Month: September 2015

Now that you have the perfect boat, you need to keep all the necessary items onboard to ensure everyone is safe and happy on the water.

Take a look at this quick list of items to make sure you have all the essential items on your boat.

Sunscreen and Bug Spray
The sun can be very harmful on a long day, and bugs can quickly ruin a fun outing. That’s why you need a ready supply of sunscreen and bug spray. Keep the bottles waiting for you on the boat, and make sure to replace them every year.

First Aid Kit
Cuts, scratches, bruises, burns, and other medical problems can happen quickly, so make sure you are prepared to give immediate attention to anyone who is injured. Most injuries will be minor, but a throughly-supplied first aid kit could eventually save a life.

Fire Extinguisher
A fire on a boat is a life-threatening emergency, especially if you are far from shore. Protect your passengers with a fresh fire extinguisher, and make sure you know how to use it properly.

Life Jackets and Throwable Life Preservers

You may not have to wear it all the time, but everyone on board should have a life jacket that fits right and can hold their weight. Kids, of course, should always wear their life jackets while riding on a boat.

Extra Rope
Tying to the dock, towing another boat, or throwing to an overboard passenger. You never know when a rope will come in handy, so keep on in storage on your boat and you’ll quickly find hundreds of uses for it.

A Sharp Knife
From cutting up bait to cutting off unwanted ropes, a good, strong knife is essential for every boat. Always keep your knife in its sheath and find a safe spot for it where children won’t be able to find it.

Emergency Signal Flares

If you are stuck in the water, one of the most important rescue items is a good signal flare. It should give off plenty of smoke and light so the flare can be seen during day and night, helping you get the assistance you need any time you’re stranded.

Motion Sickness Pills
Even the most experienced sailors can get seasickness every once in a while, so keep a supply on motion sickness pills in your boat. You may never need them, but the first passenger that gets seasick will be incredibly grateful.

Plenty of Water
Especially if you are planning a long trip, having a full supply of water is a smart decision. A warm, sun baked climate can quickly cause dehydration and fatigue. Make sure everyone has enough clean, cool water for the trip, and don’t be hesitate to head in for more water if your supply runs out faster than you expected.

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For most dog owners, the canine friend is more than a pet; he’s a member of the family. Many people feel that life is just more fun with a dog around, so taking them out on the water seems like a perfectly normal thing to do.

While you can have lots of fun with your whole family and your dog on the boat, you need to make some extra preparations to ensure that everyone stays safe and happy, from your passengers to your pets.

Know What to do if Your Dog Goes Overboard

What is the plan if your dog falls over board or decides to jump in the water? Are you going to kill the engine and call the dog? Are you going to drive near the dog and try to pull her in? Make sure you have a plan of action if your furry friend ends up in the water.

Get a Lifejacket

There are lifejackets for dogs of all sizes, and it never hurts to have one on your canine, even if they are excellent swimmers. If your dog goes over while the boat is moving, they could be stunned and unable to swim. Currents and other factors can affect even dogs that are great swimmers, so get a life jacket that fits right for your dog’s size and weight.

Sniff Around Before Your Trip

Before you take your dog out on the water, let them explore the boat while it is on the trailer or sitting at the marina. This will allow your dog to check out his surroundings and take in all the new smells. Once he seems comfortable with being on the boat, it’s time for the first trip.

Make the First Trip Short

Don’t spend an entire day on the water with a dog, especially for their first time out. Plan on an hour or two to see how your dog handles it. If she seems comfortable with the boat, the water, the waves, and the overall experience, you can try a longer trip the next time you go out.

Be Aware of Where your Dog is On the Boat

Having a dog run wild on the boat can be dangerous for people and animals, so always be aware of their location. You wouldn’t want someone tripping on the dog or having your dog get caught in a closing hatch or swinging door, so make sure everyone is looking out for your four-legged friend.

Look out for Lures, Live Bait, and Equipment

Dogs are a lot like catfish: if it smells, they’ll eat it. Put a lid on all of your live bait, as it could make your dogs sick. Also, don’t leave hooks, sharp objects, fishing rods, and other equipment lying around. (This is an important safety tip with or without your dog)

With these tips in mind, you and your dog can have more fun while boating on the water.

Quality Boats for the Whole Family

If you’re looking for an excellent boat for you, your family, and your dog, visit Scout Boats and check out our full lineup of luxurious fishing boats. You’ll find comfortable materials, innovative designs, and world-class engineering when you drive a Scout.