There are also many things that I have come to find that can be very useful on the boat. Now, some of these things may be common sense but I want to cover all of the bases for any new boaters who are just getting into the sport.
In no particular order....
- Paper towels
- Beach Towels
- Work Towels that you don't mind getting ruined or stained
- Windex
- RainX
- Seat Cleaner - 3M is the best brand that I have found. If anyone else knows of anything better, please let me know, I always like to try new things. You may wonder why I say to keep this on the boat. If you spill something, it is much better than lake water to clean off the seats.
- Gloves - Both for some for cold weather as well as some to use while doing water sports. Some people find it more comfortable to hold the rope or the handles on the tube with gloves on. I have found some that are neoprene, they are good for cold weather and good for water sports.
- Hat
- Sunglasses - I always have two pair on board, one is always going to fall in the lake and unfortunately, most of them don't float.
- First Aid Kit
- Plenty of Ropes
- Bumpers
- Anchor (I prefer the Danforth style anchor, for all the new boaters, yes, thats that one with the two big "teeth")
- Screw Drivers
- Pliers
- Wrench
- Pen
- Notepad
- iPod or other MP3 player
- Charger for your phone
- Camera
- Flexible Tri-Pod - These flexible tri-pods may be the best inventions ever for a boater. They have bendable legs that you can fit and wrap around a support or a hand rail and video either a person doing water sports or just to video the ride.
- Handheld GPS - Not so important on a familiar lake, but very important in the salt. Much like in airplanes, it is always handy to have redundant systems.
- VHF Radio
- Flashlight
- High Powered Spotlight
- Battery jump box
- Battery powered air pump for tubes and rafts
- Water toys - On a boat, space is at a premium, so just take toys that you think will be used that day. If there are not any kids on the boat that day, there is no need to take a load of squirt guns, that is, unless there are some kids at heart with you that day.
- Trash bags - I usually just keep a few plastic shopping bags on there.
- Lighter - This comes in very handy if you ever have to cut some rope. Burning the end of the rope melts the coloring and keeps the rope from fraying.
- Tube Rope - Along with the obvious, these tube ropes come in very handy when you need to be towed or have to tow someone else. They are very strong and usually are very easy to handle when they get wet. Also, from prior experience working at a boat club in the event that you are towing someone and the rope gets caught in the prop, despite their strength, they are easy to untangle or cut.
Keep in mind that these are just the things that I like to carry with me. If anyone has found something else that is useful on the water, like I said, I am always looking to learn or try something new, so please, don't hesitate to let me know.
Have a great day and happy boating!!!!
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