Boat Outfitting Guidelines By Ted Koppel At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

So you thought the boat was expensive! Wait till you start buying all the "necessary" gear you need to be safe and also to enjoy the BOAT to the fullest extent.

So, first things first. Here is what the U.S. Coastguard says you must have for all boats

* One type of Coast Guard approved life jacket must be on board for each person on the boat. For boats 16’ but under 65’ also one Type V, throwable type of PFD.

* One electric distress light or three combination (day/night) red flares when operating between sunset and sunrise. For boats 16’ but under 65’ also one orange distress flag and choice of one electric distress light, or three hand-held or floating orange smoke signals and one electric distress light, or three combination (day/night) red flares: hand-held, meteor or parachute type.

* One Marine Type USCG B-I fire extinguisher for boats 16’ but under 26’. And 26’ to under 40’, one Marine Type USCG B-II or two B-I fire extinguishers if your boat has an inboard engine, enclosed compartments where fuel or flammable and combustible materials are store, closed living spaces, or permanently installed fuel tanks. A fixed system equals One B-I. For boats 40’ but less than 65’ One Marine Type USCG B-I or three B-I fire extinguishers. A fixed system equals One B-I or Two B-II if the above conditions exist.

* If your boat was built after April 25, 1940 and uses gasoline in an enclosed engine or fuel tank compartment, it must have natural ventilation. If it was built after July 31, 1980 it must have an exhaust blower.

* A sufficient way to make a sound signal, like a whistle or an air horn, but not a human produced noise.. In addition, boats 39.4 ft or greater, must have a sound signaling appliance capable of producing an efficient sound signal, audible for 1/2 mile with a 4 to 6 seconds duration. You must also carry a bell with a clapper that has a mouth not smaller than 7.9 inches in diameter.

* Navigation lights required to be displayed sunset to sunrise.

* Backfire flame arrestor required on gasoline engine boats manufactured after April 25, 1940 except outboard motors.

* If you have an installed toilet, you must have an operable MSD, Type I, II, or III.

* Backfire flame arrestor required on gasoline engine boats manufactured after April 25, 1940 except outboard motors

Now for a few things you really should also have on-board.

* An anchor (or 2) of sufficient size and proper type for the water you are boating, along with ample anchor rode and chain.
* Dock lines heavy enough to hold your boat to a dock.
* A VHF Radio.
* A first aid kit.
* An emergency flashlight.

With all the above you are now ready to boat safely near shore. You may have some wants like downriggers, planer boards, skis, towables and the likes, but those all come with time on the water and figuring out just what you want to do to enjoy your time afloat. But above all; be safe, be courteous and remain aware of your surroundings. AND HAVE FUN!

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