Lots of people plan road trips during their long vacations, and while it’s fun to drive to different states, highways and backroads don’t offer much freedom. If you want the liberty to explore the great outdoors without the headaches of getting stuck in traffic, a long boat trip is the vacation for you.
Like all good vacations, a boat trip requires careful planning. Whether you just purchased your boat or you’ve been cruising the seas for years, follow these steps to set sail with confidence and ease.
Make Sure Your Paperwork Is Current
You never know what’s going to happen on the water, so having OC boat insurance is a must. After all, the longer you’re on the water, the more opportunities there are for you to run into someone else’s boat or for a storm to damage your rudder while you’re in a marina.
Make photocopies of all passengers’ medical insurance information, laminate them, and store them somewhere safe. Put your boating license and proof of ownership for the boat in the same place. If you’re planning an international trip, don’t forget everyone’s passports.
Choose Your Itinerary
Preparing for a boat trip means making a good schedule and centering the rest of your preparation around your destinations. Of course, it’s fine to add a few spur-of-the-moment stops. Having a general idea allows you to plan for different tides, climate concerns, and marina regulations, though.
Pack Your Clothes
One of the most important parts of packing for a boat trip is figuring out the clothing situation. Keeping in mind that it’s usually colder on the water than on land, what clothes do you need? Do you need winter coats, rain gear, hats, or gloves? Will you be able to do laundry at any of your stops, or do you need to bring enough clothes for the entire trip?
Inspect Your Boat
Make sure that your boat is in tip-top condition before setting sail. Look for cracks in the hull, hoses, and water and fuel tanks, and make sure you have plenty of fuel. Go through all your filters to ensure they’re free of debris, and stock up on extra lines and replacement parts. Finally, ask your OC boat insurance provider if they recommend any special maintenance steps.
Make an Emergency Plan
What will you do if something goes wrong on your trip? If your stops are far apart, identify marinas where you could disembark if your boat has a problem. Pack an emergency radio in case you need to ask the Coast Guard for help.
Follow Safety Best Practices
Finally, put safety first by packing first aid kits and life jackets. Make sure your house is secure and locked before setting sail.
About Mariners Insurance
Mariners General Insurance Group was founded in 1959 to protect boat owners and marine business clients. We are marine insurance experts and insure boats worldwide – in every ocean on the planet. Marine insurance is critical if you own a boat or nautical business. Trust the professionals with all of your Boat Insurance needs – trust Mariners Insurance. Call us at (888) 402-5018 any time you have questions or concerns about insurance for your vessel or marine business.
