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Necessary Boating Accessories And Supplies

Aug. 11 2021 Buying Guide By Nisswa Marine

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Whether you’re boating for fun or for work, there’s nothing like spending a beautiful day on the water—but you’re going to need a few items on board to make sure it’s safe and comfortable. We here at Nisswa Marine want to make sure every boat trip is the best it can be, so we’ve put together a list of some of those necessities. To learn more, or to see the boats we have for sale, contact our store in Nisswa, Minnesota, today!

Emergency Supplies

Safety should always be your first priority, and we believe in hoping for the best and preparing for the worst. With that in mind, there are a few items you should bring on every boat ride in case something goes wrong:

  • A battery-operated radio
  • Flares
  • A fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit

Make sure to place these all somewhere that’s both secure and accessible to ensure they’re safe, but can be grabbed if needed.

First Aid Kit

Your first aid kit can’t be huge, since there’s limited room on board, but make sure it contains all of the boating essentials, including but not limited to:

  • Waterproof adhesive bandages
  • Disinfectants
  • Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
  • Bug spray
  • Anti-itch ointments
  • Antacids

Life Jackets

Every single passenger and crew member on your boat needs to be wearing a well-fitted life jacket, no matter how long you’ll be on the water. Even strong swimmers can get disoriented or hit their heads, so a life jacket will ensure people stay afloat in any scenario. Younger children may require versions with crotch straps to ensure they stay on.

Dry Bag

If you’re bringing valuables or sensitive electronics aboard for any reason, you’ll want a dry bag to store them in. These bags are waterproof and keep their content dry—and some even float in case they go overboard! They can also store spare clothing, towels, and more.

Entertainment

Entertainment is another high priority, especially if you’re bringing children with you. Kids can get bored fast, and that can make things both unpleasant and unsafe for everyone on the boat. Plan ahead for fun activities like magnetic travel board games, books, or movies.

A Well-Stocked Cooler

Last but certainly not least, you should think ahead about how long you’ll be on the water. If you plan on a longer ride or if you’ll end up missing a meal time, you should bring a cooler along with plenty of snacks, drinks, and, of course, water. Staying well-hydrated and well-fueled is vital for your health and to keep you focused. Make sure the snacks you bring are high-protein, which can mean anything from yogurt, cheese, or sandwiches to trail mix and granola bars.

We hope this helps your next boat adventure rock! For more information, or to see the boats we have for sale, contact us at Nisswa Marine. We proudly serve the people of Minneapolis and St. Cloud, Minnesota—let us serve you today!