Boat ownership is exciting. There really is no feeling like it.
It’s almost like somebody handed you the key to an exclusive club and said, Welcome to the boating life!
But along with all of that excitement comes a few things you need to think about. Some are for safety, and some are just practical things that will make your new boating life a whole lot easier.
So today, I’m sharing my top 5 things I think every new boat owner should have from day one.
Now, depending on how you purchased your boat, you may already have some of these things.
If the previous owner is getting out of the boating lifestyle completely, you may get lucky and they leave a lot of the essentials behind.
But if they are simply moving into another boat… trust me, they may be taking a lot of those goodies with them!
So let’s get into my list.
1. Life Jackets
This is number one for a reason.
Life jackets are one of the most important things you can have on your boat.
Make sure you have enough properly sized life jackets for everyone who will be onboard, and make sure you know where they are.
This is definitely one of those things you don't want to wait until you need it to start looking for it!
Safety first… then we can have fun.
2. Carbon Monoxide Detector
This is another one that I consider a must-have, especially if you have an enclosed cabin, sleeping area, generator, engine, or other fuel-burning equipment.
A carbon monoxide detector could potentially save a life.
It’s one of those little things that can be easy to overlook when you're excited about decorating, buying boat accessories, and getting everything ready.
But put this one near the top of your list.
3. Fire Extinguisher
Hopefully, you will never have to use it.
But if you ever need one, you will be very glad you have it.
Make sure your boat has the proper fire extinguisher equipment for your type and size of boat and take a minute to learn where it is and how to use it.
I always say that some things aren't exciting to buy… but they are important.
This is definitely one of them.
4. A Utility Cart
Okay, new boaters…
Listen to me on this one.
That utility cart is about to become your BEST FRIEND!
LOL!
You will use it for groceries, drinks, coolers, cleaning supplies, bags, cooking supplies, and just about everything else you have to haul down that dock.
We actually have four utility carts, all different sizes.
I have a smaller one for those days when we aren't bringing much — maybe just enough food to cook a meal and a few other things.
Then we have larger carts for when company is coming, we have a lot of groceries and supplies, or we're bringing something heavy down to the boat.
You may think you don't need one right away.
Just wait.
After a few trips back and forth down that dock carrying bags, you are going to remember I told you!
5. Lake Life Gear!
Love the lake-life gear featured here? A few of these favorites are available in the
Now, you already knew I was going to put this on the list!
Because how are you going to be a part of the boating life and not represent the boating life?!
You need a good lake life shirt, hat, tank, cup, bag… something!
Yes, the safety items come first.
But after we handle the serious stuff, it's time to have a little fun.
Boat ownership is a lifestyle, and part of the fun is celebrating the fact that you finally have your own little Happy Place on the water.
Welcome to the Boating Life!
Our first houseboat-and yes, the For Sale sign was still in the window! Can you tell how excited I was?
Buying your first boat can feel overwhelming because there are so many things you could buy.
But you don't have to purchase everything all at once.
Start with your safety essentials, add the practical items that will make life easier, and then have some fun making your boat feel like your Happy Place.
And trust me… the longer you own a boat, the longer your list of “boat stuff” is going to get!
Now I want to hear from my experienced boaters.
When you were a new boat owner, what were some of the very first things you purchased?
And if you're a new boater right now, what's the first thing on your shopping list?
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