A Boat Ride Set-Up Guide
A safe boat ride starts with the proper set-up. There are essential supplies to gather, tow vehicles to inspect, and more. The process is not difficult, but there are many steps involved. It can be hard to keep track of it all!
Here at L&M Marine LLC, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following safe boat ride set-up guide. If you have any questions or want to shop boats for sale, visit our dealership. You'll find us in Stapleton, Alabama. We also proudly serve those in Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.
1. Ensure A Successful Towing Experience
Before you can enjoy a voyage, you will need to transport your boat to the waterways. Take a minute to check the tow vehicle and boat trailer. If either one is not in good condition, the safety and success of the towing experience can be compromised.
Start by checking that the tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommendations, have enough tread, and are free from damage. Next, test the brightness of all lights, such as the brake lights and turn signals. Replace any bulbs that burnt out. Go for a short test drive to ensure the tow vehicle's brakes and trailer brakes work without issue.
Once you verify that the tow vehicle and boat trailer are ready for the trip, double check that the trailer is securely connected. Then secure the boat to the trailer.
Don't forget to tie down any loose items on your boat. It'd be a shame for something to fly out onto the road, such as seat cushions or life jackets!
2. Set Up The Boat With Safety Equipment
Accidents and emergencies can happen on the water, so you'll want to gather up the relevant safety equipment. If a situation occurs, you'll be equipped to handle it. We recommend doing an inventory of your safety equipment at the start of each boating season. Make sure your boat is set up with every item and that nothing is expired or broken.
You will need:
- a well-fitting life jacket for every passenger
- a fire extinguisher
- visual distress signals, such as brightly colored flags or emergency flares
- a fully stocked first aid kit
- an anchor and a line
It's also helpful to pack along extra water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and blankets. These won't be life or death items, but they can sure make the boat ride more comfortable.
3. Check The Weather
You may be perfectly set up for a boat ride...then Mother Nature has other ideas. Storms can come out of nowhere and it's important to look up the weather forecast before heading out on a voyage. You don't want to get caught in a dangerous situation!
If there is going to be light rain, make sure passengers are dressed appropriately. Throw on waterproof outerwear with a hood or grab a hat. If it's going to be sunny, bring along extra sunscreen and water. If the weather is cold, pack extra blankets. Remember that it can feel quite chilly on board once the wind picks up.
Set Up The Rules For The Boat Ride
Always make sure every passenger is aware of the trip's rules. For example, everyone should put their life jackets on before they get onto the boat - and keep them on until you get on shore. If someone slips while getting on or off the boat, they will have the necessary flotation assistance. If you'll be traveling with younger children, you may want to review the rules a few times. Little ones can often forget the rules and they can benefit from gentle reminders.
We hope you found this safe boat ride set-up guide helpful. For more trip advice or to shop boats for sale, head over to L&M Marine LLC. Our expert staff can assist with whatever you need, from answering questions to replacing broken boat parts. We are based in Stapleton, Alabama. We also proudly serve those in Mobile, Alabama, and Pensacola, Florida.