Re: Don't leave the dock without...
Great post! Here's a few of my tips ...
First Aid Kits
Make your own because most of the ones that can be purchased in a store are "band aid and disinfectant kits." Make up a kit with a large selection of potentially needed items. For specifics on what to include (the list can be long), just "google" the search string "first aid kit contents." You will find lots of advice. A few of my personal recommendations are sanitary napkins (good for controlling heavy bleeding), toothpain ointments for use as a rudimentary topical anesthetic, and a three day supply of any prescription meds that frequent users of the boat must take. Pack all of the items in ziplock type plastic bags and then put all of it in a waterproof container.
Signaling Devices
In addition to other items, I keep several blank CDs in the boat for use as sun reflectors. They do reflect sunlight well and the hole in the middle can be used for aiming towards another boat or aircraft.
Olin Flare Guns (Now Orion Products)
The Olin guns were prone to a hinge failure that prevented the gun from being opened to insert a flare. Orion bought Olin and has been really great about replacing the old guns. If you have one of the older Olins, contact Orion and they will replace it free of charge.
Food & Water
Aside from any food that I might bring for the outing, I carry "civilian MREs" and water bottless on the boat at all times. The MRE's can be purchased online and seem to be made by the same folks who make them for the military.
Fire extinguishers
Not all recreational boats are required to have them. Do so anyway and have more than one, each placed away from the others so that no matter where the fire, you can get to one of them. If you use/store your boat in an areas with insects such as mud dauber wasps, check the nozzles of the extinguishers periodically for mud. I have seen extinguishers that were completely packed from this.
Chemical Light Sticks
Keep a few on the boat - they are great for lots of things. Among other uses, I keep a red, green and yellow stick on the boat as backup nav lights. They can be easily tied and/or taped to the boat in the bow and the stern light pole, and work quite well for this emergency purpose.
PFDs
WEAR THEM! Point blank - while they can't and don't prevent all drownings, they are extremely effective in saving lives. Add to that fact that people who do SAR operations will tell you that the survival rates for those who don't, even if they are strong swimmers, is very low. If you are going to purchase inflatable PFDs, buy the self inflating type and inspect them frequently. That said, inflatables have been known to fail, so I still prefer the standard type. Other than the extra, orange type that fit over the head, which I keep on the boat as spares, I buy PFDs with pockets in them for placing signaling devices. I keep a whistle, a signalling mirror and a small strobe in mine. I will also be adding dye packs soon.
Towing
I made up a towing harness with ball floats on it to keep the line out of my prop. It is not very long, which aids in storage, but it is easy enough to bend another line to it for proper towing. Mine is in a Y configuration so that I can spread the towing stress between both of my stern "eyes." Remember, also, that boats are supposed to have an anchor and line of at least 100' on board. If other lines are not available for towing, the anchor line can be used.
, spare points if non-electric ignition on I/O, spare prop with floating prop wrench, new larger boat to carry all the added weight of the crap I take........
