Ten Things Every Boat Owner Needs A Boat Cover

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Protecting your boat against the elements is absolutely crucial. A high quality, properly fitted boat cover will protect your boat from water, leaves, bird waste and UV rays, all of which can ruin your boat over time.

A good quality boat cover will save you both time and money, as you won’t have to clean your boat as often and you’ll be sure to buy fewer replacements parts and spend less money on repairs. Boat covers will also help you to avoid theft and ensure your boat a longer life.

Plenty of rope

There are so many uses for rope on a boat, so it’s a good idea to always keep a long piece on board. You’ll not only need some rope when tying up to docks. It’ll also come in handy if you need to tow or be towed by another boat in an emergency situation.

A first aid kit

Having a well-stocked first-aid kit onboard your boat is absolutely crucial for your own safety and the safety of your passengers. A first aid kit will come in handy for small injuries and even seasickness. You could buy a kit, or make one of your own and fill it with all the necessities, which include a pair of scissors, antiseptic lotion, gloves, paracetamol and bandages. It’s also important to keep some non-perishable snacks and plenty of water on board for you and your passengers.

A working phone or marine radio

Becoming stranded is the last thing anyone wants to happen on a boat. To help make sure this never happens, make sure you always have a working mobile phone and a marine radio or another signalling device on board in case of emergencies. It would also be wise to keep your phone or radio in a zip lock bag to avoid them getting wet. Make sure you educate yourself and know how to contact the coast guard.

Having a sound device such as a horn or a whistle is also important to have, should you have any problems with your phone or radio in an emergency situation.

Fire extinguisher

It’s very important to always keep a working fire extinguisher onboard. Make sure that the fire extinguisher is still in date and that you’re confident on how to use it.

Anchor

On hot summer days, you and your passengers will probably want to jump into the water to cool down – who wouldn’t? If you don’t want your boat to float away while you’re swimming and enjoying the water, it’s important you have an anchor to keep the boat in a specific location.

Tool kit

You never know when a tool kit will come in handy, every boat should have one. Your tool kit should be well-stocked and have at least a knife, pliers and a screwdriver inside. Something even as simple as duct tape can be used as a temporary fix and save the day, so always be prepared.

Waterproofs

It’s always a good idea to carry a waterproof with you, especially when you’re on a boat. You never know how quickly a rainstorm is going to hit, especially in the UK. Rain ponchos are cheap and easy to store, so make sure you have a few on board so that everyone can stay dry and comfortable.

Life jackets

Having enough life jackets on board for you and your passengers should be obvious. It’s also a good idea to keep a couple of extra life jackets on board, should anything happen to any of the others.

It’s also important to have a personal flotation device onboard, which you can have immediately available at any time, should somebody fall overboard.

Sun Protection

When you’re out at sea, there aren’t many places that provide shade from the sun. Avoid sunburns and heatstroke by making sure you have plenty of sun protection on board, this includes hats, sunglasses and sunscreen

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