Here I’m talking about boats in the approximate 8-18ft/2.5 to 6m range, such as canoes, kayaks, dinghies and small rowboats with or without an outboard. An excursion could be a long ride from the big boat to shore or to another boat, a trip up a river or creek, a ride out to a nearby island or fishing spot, or any trip that takes you away from immediate aid if something happens to you or the boat. The farther you take the boat from land or nearby vessels, the better it should be equipped.
In addition to whatever comfort items you take, such as food, drinking water, fishing gear, extra clothing, etc., have lifejackets for everyone aboard and proper navigation lights for the boat’s size, if you’ll be out after dark. An outboard powered boat should have an air horn to comply with the Navigation Rules for power-driven vessels, and it’s also a good emergency signaling device. Comply with any equipment rules set by your state or country.
The following supplies fit in a small carrying bag or box: duct tape, spare pieces of rope and light line, WD-40® or similar, a sharp knife, a basic first aid kit, a survival blanket, a simple tool kit or a multi-tool, and anything you may need for the outboard.
The boat should have an anchor of suitable size and a length of anchor rode approximately three times longer than the prevailing depths where you will travel. Can you row the boat in a breeze, against a current, or if the motor dies? Having an anchor may be very important if you can’t! For some excursions you may wish to include a handheld VHF radio and/or a mobile phone (if within coverage range).
In addition to whatever comfort items you take, such as food, drinking water, fishing gear, extra clothing, etc., have lifejackets for everyone aboard and proper navigation lights for the boat’s size, if you’ll be out after dark. An outboard powered boat should have an air horn to comply with the Navigation Rules for power-driven vessels, and it’s also a good emergency signaling device. Comply with any equipment rules set by your state or country.
The following supplies fit in a small carrying bag or box: duct tape, spare pieces of rope and light line, WD-40® or similar, a sharp knife, a basic first aid kit, a survival blanket, a simple tool kit or a multi-tool, and anything you may need for the outboard.
The boat should have an anchor of suitable size and a length of anchor rode approximately three times longer than the prevailing depths where you will travel. Can you row the boat in a breeze, against a current, or if the motor dies? Having an anchor may be very important if you can’t! For some excursions you may wish to include a handheld VHF radio and/or a mobile phone (if within coverage range).
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