Essential Boating Supplies

We’re not talking beer and sandwiches. They’re nice, but won’t help if you run into trouble on the water.  As usual, the Coast Guard has a list of what you need to have to keep someone afloat and buoyant in or out of the water.

Of course, Personal Flotation Devices or PFD’s, (land lubbers call them “Life Preservers” or lifesavers”) are a must.  Some states do not require them, never mind – make sure you have enough PDF’s for everyone on board. Even states without child life jacket laws require children under 13 wear an approved PFD whenever a recreational boat is underway.

“Bells and whistles”, often  means  an extraneous and non-essential feature.  Despite the euphemism, the law states that every vessel less than 65 feet (20 meters) in length must carry an “efficient sound producing device”; that is, a bell, whistle or horn. Federal law states that a vessel 65 ft. or larger, must carry a whistle and a bell; audible for at least one nautical mile.

Approved Visual Distress Signals such as flares are required on all boats navigating on the high seas or coastal waters, and must be visible in both daytime and night-time.

Boats less than 16 feet (4.9 meters) must have at least one B-I type Coast Guard approved hand portable fire extinguisher. Some outboard motorboats fewer than 26 feet are exempt if they do not have permanently installed fuel tanks.

Protecting your boat from the elements when docked is not a law, but it is good sense.  CMC Canvas LLC provide efficient and stylish canvas protection for your boat.