5
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT
The list of required safety equipment is short and covers only the bare
essentials. Additional recommended equipment on the next page will give
you an extra margin of safety and convenience.
FLOAT PLAN
Before you leave on a boat trip, advise a responsible person ashore of
where you plan to cruise and when you expect to arrive. Give him an ad-
equate description of your boat. That person will then be able to tell the
authorities where to look and the type of boat to search for in case you fail
to arrive. Keep the person informed of any changes in your Float Plan and
advise him when you arrive to prevent false alarms about your safety.
BASIC GEAR
TOOLS EXTENDED CRUISING SPARE PARTS
Anchor and anchor line
Spark plug wrench Charts of the area Spare bulbs
Tow line
Screw drivers Parallel rulers Fuses
2 Lightweight fenders Pliers Dividers
Extra drain plug
2 Mooring lines Adjustable wrench
Spare battery Shear pin (if applicable)
First aid kit
Hammer Rainwear Spare propeller
Flashlight/searchlight
Electrician's tape Propeller nut and washer
Oar or paddle Lubricating oil
Spark plugs
Compass
Jackknife Flashlight batteries
Signal flares
Boathook
Sunburn lotion
Sea anchor (open waters)
RECOMMENDED ADDITIONAL GEAR AND EQUIPMENT
Trailering & TRANSPORTATION
For many boating enthusiasts, the voyage begins in the driveway, not at the
dock. The boat trailer is an important element of the boating package, and,
like the others, it must be checked and maintained.
The trailer should be a proper "match" for your boat’s weight and hull
design. Too little trailer capacity will be unsafe on the highway and could
cause abnormal tire wear. Too high a capacity trailer sprung for high loads
can damage light, particularly aluminum, boats.
SECURE ALL ITEMS BEFORE ROAD TRANSPORT
During road transportation you must secure all items that might
dislodge and fly out of your boat. This includes tables, unhinged seat
cushions, tops, sundeck lids and any other item that can be affected
by wind. Stow items under seats or secure with rope. Be careful to
pad areas where rope touches cushions or rails.
*MOORING OR SEAT COVERS MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE TOWING*
Mooring or seat covers are intended to decrease your boat's exposure to
rain, dirt and sun. They are not intended to be a transport cover. Transport-
ing your boat with the mooring or seat covers on will damage the covers!
Failure to follow these instructions could cause damage to your boat or
damage to vehicles behind you.
