Boating and Sailing.pdf - Moja ladja

Chapter 17: Gearing Up for Safety
motor. They’re built with the same quality as the toughest of full-sized inflatable boats,
thus the high prices. Most come equipped with survival kits that include a supply of fresh
water, a knife, lights, flares, fishing gear, and more.
Most boaters don’t invest in a raft because the likelihood of a boat sinking out from under
them is remote. To those it has happened to, however, the raft is worth any price. (What
most commonly happens to those who sink without a raft is that they wind up getting to
know the inside of a giant ice chest very, very well.)
For the casual boater, a raft is overkill, but for those who regularly make long cruises
beyond soundings, they’re a wise investment.
It’s a very good idea to stock your boat with enough water and nonperishable food to last
your entire crew at least three days, if you go offshore at all. The extra supplies will probably
never be needed, but they’re wonderful to have should you ever have to wait all night
for someone to locate you.
If you go offshore a lot, a “watermaker,” which converts seawater to fresh water, is a nice
extra—they’re about $500.
The Least You Need to Know
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◆ The most basic gear on any boat is a PFD for every passenger—don’t leave the
docks without them.
◆ Fire afloat is rare, but a good extinguisher, regularly recharged, is insurance you
must have.
◆ Gear to create sound, vent your engine compartment, and signal distress is also
required in every state.
◆ Boats in U.S. waters must be numbered and licensed, with the license renewed
yearly.
◆ Other gear that’s good to have (but that’s not legally required) includes an electric
bilge pump, oars or a spare motor, and a waterproof strobe light. Emergency rations
and extra water should also be standard issue.