What to bring aboard a motorboat: your boating checklist

Cruising along the seas is one of the most relaxing types of holiday, where you can forget about waiting at airports, checking in and out of hotels and the chaos of the city. However, it is always good to make sure you have everything you need from the start of the trip, as buying items during the trip can sometimes be expensive and difficult. 

At Click&Boat, we make sure that our sailors are well-prepared before setting sail. Sometimes there are things that you don’t think to bring with you at first, but don’t panic. That’s why we’ve created a checklist to ensure that your trip goes as smoothly as possible, and that you’ll have everything you need. So, we’ve prepared your boating checklist of basic and handful things for you to bring aboard your motorboat 

Boating checklist: Basic things that must not be missing aboard your motorboat

In addition to the most obvious tips, such as a boating licence (if required), credit cards, phone and charger, and identity document, in this article we recommend what you should not forget in order to have a perfect, stress-free cruising escape:

Sunglasses

The summer sun, especially in the middle hours of the day, can get intense. Carrying a good pair of sunglasses with you will help protect your eyes from the sun’s rays and… give you a cooler look in pictures on your motorboat!

Power Bank

Portable chargers are essential for keeping your electronic devices charged on board. Make sure they are charged and in working order before departure.

Wind jacket

The weather can change easily, and you may be exposed to strong wind or rain. With a wind jacket you can protect yourself from the cold, wind and rain, giving you a functional and modern style.

Swimwear

The great thing about chartering a sailboat is being able to swim in hidden beaches and the open sea. Take a few swimming costumes with you, but don’t overdo it: once used, you can easily dry them in the sun!

Sun protection

The sun, besides giving you a nice tan, emits many rays that are harmful for your skin. To avoid getting a sunburn, it is important to take good sunscreen with you, especially on a boating holiday, as UV rays reflect even more on the surface of the water and can reach you even on cloudy days.

Medication and anti-nausea bracelet

If you are prone to seasickness, (and many people are, regardless of how often they go boating), consider packing some anti-nausea medication or an anti-nausea bracelet. Also remember to take enough generic medication with you in case you are planning longer trips.

Water bottles

If you are not planning to include a crew on board, it will be essential to bring sufficient water bottles and drinks, depending on the duration of your sailing charter.

Food

Make sure your larder is stocked with enough food for your trip.

Waterproof bag

The best way to take your phone, documents and other important items with you is to store them inside a water-resistant bag. This way, you will be able to easily locate all your essentials and be sure that they are protected from any sudden splashes of water.

Towels

Among the essential items to bring on a boating holiday, we cannot fail to mention beach towels. In case space in your bag is tight, you can opt for microfibre towels, which are functional and small.

Diving equipment

In the water hides a fantastic world of activities in the marine fauna and flora are ready to be discovered. To make sure you don’t miss out, you can think about bringing diving essentials such as a mask and snorkel in your suitcase. If you are an experienced swimmer, you can add fins, a dry suit and scuba diving equipment so you can safely explore even the deepest waters.

Activities

To pass the time during quieter times, consider taking along books, an e-reader, magazines, crosswords, playing cards and a speaker for music.

What items are already aboard the motorboat?

The motorboat should be equipped with basic supplies such as life jackets, towels, a first aid kit, a GPS system, navigation maps, and an anchor. But check with the boat owner to confirm what’s already onboard, when booking.

Boating checklist: What to bring on your motorboat for winter escapes?

In winter, conditions on the water can change very quickly. You need to leave terra firma prepared! To stay warm and comfortable on a winter escape, pack these essentials:

• Warm clothing (always carry spare clothes)
• Long sleeves
• Thick woollen socks
• Shirts
• Warm trousers
• Fleece cardigan or hoodie
• Waterproof jacket with hood
• Beanie
• Gloves (possibly sailing gloves)
• Waterproof boots or thick shoes with a good non-slip grip

To make your motorboat trip more comfortable, we recommend that you also have plenty of hot drinks on board: coffee, tea, hot chocolate and easy-to-prepare hot food such as soups.

In doubt, you can’t heat food, you can bring cereal bars and snacks. Fresh fruit and vegetables are always useful to have on hand, for your short trips.

Boating checklist: What to bring for a boat trip with children?

A motorboat cruise can be fun and exciting, but it is important to take into account the age of the participants. For example, infants up to six months should not be exposed to the sun. It would be best to avoid this type of holiday for them, or get prepared. In addition, very young children who do not yet know the dangers should be constantly supervised.

However, a holiday with children is also an opportunity to take an unforgettable trip, introducing them to the beauty of the open sea. Here is what to bring on a motorboat if you are travelling with your children:

• Children’s boat shoes
• Children’s life jacket
• Mosquito spray: it will be useful to have a mosquito spray and an after-bite product
• Sun protection cream 50+ and a hat: the sun on a motorboat is very strong, which is why it is better to stay in the shade in the middle of the day and cover children with a hat. In any case, it is important to apply sunscreen with protection factor 50+ and renew the application every two hours throughout the day (it depends on the skin sensibility).
• Their favourite toy: children can feel uncomfortable or bored in new and unfamiliar environments, so having their favourite toys can help create a sense of security and familiarity. Remember, though, to take it back with you when you get home!

What NOT to bring on a motorboat?

The main advice is not to bring valuables or items that can get wet or damaged, and to only include casual clothes in your equipment. Even in the harbour restaurants, most people wear casual clothes. So it is best to avoid overloading your bag.

There are also some items that it would be better not to bring on board, such as:

• Watches and expensive jewellery: once they have fallen overboard, they are gone forever.
• Passport: this is a difficult document to replace if it is lost or ruined in the water
• Spray sun cream: if used on a boat, spray sun cream can leave a slippery film on the deck, making falls more likely.
• Plastic bags: they are likely to fly off the motorboat as soon as the wind picks up. Help keep our seas clean by leaving plastic shopping bags at home. Instead, bring ziplock bags or coolers to carry food on board.

With our boating checklist, you will have everything you need for an unforgettable cruising escape. For additional tips, explore our article on boat safety to assure an unforgettable journey. You can also visit our blog in order to know everything about renting a boat.

After reading our boating checklist tips, now all you have to do is to go on Click&Boat and find your ideal motorboat for your next day trip in your dream destination!