Lake Tip Thursday September 28th

Here are the top 10 items to always have on your pontoon boat… Do you have these essentials?

We have a pontoon which we take out more on the water than the houseboat. It just makes more sense for us to have a smaller boat for efficiency and it saves money on gas. When we go out we make sure these items are always on board. We may never use them, but they are good to have in case you need them.  

Here’s our checklist: 

1. Life Jackets.. goes without saying. You must have a life jacket for each guest. Do not attempt to go out without this #1 essential. 

2. Small Tool Kit... you may need to screw or beat something in. Small kit is a great addition to your stock. 

3. Small First Aid Kit... Keep one in your supply compartment, that way you don’t have to try to remember to pack it each time you go out. 

4. Rope... you may need to be pull one day, or may have to pull someone. Xtra rope is always good to have. 

5. Wine/Bottle Opener.... the party can’t get started without it. Keep a couple of them in your storage compartment. 

6. Cooler... so needed for those hot days to keep everything cool. 

7. Xtra Gas.. keep a 5 gallon gas can on board with gas, you or a friendly boat neighbor may need it one day. 

8. Oars... never know...you may have to try and paddle in someday. Good to have a pair. 

9. Ponchos.. We have gone out plenty of days and the weather was good, but by the time we were into our cruise the clouds seemed to roll in. I keep a few ponchos on board for that very reason. It's no fun getting drenched. 

10. Weather App.. You should have one on your phone. Get the app that works best for you. It's good to know of course if it's going to rain, but it's also good to know the speed of the wind and gust; that’s important to know while boating. 

This is my list. I hope it helps you. Have fun on the water and please be safe!