Packing for a boat trip is similar to packing for an airplane flight. It all starts with making a list, packing your bags, and hoping you haven’t forgotten anything!
If you’re new to boating, our list below can serve as a starting point. Keep in mind, though, that the materials you’ll need will vary based on the length of your trip and the present and expected weather conditions.
Are you ready to pack your belongings for a boat ride? Check out our Boating Checklist for some pointers. Whether you’re going deep sea fishing or having family fun, knowing what to bring can make your day easier and safer.
Here’s what you’ll need for a day (or several days) on the water:
1. Keep it Simple
Even on popular cruise lines, room space is limited. Bring a bag that will not fit under a bunk or on a small closet shelf. Pack clothes you don’t mind repeating several times and avoid significant beauty products.
This is critical if you’re on a dive boat where nobody really cares if your hair is blown dry after being in the water for a day or not. Consider what you might actually require, and cross everything else off your list.
2. Passport & Boating Documents
Make sure you have your insurance papers, boating license, and registration. Also, some form of photo ID, especially if you will be boating internationally. Learn about the various types of boating licenses that are required.
3. Soft-sided Luggage
To maximize storage space onboard, try to pack everything into soft-sided luggage such as a duffel bag or backpack. It is more difficult to fit hard luggage into closets and cabinets.
4. Smaller Grab-Bag
Important items such as your wallet, cash, keys, prescription meds, credit cards, passport, and phone should all be kept in a small bag that is easy to grab and go in an emergency.
A printed list of emergency contact names and phone numbers, your insurance policy number and number, and doctor names and numbers must also be included in this bag.
5. Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bags and dry bags are useful for more than just keeping money and electronics dry on beach days. Ziplock bags can also be used to store dirty or wet clothes, as well as to seal open snack bags! Never underestimate the versatility of Ziplock bags on any type of trip.
6. Prescriptions & Seasickness Pills
If you’re prone to seasickness, pack anti-nausea or seasickness medication. Many people are prone to this condition, no matter how often they go boating. Remember to pack enough prescription medications for longer trips.
7. First Aid Kit
Before heading out, make sure your watertight or waterproof first aid kit is fully stocked with all the usual suspects. This includes bandages, aspirin, antibiotic ointment, gauze, and gloves. Flares, matches, a waterproof flashlight, and fire extinguishers are also required.
When you purchase a yacht, the yacht brokers will ensure that you are aware of all of the safety equipment that is required onboard. Also, if you are looking for floating boat docks for sale to safely park your new yacht, don’t forget to check its portability.
8. Headlamp
When it comes to flashlights, bring an extra one that is kept separate from the first aid kit. Even better, a headband light is extremely useful for hands-free chart navigation and engine space inspections. Remember to bring extra batteries!
9. Entertainment
Consider bringing DVDs and CDs with you to watch. They are more reliable than streaming services and do not require special devices that must be recharged. Bring your tablet and smartphones as well.
Most yachts will have a charging station or two. Remember to bring games, playing cards, pens, and paper, as well as a few books and magazines. Binoculars and cameras are also useful for birdwatching and photographing sunsets.
10. Spare Clothes
We recommend bringing spare clothing, such as a spare pair of shoes and a backup bathing suit, without overpacking excessively. If things get wet (as they often do) and don’t have a chance to dry, having extra sets will certainly improve your comfort onboard.
11. Rainy Weather Gear
When it starts to rain, you’ll need more than just a hat. Bring a raincoat, thick socks, bib-pants, and sea-boots appropriate for the conditions you’ll be cruising in. Whether it’s warm or cold outside, modern microfiber synthetic layers (thermal underwear and a neck warmer) will keep you comfortable.
12. Gloves
Gloves are a must if you plan on sailing and using sailing lines to avoid blistered, rope-burned hands. Full-length sailing gloves cover your entire hand except for the tips of your fingers. They offer the best protection when working with sail sheets, halyards, anchoring rode, or a robotic welding arm (often used on bigger yachts).
13. Personal Locator Beacon
In the event of an emergency, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) or Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is a must. It is a small hand-held device that allows you to transmit a distress signal directly to authorities.
Although your yacht will be equipped with an EPIRP, personal EPIRBs are available for added peace of mind. Some of these devices include strobe lights, which can be extremely useful in man-overboard situations.
14. Hand-held GPS Unit
A handheld GPS unit could be useful for anyone acting as a backup to the skipper. Or for use onshore, such as day hikes.
15. Food
Unless you intend to catch your own food every day you’re on board, make sure your galley is stocked with enough food. It should last the duration of your voyage or get you to the nearest port.
In Close
When it comes to packing for a boating trip, we hope the list above assists you in determining what is most essential to carry. Many of the top-quality yachts for sale or rent have more than enough storage space when it comes to keeping some of these items onboard all year. They also have storage lockers to help you with your boating supplies while you moor in the sea.
Last but not least, do check the weather forecast before you go to see if you need to bring more long-sleeve shirts or tank tops. Have a fantastic time!