Above And Beyond Safe Boating Requirements??

[ishoot308]

Wow, what a great response and wonderful ideas!! I am already going to put a couple of them into service on my boat!

Thank you all for sharing!

Let's keep it going!!

Dan

[Woodsy]

My Donzi 26Zx is pretty well equipped!

1. 4 Fire Extinguishers (1 Automatic Halon, 2 Handheld 5lb extinguishers and 1 silly white one I never took off the boat)

2. 13 lifejackets.... 10 in the 2 USCG kits and 3 ski type vests

3. 2 throwable Life Preservers

4. Tool kit with Duct Tape..... (you can fix almost anything with duct tape)

5. 2 US issue MP whistles - a short sharp burst at 110db gets anyones attention

6. 2 anchors

7. 2 GPS units

8. Spare bulbs for nav lights & extra oils for engine & drive

9. Well stocked First Aid kit

10. 2 batteries with safety switch

11.. Enough SPF 50 to keep my irish redheaded gf pale!

As you can see I am BIG on redundancy.... all those years designing widgets for Uncle Sam!

On the downside.... I still need to get a bell (silly because I have whistles) and some new flares! Mine have expired!

Woodsy

[Slickcraft]

Good thread Dan with many good ideas.

About 3 years ago, following the example of our neighbors in common, we bought inflatable PFDs like what the MP use and we wear them whenever under way. They are light weight and very unobtrusive. You almost forget you have them on but all you have to is pull that yellow handle and you are ready for the water.

We know that a boat can go under very fast so in a mishap we can be calling 911 rather than dealing with getting a PFD on. If we have passengers we can focus on helping them especially if it is the grandchildren. It is pretty hard to help others if you are going under yourself.

[chipj29]

Originally Posted by Slickcraft

Good thread Dan with many good ideas.

About 3 years ago, following the example of our neighbors in common, we bought inflatable PFDs like what the MP use and we wear them whenever under way. They are light weight and very unobtrusive. You almost forget you have them on but all you have to is pull that yellow handle and you are ready for the water.

We know that a boat can go under very fast so in a mishap we can be calling 911 rather than dealing with getting a PFD on. If we have passengers we can focus on helping them especially if it is the grandchildren. It is pretty hard to help others if you are going under yourself.

Excellent point that I bolded above.
I was thinking about this. I own a PWC so this doesn't really apply to me. But if I owned a boat, I would make sure that my passengers knew what to do in the event of an accident in which I became uncapacitated. In other words, we are cruising along and I hit a rock, and I get knocked out cold. The boat is taking on water, and the passengers need to get themselves to safety. Do they know where to find the PFDs? Do they know how to get help? Etc.

My point is...make sure you give your passengers an idea on what to do...just in case.