL!!!

I had an oops last year with my new boat… gas gauge fluctuates and depending g on where you have all the weight can change what your gauge shows. So, either learn from me… or learn the hard way for yourself.

Daryl