Owning a boat might seem like a waste of time and money for many people, especially if you are used to commuting by car or any type of terrestrial transporting system. But having a boat brings more benefits to its owner than many would imagine.
Not only does it tighten the relationship between family members in an entertaining way to spend free time, but it is also a plus for health, as spending time in nature helps with stress-relief and overall complexion improvement.
Benefits of owning a boat
- Family bonding – If you do not know how to spend more time with your family, how to learn to act as a team, having a boat is the perfect opportunity to do so. With everyone’s cooperation, a boat trip will turn into an unforgettable experience.
- Stress-relief – Blue waves, clear sky, sunrays and an endless ocean of possibilities ahead of you. A boat can offer you the perfect chance to relax, to disconnect from the hectic life rhythm you have on a daily basis.
- Prolonged lifespan – Spending time in nature, especially in the tranquility offered by any type of water – ocean, sea, or lake – can work wonders for your health. By taking off that certain amount of anxiety, worry and bad mood for a prolonged period of time, it can not only strengthen your mind and will, but also improve your overall health and lifespan.
- Developing new relationships and meeting new people – Not everyone has a boat, and, therefore, the community of boat owners is not that large. However, it is very helpful and friendly, always welcoming new members with open arms. Those who own a boat can make friends faster, are more open to new situations and have lasting friendships.
- Diversity into free time activities – Bored of spending your weekends on the couch or in the park? Take your boat and go sailing. Nothing beats a new sailing spot, fishing place or a new trip destination. Try a new water sport, go scuba diving or try nautical sky. It guarantees it will take you out of your weekly routine.
- Ability to see new sites and be closer to nature – There is nothing more beautiful than secret or secluded natural wonders. When sailing, the ocean is not the limit anymore, so you can travel along the waves, go to different islands or places where, otherwise, you could not reach by car or foot. Take advantage of that and explore. You do not know when nature will surprise you with its breathtaking beauty.
Boat Equipment
Depending on what type of boat you want and for what you wish to use it, there might be several items you will need to have, all the time, on board.
Food and water
Think about what your boat is made for before you venture out on the sea. If your boat is not destined for long distances, do not bring raw food that you cannot cook or prepare in any way. It is best to keep things simple and clean. Try some high-energy food: chocolate, protein bars or can food. Moreover, bring cans and can openers, fruits and always bring with you a drinkable water resource. You never know when you might find yourself in need of it, so be sure you take enough for all members of the crew to last you at least one day. But if you still wish to explore and test your endurance in the long run, you can try army-style rations.
Clothes
It might sound strange to bring clothes with you when you go sailing, but the weather on the sea is very unpredictable. One minute is warm and sunny and the next a storm might hit. Foil blankets are ideal for such conditions along with spare hats and gloves if anyone from your crew might feel too cold and in need of warmth. Plus, do not forget to bring a sewing kit – you do not know when it might end up saving your life!
Medication
Personal medication has to be a priority for any crew member that is in need of it. Also, the first aid kit should never miss from your boat; and in addition to it, several others such as seasickness tablets, antibiotics and painkillers, and, why not, sun block creams. In that way you are sure you are prepared for any type of situation, might it arise.
Tools and equipment
Aside from the necessary boat maintenance tools, make sure you have enough fuel for your trip, and then some more. You do not want to end up stranded right in the middle of nowhere with no way to make the boat move aside from waves.
Navigation equipment is also a must, as it shows you not only the direction in which you have to go, but it also is useful in emergency situations, when you might be in need of communicating your position in order for the rescue teams to find you. Flares and signaling items are always useful when you have to specify your location, so bring those too.
If you wish to keep in touch with others, a search-and-rescue transponder along with radar reflectors will play a big role. Moreover, a handheld VHF radio is always useful as it is equipped with a special battery that does not need recharging. But if you wish to be on the safe side, bring along spare batteries and a watertight handheld GPS. You never know when you might need them.
Miscellaneous
You might never find yourself in the situation to use these, but it is better to have them with you on any trip.
- Polythene bags and nylon strings
- Sponges
- Waterproof matches
- Whistle
- Fishing kit
- Rubber gloves
- Swimming goggles and reading glasses
A trip is planned to be entertaining, fun and relaxing. However, with the sea being so unpredictable and mischievous you do not know when you might have to abandon ship. And it is always best to be prepared first, than sorry later.
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