Make A Boat Trip Fun With Family And Friends - By: Victor Epand

Taking a boat ride is one the best things to do on a summer day. Whenever you invite friends and family to come boating for the day, or a weekend cruise, make sure you explain to them in advance what to expect, especially if they are not experienced boaters. Doing this will alleviate any confusion and make way for a fun relaxed trip. The following are a few things they should be prepared for.

Make sure your guests understand that your departure time is based on tide, current and weather conditions. Let them know that they should be onboard, have gear stowed and be ready to leave well ahead of the departure time that you have set. It you expect others to perform some of the tasks onboard, make sure they know their assigned task and that they are capable of doing it.

Take time to familiarize everyone on board with boating safety tips and emergency procedures before leaving the dock. You should explain fueling procedures, docking and undocking plans, etc. Make sure there is someone onboard who is able to take over for you and operate the VHF radio to ask for help should you become disabled. This is very important. It could mean the difference between a safe trip and a disaster.

Boating with Kids

Most children will love being out on a boat ride for a day. You can even have them perform some minor tasks. This will make them feel like they are important and it will make an ordinary trip into an adventure for them. When boating with children consider a family boat that has a cuddy cabin. Runabouts, bow riders, deck boats and even some center console fishing boats are sometimes equipped with a small cuddy cabin to offer a comfortable center for children if they need to take a nap or get out of the sun.

Things to have on board for kids

-Have a good lifejacket or life vest with a collar that turns a child's face up in the water. It should have strong waist and crotch straps, a handle on the collar, and preferably be a bright yellow or orange color for good visibility.

-Attach a plastic safety whistle to the lifejacket and make sure each child understands what it is for and how to use it.

-You should have light snacks on board that children like to eat, such as fruit and granola bars.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant about model boats, boat parts, and model submarines. You will find the best shopping at these sites for model boats, used boat parts for boating, and model submarines.

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