Waterfront access is the ultimate lake house amenity. Being able to take an impromptu dip or simply enjoy the scenery anytime the mood strikes is such a blessing. Boating, on the other hand, requires a bit of planning. You don’t want to be floating in the middle of the lake and realize you left essential items behind!
What you bring naturally depends on the type of aquatic excursion that’s on the horizon—there’s a difference between a quick, leisurely canoe jaunt and an all-day motorboat extravaganza! That said, there are some universally useful and enjoyable items that belong on every packing list. Here’s what to bring on a boat!
1. Bag of Personal Essentials
Let’s start with the basics. We recommend having a go-to bag of personal essentials that’s always packed and ready to go. We carry some amazing boat totes and waterproof bags that are perfect for this purpose. Here’s what to put in them:
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellent
- Sunglasses
- Portable power bank and extra phone charger
- Extra lake clothes
- Towels
- Medications
- Headwear
- Lip balm
- Hair ties
- Binoculars
- Camera
2. Emergency Kit
In addition to your bag of personal creature comforts, you should bring a second bag of emergency items. When it comes to planning what to bring on a boat, it’s important to not only bring what you know you’ll need, but also what you could end up needing if an unforeseen incident should occur. Here are some boat day essentials that’ll give you peace of mind.
- All-in-one emergency tool
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- First-aid kit
- Flares/distress beacon
- Map/compass/GPS device
- Emergency whistle
- Handheld VHF radio
- Bilge pump
- Duct tape
- Extra rope
3. Anchor
Larger vessels tend to have anchors on board already, but they’re often overlooked in canoes, kayaks, and dinghies. There are compact anchors that work just like their larger counterparts—they secure your boat to the ground so your boat stays in one place.
As you think about what to bring on a boat, consider if you’d like to have the option to hit the brakes! Anchors are so useful, letting you stick around in one fishing spot, keep multiple boats in the same vicinity, or simply enjoy picturesque scenery from the perfect angle. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your boat floating away while you’re on shore!
4. Paddles
Paddles are an obvious must-bring if you’re going out on a canoe, kayak, or paddle board. However, they’re worth having on board even if your boat has a motor. On the off chance your motor stops working, you won’t be up a lake without a paddle! And, it never hurts to have a spare paddle or two, just in case one gets broken or dropped.
5. Bluetooth Speaker
While brainstorming what to bring on a boat, don’t overlook little things that can really enhance the experience. A Bluetooth speaker may not be the most critical item on your list of boat day essentials, but being able to play music on the lake is just awesome! Soft, ambient tunes create a serene atmosphere, and then you can easily transition into party mode if the mood hits!
6. Packed Cooler
Be sure to bring plenty of fluids to keep everyone hydrated. Pack more than you think you’ll need—it’s better to be safe than sorry! You’ll also want some food like snacks and sandwiches. If you really want to go all out, you could even bring a small grill along so you can enjoy a hot meal when you arrive at your destination. Don’t forget plates, utensils, and napkins!
7. Inflatable Lake Toys
When choosing what to bring on a boat, remember to pack items that can be used off the boat, too. If you’re planning on doing any swimming, bringing some lake water toys will improve the experience significantly. Inflatable trampolines, furniture, rafts, and docks are a blast for all ages. They’re not just for playing, either. A leisurely float is as relaxing as it gets!
8. Life Preservers
Life preservers do exactly that—preserve lives! Even if you’re an excellent swimmer, life jackets should be worn at all times. They’re especially vital if you’re boating with children. Don’t leave shore without them!
Shop High-Quality Boat Day Essentials
Now that you know what to bring on a boat, it’s time to stock up! We carry top-of-the-line boating equipment and other lake house accessories that you’ll be glad to have on your nautical adventures. We’re also a one-stop shop where you can buy lake home decor and essentials, contemporary outdoor furniture, outdoor patio fire pits, and everything else you need to turn your lake house into a home.
Lake House Must Haves is a company founded and run by a wife and husband team. We’re experienced realtors and lake homeowners ourselves, so you can count on us to offer the best selection of products for your lake house. We only carry items we would use ourselves!
Whether you’re making a shopping list of what to bring on a boat or furnishing a brand-new lake house from the ground up, you’ve come to the right place. Place your order with 100% confidence. Bon voyage!
