Boating Secrets

The United States Coast Guard requires that watercraft have a certain amount of necessary equipment for the safety of you and others while on the water. Some states may require additional equipment, so be sure to check on that and be in compliance with your state’s laws.

The first piece of necessary equipment is a personal flotation device (PFD) for each person on board. Most PFDs sold commercially have been approved by the Coast Guard. These are generally designated as Type I, II, or III life vests.

Boats less than 39.4 feet must carry some type of sound producing device. These are generally air horns and can be found in various places quite easily. Boats larger than 39.4 feet must have a whistle that can be heard for ½ nautical mile. These crafts must also carry a bell with the mouth being at least 7.87 inches in diameter.

Watercraft must also carry some type of visual distress signal as well. Most visual distress signals are in the form of self-lighting flares and are easily found in many stores.

Vessels that are 26 feet long or less must have at least one working B-1 type hand operated fire extinguisher. Boats 26 – 40 feet should have two B-1 extinguishers or one B-2. Boats larger than 40 feet long must carry three B-1 or one B-1 and one B-2.

For boats built after 8/1/80, the ventilation system must meet certain requirements as well. At least two ventilation ducts capable of efficiently ventilating every closed compartment that contains a gasoline engine and/or tank, except those having permanently installed tanks which vent outside of the boat and which contain no unprotected electrical devices. Engine compartments containing a gasoline engine with a cranking motor are additionally required to contain power operated exhaust blowers which can be controlled from the instrument panel.

Boats built after 8/1/80 must have At least two ventilation ducts fitted with cowls (or their equivalent) for the purpose of efficiently and properly ventilating the bilges of every closed engine and fuel tank compartment using gasoline as fuel or other fuels having a flashpoint of 110 degrees or less. Applies to boats constructed or decked over after April 25, 1940.

Finally, the engine should have a back fire flame arrestor. One approved device on each carburetor of all gasoline engines installed after April 25, 1940, except outboard motors.

This is all required equipment and must be kept in good condition and working order. Of course, you may want to outfit your boat with some other equipment just for your enjoyment.

Many boaters like to have some type of stereo system for times when they are docked or floating on the water. This can be as small or expensive as you want it to be. Many boats are also equipped with two way radios, although in these days of cell phones, they may not be needed. If you are going to be on a large body of water, a radio is always a good idea.

If you are using your boat for water activities, you will want to invest in a pair of skis and a tow rope. Inner tubing is also an immensely popular activity and can be done by most ages. They do make special inner tubes that have handles on them so that riders can hold on easily.

Larger pleasure crafts can be outfitted with amenities like a microwave, a coffee pot, and other small appliances. The choice is up to you about what you want to stock your below deck cabin with.

Making your boat as comfortable as possible is a personal choice. Whatever is important to you should be on your boat. Things like portable coolers, a well-stocked frig, or portable DVD players can all be important to different people. Remember, this is YOUR boat and you should have anything on it that makes it more fun for you and your guests!

Now that everything is ready to go, it must be time to get out on the water, right? Wrong! You still need some information about towing your boat, launching it, and pulling it out of the water. Believe us, this is easier said (or written) than done.