Boating checklist (home, oil, install)

[mr&mrssunshine]

Originally Posted by Big House

buy a couple charts that shows all the marinas and places to get beer!
Oh, and they might come in handy if you need gas. ;-)

Always bring some sort of water shoes (wear them preferably), you feet will get wet, and they come in handy when you have to jump in the water after you beach yourself on a sand bar. It won't happen often - but it will happen.

Also, some boats don't come equipped with dual batteries and a switch to change between them. You can have that option added if you want. Many boats have battery problems.

And, ALWAYS bring your cell phone and keep some good quality ZIP LOCK bags on board to protect items you don't want to get wet. I always have several different sizes. That way your phone will always work so you can call me to come get a beer - you know - when you need help! ;-))

dont worrry you forget England is a sea faring nation, the Royal Navy is the finest, Sir Francis Chichester first person to sail the world single handed, Lord Nelson on Vicory at trafalgar, Sir Francis Drake beating the armada oh and that other ship was what was it now ......ti...tanium no ti...tanic !!

[Vikingen]

One very important safety issue: Don`t rely that much on cell phones at sea. If you are in distress, nothing beats a VHF!

Let say you have a fire on board - things will happen fast! You need to call upon all ships close to you and any ship or land station that hears your MAYDAY will no matter what come to you rescue. Any seafarer is required by international maritime law to rescue you if you are in distress.

I am sure USCG has VHF operator courses, they are really useful.

If you have your loved ones in your boat with you, there is an old seamans saying: "It is better to prepare to fail, than fail to prepare.."

[Big House]

Originally Posted by mr&mrssunshine

dont worrry you forget England is a sea faring nation, the Royal Navy is the finest, Sir Francis Chichester first person to sail the world single handed, Lord Nelson on Vicory at trafalgar, Sir Francis Drake beating the armada oh and that other ship was what was it now ......ti...tanium no ti...tanic !!

I think if you get a big cooler and lots of beer - you can keep the fantasy alive! LOL

[MikeM8560]

A must have is a VHF an first aid kit.

[41mag]

don't forget a flare gun and a life ring you can toss and if your bringing any small children you will need child lifejackets on board. also a whistle and a distress flag

[Harbor Hopper]

Originally Posted by Big House

buy a couple charts that shows all the marinas and places to get beer!
Oh, and they might come in handy if you need gas. ;-)

Most GPS units have this in their software under "information"

[Harbor Hopper]

Since you won't be taking that boat into federal waters (9 miles offshore), here are the state equipment regulations: Florida Boating Regulations
main points that will be searched during a vessel inspection are: 1) USCG approved life jacket for each person aboard (with easy accessibility), 2) one type IV throwable (square seat cushions sold almost everywhere are the most common, or the throwable rings), 3) One fire extinguisher for your size boat, 4) sound-producing device (horn, whistle, portable air horn, etc...), 5) 3 daytime+3 night flares (better off just getting combo flares that are good for both day & night). They expire after about 3 years. Keep expired ones on board as extras, although they won't count toward the legal required flares), 6) working navigation lights.
There are other items that the USCG or FWC will ask about, but are optional. These are the main items that can land you a ticket if you don't produce them.

[daFrogMan]

Originally Posted by Harbor Hopper

3 daytime+3 night flares (better off just getting combo flares that are good for both day & night). They expire after about 3 years. Keep expired ones on board as extras, although they won't count toward the legal required flares)

Good info. Also when you are shopping for the flares, the package will have the expiration on the back. I always look at the back of the rack as due to the rotation of stock, the newer units 'should' be in the back and give you another year or a few months at least.

[Big House]

Originally Posted by pcozad1

Get a nerf football.They are great to play with and if you ever do get a hole in the boat you can stuff it in and it will stop the leak. I have heard of big boats being saved by a nef ball, some have even swam under the boat to plug a hole.Some people carry a little roll of toilet wax it will do the same on a small hole.I would also get a ditch bag and fill it with essentials in case you do have to jump ship.There are some great ideas on this over at the hull truth.com

Uh. . . I think a nerf beach ball might also be a consideration!!
Calif. man rescued after whale knocks hole in boat - US news - Life - msnbc.com

[pcozad1]

did anyone see this, not a whale but still could do some damage.

Tragedy In Jupiter! - The Hull Truth - Boating and Fishing Forum