The Complete and Only Boat Travel Packing List You’ll Ever Need

It’s official, spring is breaking through winter and summer is on the way.

It’s time to start pulling out our recreational gear and prepare for this year’s season of fun. Get the RV, the ATVs, and, most importantly, your boat.

However, before you hit the lake or ocean this year, take some time to remember everything required for boat travel. Even a relaxing day on the lake can be ruined if you don’t pack the right gear.

If you’re new to boating or just want a little refresher, we can help. Check out our complete boat travel packing list.

1. Life Jackets

First and foremost, you need to have plenty of life jackets on your boat. Most likely, the regulars on your boat (you and your family) will want to have their own distinguished life jacket.

However, you should also make sure you pack a few extras in case you bring other passengers on board for boat travel. We recommend carrying two to three extra child and adult life jackets.

2. Boating License/Card

Having a registered boating license is the law in Canada and almost every state. If you get caught operating a boat without the license you will be fined and potentially have your boat confiscated.

If you don’t have a boat license you can apply and complete it online in only 10-15 Minutes

3. Food and Water

One of the biggest mistakes people make on boating trips is not eating enough food or staying hydrated.

However, any time you’re out in the sun for long periods of time, you need to ensure you’re regularly hydrating to help the heart function more efficiently. Staying hydrated will also prevent heat-related injuries such as heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and more.

Don’t forget to consume plenty of nutrients, either. Not eating enough could result in low blood sugar. Out in the sun, it can lead to extreme exhaustion and nausea.

4. GPS

Depending on the type of boat travel you do, you may or may not need a GPS. However, it’s always a good idea to have one on board, just in case. Some lakes are big enough to get lost on easily, and the ocean is vast.

A GPS will help keep you apprised of exactly where you are at all times. It can help you navigate your way back to your starting point or give you directions to the nearest marina in case of emergencies.

5. Nautical Charts

Nautical charts are essential for boat travel, even if you already have a GPS. A GPS can fail, lose connection, run out of batteries, etc. A nautical chart can not only supplement a GPS but can replace it if necessary.

Nautical charts can help you navigate, as well as provide vital information about the waters you’re travelling in. They show depth levels, anchorage points, hazardous areas, and more.

6. Protection from the Sun

While we already spoke of staying hydrated and well-nourished in the sun, we should also talk about staying safe from harmful UV rays. One of the most annoying (and sometimes painful) inconveniences is being sunburned, especially on a boating trip.

To prevent this from happening, make sure your boat travel checklist includes the proper sun-protective items. Here are our top suggestions:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hats, Visors, Umbrellas
• Long sleeves and long pants (just in case)

7. Fishing Gear

Next, if you enjoy a little fishing with your boat travel, you can’t afford to forget your poles, rigs, and bait. However, if you do leave any essentials at home, you can always stop by the local marina to get what you need. Just expect to pay higher prices than you would normally.

8. Multiple Lines of Communication

You never know what’s going to happen out on the water, especially if you go far offshore in your boat travel. It’s always a good idea to have at least two forms of communication while boating.

First, you can carry your cellphone as you normally would. However, expect to lose service if you’re too far out on the water, including in some lakes. We recommend getting a two-way radio for a direct connection to ports.

9. Snorkelling/Scuba Gear

Most people don’t go on a boating trip without other agendas. For example, people like to fish, swim, scuba, and snorkel. If you’re planning on getting in the water and checking out the underwater sea or lake life, you’re going to need your scuba gear.

If you like to stay closer to the surface, snorkelling can be incredibly fun and relaxing. Just remember to coat your backside with plenty of sunscreen if you plan on swimming facedown in the water for hours on end. Some of the worst-ever sunburns come from snorkelling without sun protection.

10. Appropriate Clothing

One of the most important categories on your boat travel gear checklist is clothing for any situation (like swimsuits for swimming). We recommend bringing rain gear to keep you and your friends and family dry if it starts pouring. However, you should also include some extra sweaters and jackets, in case the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Finally, make sure you’re conscious of the wind and moisture out on the water. The clothes you bring should be water and wind-resistant. This is also important when thinking about accessories.

11. Personal Items

Next, depending on how long you’re staying on the boat and what amenities the boat has, you may need to bring a few personal items. This includes things like deodorant, lotion, soap, etc. You may also want to bring shampoo, conditioner, and other necessities if you’re staying overnight, and the boat has a shower.

12. Entertainment

Don’t forget other forms of entertainment on your boat travel checklist. While there’s plenty to do out on the water, sometimes you need to kick back with a good book or play a board game with the kids. Think about any downtime you may experience on the boat and how you’d like to fill it.

13. First Aid Kit

Finally, be sure to pack a substantial first aid kit to cover anything from minor cuts and scrapes to severe sunburns and allergic reactions. Depending on how far away you are from the nearest port, you may be hours away from medical assistance.

Your first aid kit should include:

• Adhesive bandages
• Gauze
• Medical tape
• Ant-bacterial ointment
• Bee sting ointment
• Anesthetic spray
• Ace bandages
• Safety pins
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Rubber gloves
• Benedryl (for allergic reactions)
• Over the counter pain killers
• Anti-inflammatories

You can modify your first aid kit however you see fit. The items listed above are just the basics.

Looking for More Tips About Boat Travel?

If you plan to do a lot of boat travel this summer, make sure you’re always prepared. Your goal should be to maximize fun, comfort, and safety.

Good luck, and if you need help getting started in boating, we’re here for you. We have a large variety of new boats in our inventory and even offer financing assistance. You can apply online today to get preapproved.