But if that pump fails, or seawater comes over the gunwales or stern, or there’s heavy rain, you’ve got a problem. Manual bailer: Small, closed-deck boats rely on a single, submersible pump to keep the bilge dry. Get devices that run on the same power source such as AA batteries and stow and extra sealed pack of batteries in the dry box. Same goes for your flashlight, handheld GPS unit and VHF radio. Your best choice is any life jacket you’ll always wear.Ĭompatible power source for electronics: When your cell phone runs out of juice during a nautical emergency, that’s a crisis. They’re more buoyant, but more costly and require some care. Plenty of small-boat owners wear inflatable jackets. Wearable life jacket: Luckily, life jacket design has evolved and you can find Type III vest-style models that are comfortable to wear all day. Chain between line and anchor also helps. But what happens if your engine quits, or you want to anchor overnight in a quiet cove? Stowing two anchors with different line lengths gives you options. Large, plastic marine dry boxes with lids with O-rings seal out moisture and an extra-deep model can hold the radio, smartphone, flashlight, GPS and more, leaving them dry when you need them.Īnchors and line: Some small-boat manufacturers barely leave space for a lunch hook. Make sure they’re at least five feet long.ĭry box: Small boats typically lack dry storage. Those materials don’t mind sitting out in the weather, either. The aluminum shaft is light and strong, as is the high-impact plastic blade. A T-handle paddle, the kind used for whitewater canoeing, gives you a great grip. Keep the outboard or sterndrive down for a rudder, and if you’ve got a buddy or a spouse aboard, you can make decent headway. Paddles: If your engine quits, paddles are your propulsion. Here’s what Boat Owners Association of the United States “Boat US” recommends should be aboard every boat 20 feet or smaller: But these journeys can still be done, with the right 10 pieces of equipment. While they are affordable, easy to store and can keep everyone in the family happy, they have their limits if you want to venture into coastal waters and big lakes. There’s a lot to be said for owning small runabouts, center consoles or bow riders.
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