A practical room-by-room and onboard guide for new boaters
If you’re buying a used boat, some of these items may already be onboard. Check what you have before purchasing duplicates. Safety-equipment requirements can also vary by boat type and location.
Safety & Required Essentials
☐ Life jackets / PFDs for everyone onboard
☐ Fire extinguisher
☐ Carbon monoxide detector
☐ Smoke detector, if applicable
☐ Air horn or other approved sound-producing device
☐ Visual distress signals / flares, when required
☐ First aid kit
☐ Flashlight
☐ Emergency contact information
☐ Boat registration
☐ Proof of insurance
☐ Boat and engine manuals
Docking, Anchoring & Towing
☐ Dock lines / ropes
☐ Boat fenders / bumpers
☐ Anchor
☐ Anchor line
☐ Trailer, if towing
☐ Trailer safety equipment and straps
☐ Shore power cord, if docking with shore power
Tools, Maintenance & Repairs
☐ Basic tool kit
☐ Scissors
☐ Zip ties
☐ Spare fuses
☐ Spare bulbs, if applicable
☐ Extra batteries
☐ Battery tester/checker
☐ Engine oil appropriate for your engine
☐ Fuel treatment/stabilizer, if appropriate
☐ Spare boat keys
☐ Manual bilge pump or backup pump, if appropriate
Galley / Kitchen
☐ Plates
☐ Cups
☐ Forks
☐ Spoons
☐ Knives
☐ Basic cookware
☐ Cooking utensils
☐ Grill, if appropriate for your boat
☐ Paper towels
☐ Trash bags
☐ Food-storage containers
Bathroom
☐ Marine/RV-safe or fast-dissolving toilet tissue
☐ Bathroom cleaning products
☐ Hand soap
☐ Towels
☐ Toiletries
Sleeping Area
☐ Bedding
☐ Sheets
☐ Pillows
☐ Blankets
Cleaning & Boat Care
☐ All-purpose boat-safe cleaner
☐ Glass cleaner
☐ Marine vinyl/upholstery cleaner
☐ Cleaning cloths or microfiber towels
☐ Scrub brush
☐ Trash bags
☐ Small broom or handheld vacuum
Comfort & Everyday Boat Life
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Bug spray
☐ Waterproof phone pouch
☐ Phone charger
☐ Portable power bank
☐ Water shoes / non-slip shoes
☐ Extra towels
☐ Cooler
☐ Reusable water bottles
☐ Extra clothing or light jacket
Lake-Life Extras
☐ Favorite lake-life shirts or tanks
☐ Hat
☐ Boat/lake bag
☐ Reusable cups or tumblers
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Speaker
☐ Games or entertainment
Before Your First Boat Day
☐ Confirm required safety equipment for your boat and location
☐ Check life jackets for proper size and condition
☐ Test smoke/CO detectors
☐ Check fire extinguisher
☐ Test batteries
☐ Check engine oil and fluids
☐ Inspect dock lines and fenders
☐ Confirm registration and insurance are onboard
☐ Check trailer and tires, if towing
☐ Make sure your phone is charged
Follow this practical checklist as you build your boat setup. You don’t have to buy everything at once — start with safety, add the practical items that make boating easier, and then have fun making your boat feel like your happy place.
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