Checklist For A Family Boat Outing

A family boat outing or boating is one of the most enjoyable getaways you can do with your family and friends. Making sure that you have everything ready is essential for an enjoyable boating trip. Bringing along the right provisions and food and beverage items is very important too. Making sure everything is adequately prepared will determine this boating trip’s outcome. Is it going to be the best boating trip ever or the worst? Here are some of the most important things to prepare before going on that boating trip.

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Table of Contents

Safety Equipment

Check if your boat has the necessary safety equipment for everyone who is joining the boating trip. Check if life jackets are fitted for everyone on board. People might see this as a small investment for safety, but no one can pay for the cost of the peace of mind life jackets can provide. You wouldn’t want to be stopped by authorities as well if these are not available during your boating trip.

Snacks

The sun will stimulate people’s appetite on the board. Be ready with meals that are easy to prepare and try as much as possible to limit waste. Readily available sandwich placed in containers is a good idea. Sliced fruits and some chips are good alternatives too. Try to avoid too many sweet snacks as this will cause people to go thirsty very quickly.

Drinks

Try to limit soda and energy drinks as these won’t help with hydration during a day out in the sun. Always make sure that water is available. Conveniently place them where everyone can quickly grab water rather than gulping on sweet beverages. If you are planning to bring alcohol with you, make sure that everyone drinks responsibly. That includes the captain, crew, and all of the passengers on the boating trip.

Fun Activities and Games

If you are riding the Hatteras 105 Raised Pilothouse, chances are you can have a lot of space where you can do fun activities and games with your family and friends. Bring in some board games and some card games too that people of all ages might enjoy.

First Aid Kit

Always be ready with a first aid kit. Check if it needs replenishing. Some of the necessary items that a first aid kit should have are alcohol, bandages, band-aid strips, cleansing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, ointments, and a pair of scissors for cutting the bandage if necessary.

Don’t forget to bring anti-allergy medicine if you know that a member of your family is sensitive to anything. It’s better to make sure than unprepared.

Skin Care

You will be out in nature and also will be basking in the sun. Do not forget to bring sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, and even a sanitizer. Some people would need ointments for insect bites and some moisturizer as well, so don’t forget to pack them up too.

Lighting

You will never know when you might need some extra light, especially if it gets too dark. Some flashlights right now are rechargeable. Better have them ready instead of the ones that are battery operated. Some come in solar power also. Who knows when these might come handy.

Extra Clothing and an Extra Laundry Bag

You might never know, someone might accidentally fall over and get wet right? Who would want to be soaking wet all day without a change of clothes? Be ready and bring some extra swimwear and some spare dry clothes too.

Of course, you have to bring clothes that are appropriate for cruising. I’m sure you don’t want to wear party dresses or a coat during your sailing vacation.

Check the Status of the Boat

Check all necessary equipment in the boat and try to do a test drive if possible. It will help determine if the ship is good to go or if there might be leaks that you are not aware of. Check the fuel and other vital things you need. It would be best if this is done days before your planned trip to avoid delays.

Always remember that your top priority should be the safety of your family, so it’s very important to make sure that your boat won’t be the cause of an accident.

Make it Simple

You don’t need to bring tons of things that aren’t necessary. You have to think twice about what is on the list. To keep things simple, you don’t need to bring your make up kit, or fancy dresses because you will only be with your family, simply because no one cares about your dry hair after a whole day of being in the sea.

Bring Extra Fuel

Fuel is as important as your water, so make sure you have enough fuel in your boat. It would be unsafe for you and your family to sail without bringing emergency fuel. However, you should keep that extra fuel in a safe place. Also, always remember the fuel rule that it should only be 90% full and should be refilled before if there is ⅓ of fuel remaining.

Choose the Right Location

Also, you should remember that you will be with your kids, and it’s essential to pick a location that your kids could also enjoy. I’m sure you don’t want to sail your kids to a site with rough and high waves. Your purpose here is for you to create great memories with them, so better to ask them what they want to experience on your sailing trip. You can search for different sailing locations near your area to help you and your family decide where to go.

Sailing is indeed one of the best ways to bond with your family. Here you can see your kids learn, enjoy, and have their attention completely. A memorable boat outing can create a strong family bond; just make sure that everything will be completely safe and, of course, to bring all the things that are on the checklist.

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