Boating is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and proper preparation for the day can make or break a great time. Insuring the proper supplies are on board can come in handy and give a little insurance for the unexpected. Although these items are not a complete list a good explanation of a few key items can help.

The environment is a necessary consideration for anyone boating. This includes all the surroundings and also the possibility of weather changes. If the climate is cold, pack extra jackets and blankets just in case. If the climate is hot, pack extra water and sun block if needed. Remember, if anything were to happen to the engine you could be stranded for awhile waiting for help. Being prepared for the wait can provide peace of mind knowing you are prepared.

Weather changes are certain to occur. The assumption on any body of water should be the weather is somewhat unpredictable. Installing a device like a marine radar system could help by showing fair warning of bad weather to come. If the boat is large enough some of the marine radar systems could provide a great benefit as the larger boats tend to spend more time on the water. The small boats probably would not have a radar system but at a minimum should have a weather radio. Some type of device should be present to keep in tune of current weather conditions.

An emergency type marine radio is probably one of the most important pieces of equipment to have. They are fairly economical and should be at the top of the list to purchase. The marine radios have both permanent mounting and also portable like a handheld version. These are usually called VHF radios and most boats will already have one installed more often than not. Typically, they are rated on their power to transmit and the standard is 5 watts and 25 watts rated. The handheld versions will usually include a 1 watt and 5 watt rating and can be purchased as a waterproof unit. In the event of an emergency, channel 16 is the emergency channel which is closely monitored by the US Coast Guard. Keep in mind all VHF radios are designed to transmit on their highest power when on channel 16 automatically making it more efficient. Channel 16 is also the main channel for most boaters to monitor but conversations should never be done on the channel only moving to another channel after contact is made. Remember, no one likes to think of anything bad that can happen but arming yourself with a VHF radio will at least give you a communication mechanism in the event of a real emergency.

Providing good communication of your exact location is key to getting help quickly. Technology is great and now even using a VHF radio signal the Coast Guard can find you but this takes longer and no guarantee you will be able to transmit long enough for them to find you. Using the Global Positioning System or GPS is the absolute best way to get a fix on your exact location. Even if you think you are only a few miles from shore your exact location could change and there is nothing worse than a rescue mission only to find nothing in the path they thought you’d be in. The technology is so far advanced now that some of the GPS systems have what is called a NEMA communication cable which has the ability to communicate your position with other marine electronics. This is useful if your VHF radio has this ability as most of the newer VHF radios are DSC types or Digital Selective Calling. Basically your GPS can communicate your exact position within a few feet to your radio which includes a panic button which will transmit your exact location in distress without even talking. That’s right, press and hold one button and it will transmit your exact location for help.

The emergency benefits from a GPS unit are great but also the GPS units come in different versions. As with the VHF radios the GPS units come in both handheld units and fixed mount. They can be purchased as a combinations unit inclusive of both a fish finder and or a plotter. The units with a fish finder are fairly reliable and this enables less dash space on the boat console to mount your electronics. The plotter versions include base maps ranging anywhere from detailed areas with fishing spots to overall views. Choose the best option to meet both your budget and also what may be required in your case.

These are just a few of the key items to consider while going boating. Armed with a little knowledge a new boat owner can properly prepare for an eventful day.

Author Bio: I prefer to purchase all my Boat Parts and Outboard Parts on the internet. I also purchased a Fish Finder for a great price.

Category: Advice
Keywords: Boat Parts, Outboard Parts, Marine Supplies