15 Things To Keep On Your Boat
The summer boating season is upon us, and there's nothing better than getting out on the Lake for the day - until ... you forget something important. At Village Marina, we know how much fun a day on the water can be, but we also know how it can bust quickly if you are missing some vital items on your boat to keep the day sailing smoothly. Here is our suggested of items that you need!
Boat Registration - This is vital if you want to have a good day on the water. In Missouri, you are given a decal that is stuck on your boat, as well as a pocket card for your wallet. Before taking off, make sure that both are with you and still up to date.
Fire Extinguishers, Flares, and Horns - These aren't just important for your safety, they are required in most states. In Missouri, flares are not required, but they are still a good idea just in case you would need them.
A Fishing License - Did you know that it is required to have a fishing license in Missouri? Even if you are from out of state, you are still required to have your license before you cast the line.
Life Jackets - In Missouri, you are required to have a Coast Guard certified life jacket for every single person on the boat. Children under seven are required to wear theirs at all times unless they are in the cabin of the boat.
Navigation Equipment - While it doesn't appear that this is required on your boat in Missouri, some states do require these if you are ever stopped by the coast guard or water patrol. Even if they aren't required, it's still a good idea to have your GPS, a map, and a way to communicate if anything should happen.
First Aid Kit - Always keep a fully stocked first aid kit on board. You never know what might happen, from someone slipping on the boat, to a fishing hook accident.
Sunscreen, Chapstick, Hats - From sunny to rainy, the weather can change continually on the water, and you can make your trip a lot easier if you carry the items that can protect you from the weather.
The Right Shoes - When you're on the boat, you'll want to have non-slip shoes to keep you anchored, but if you'll be going out in the water, you may want to have water shoes. Keeping these items on hand will ensure that they are always where you need them.
Dry Bag - This is just as important for you as for your guests who come aboard. If you will be bringing any type of electronics or important paperwork on the boat, you'll want to have a safe, dry place to store them.
Jacket or Sweatshirt - Weather can change quickly out on the water, and while it may be hot and sunny one minute, it can easily be chilly and windy the next. Keeping a jacket on board is just a nice for you as it is for a guest who forgot one.
GoPro & Waterproof Camera - If you want to grab some cool shots without risking the life of your phone, you'll use waterproof devices. The only thing worse than spending all day worrying that you'll drop your phone in the water, is actually dropping your phone in the water ...
Take the Tunes - Whether you use your radio, or plug in your phone to keep the music going, you'll want to make plans for Lake tunes. Nothing keeps a good day going like some great music.
Cooler - Even if you'll be out for just a small amount of time, keeping a few drinks and snacks in a cooler will make sure that everyone can stay hydrated.
Waterskies, Wakeboards, Tubes - This is one of the MOST fun reasons to go out on the Lake. Water sports are SO much fun! Just make sure that you have a skier down flag on your, those are required in Missouri.
Fishing Equipment - Finally, after you've got to the trouble to get your fishing license, you don't want to forget the fishing equipment! Grab your pole, lures, and fishing net and try to catch the "big one."
Most Important
First off, we want to talk about the items that you REALLY need to keep on your boat at all times. In some states these are required, others they are not. It's better to be safe than sorry, though, so take a quick inventory of your craft and if you don't see these items, bring them on board.Boat Registration - This is vital if you want to have a good day on the water. In Missouri, you are given a decal that is stuck on your boat, as well as a pocket card for your wallet. Before taking off, make sure that both are with you and still up to date.
Fire Extinguishers, Flares, and Horns - These aren't just important for your safety, they are required in most states. In Missouri, flares are not required, but they are still a good idea just in case you would need them.
A Fishing License - Did you know that it is required to have a fishing license in Missouri? Even if you are from out of state, you are still required to have your license before you cast the line.
Life Jackets - In Missouri, you are required to have a Coast Guard certified life jacket for every single person on the boat. Children under seven are required to wear theirs at all times unless they are in the cabin of the boat.
Navigation Equipment - While it doesn't appear that this is required on your boat in Missouri, some states do require these if you are ever stopped by the coast guard or water patrol. Even if they aren't required, it's still a good idea to have your GPS, a map, and a way to communicate if anything should happen.
Pretty Important
Now that you have the legal stuff aboard your watercraft, it's time to start included the important stuff! You don't have to carry these items on your boat, but they can make the trip a little easier if you have them, just in case.First Aid Kit - Always keep a fully stocked first aid kit on board. You never know what might happen, from someone slipping on the boat, to a fishing hook accident.
Sunscreen, Chapstick, Hats - From sunny to rainy, the weather can change continually on the water, and you can make your trip a lot easier if you carry the items that can protect you from the weather.
The Right Shoes - When you're on the boat, you'll want to have non-slip shoes to keep you anchored, but if you'll be going out in the water, you may want to have water shoes. Keeping these items on hand will ensure that they are always where you need them.
Dry Bag - This is just as important for you as for your guests who come aboard. If you will be bringing any type of electronics or important paperwork on the boat, you'll want to have a safe, dry place to store them.
Jacket or Sweatshirt - Weather can change quickly out on the water, and while it may be hot and sunny one minute, it can easily be chilly and windy the next. Keeping a jacket on board is just a nice for you as it is for a guest who forgot one.
Not Required - But Really Fun!
These items are NOT required, and they certainly aren't even important, per se, but they will help get the party started and make your lake time even more enjoyable!GoPro & Waterproof Camera - If you want to grab some cool shots without risking the life of your phone, you'll use waterproof devices. The only thing worse than spending all day worrying that you'll drop your phone in the water, is actually dropping your phone in the water ...
Take the Tunes - Whether you use your radio, or plug in your phone to keep the music going, you'll want to make plans for Lake tunes. Nothing keeps a good day going like some great music.
Cooler - Even if you'll be out for just a small amount of time, keeping a few drinks and snacks in a cooler will make sure that everyone can stay hydrated.
Waterskies, Wakeboards, Tubes - This is one of the MOST fun reasons to go out on the Lake. Water sports are SO much fun! Just make sure that you have a skier down flag on your, those are required in Missouri.
Fishing Equipment - Finally, after you've got to the trouble to get your fishing license, you don't want to forget the fishing equipment! Grab your pole, lures, and fishing net and try to catch the "big one."
Boating at the Lake of the Ozarks
At Village Marina, we hope that you have a wonderful and safe boating season at the Lake of the Ozarks. Of course, if you don't have a boat, but want one, don't forget that Village Marina is the place to go! We have many different types of boat models, as well as new and pre-owned boats at the Lake of the Ozarks. It's time to get on the water, and we want to help you make that dream a reality!
Premier boat dealership for Cobalt Boats, Carver Yachts, and Four Winns.
107 Village Marina Rd • Lake Ozark, MO 65026
Showroom: 573-348-3433
Marina: 573-365-1800
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