Planning Your Next Boat Trip

When you want to take a trip with your boat, it’s important to make sure that you’re thoroughly prepared for your outing. Failing to pack the items you need can result in an unpleasant trip that isn’t comfortable. Here are some ways you can prepare yourself and your passengers and your boat for your next adventure.

1. Health Items

Keeping your passengers and yourself happy and healthy requires you to bring some medical supplies on your boat. A well-stocked first-aid kit should have bandages, wraps, ointments, painkillers, aloe vera, petroleum jelly, tweezers, nail clippers, anti-nausea medication, and any meds that your crew takes. 

Sun protection is also key when you’re out on a hot day. Make sure you’re also stocked up on high-SPF waterproof sunscreen and SPF lip balm to prevent skin cancer. Sun hats and long-sleeved tops are also good ideas. Since it can get cold on the water, you may also want to bring some blankets or jackets to keep people warm.

2. Food & Drink

Even if you’re only going to be out for a few hours, you don’t want anyone to get hungry or become dehydrated. This is especially true if you’ve got children on board. Everyone should also have plenty of water to drink, and it never hurts to pack some snacks like cheese and crackers, granola bars, or sandwiches.

3. Emergency Gear

Finally, you’ll want to make sure that you have the necessary safety gear to deal with an emergency. A throwable life ring can help you rescue anyone who falls overboard. Everyone should also be wearing personal flotation devices (PFDs, also called life jackets) at all times. A radio, a map and compass, signal flares, and a knife or other cutting tool are also good items to have on hand.

Stop by our Abilene, TX, dealership today to view our selection of new and used boats for sale. You can also discuss your boat financing options with our helpful sales team. West Texas Water Sport serves our customers in the cities of Midland and Lubbock, TX.