The items required might differ according to the kind and size of the vessel used. However, you’ll need the basic gear to keep yourself out of trouble. Here is the must-have equipment for you while enjoying your boating activities:

1. Wearable personal floating devices (PFDs)

A wearable personal floating device or PFD refers to a life jacket. It must be made available to every person on the boat. If you have a wake surfer or a skier behind the boat, that individual would also need a PFD. Children who are 12 years of age or under must also wear their PFD at all times. 

In the same way, a person riding a personal watercraft must also wear a PFD. In case of an emergency, everyone on the boat must wear a life jacket. It is recommended that they put on the life jacket at the dock just before the departure.

2. Throwable floating devices

Besides the life jackets, you’ll need at least one Type IV floating device. You must be able to throw it to an individual in the water. This floating device is used for saving an individual who has got into the water. The device can be a ring buoy or a cushion. 

You can have as many of these devices as you can on the boat. Some of these items may come with an attached line. This comes in handy for pulling an individual in the water closer to the boat. Once close enough, he or she can be rescued easily.

3. Visual signalling devices

When urgent help is needed, sending distress signals would be extremely necessary. Visual signalling devices come in a variety of packages according to different requirements. They can be required according to the size of the vessel and the place where the boat is sailing. Boats that are under 16 feet must have nighttime signals. 

Those over 16 feet must have visual signalling devices for the day as well as night use. White smoke and aerial light flares are some of examples. Some of the flares can self-launch while there are others that need a flare gun. Strobe light and white flags can be used during the day as well as at night. 

4. Fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers come with different ratings and they are of different kinds. To keep it simple, the boats under 26 feet would need at least one B-1 type extinguisher. Boats that are in the range of 26 to 40 feet would need two B-1 types or one B-2 type fire extinguisher. 

How the fire extinguisher is to be operated must be discussed with all passengers. They must be briefed on the use of the fire extinguisher before the boat’s departure.

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Your choice of boat would also depend on a few other factors. They include the lake you’re planning to visit and the activities you’d like to enjoy. Here are the different types of boats used in lake boating:

1. Pontoon boats

These boats are a popular choice for lake boating. You’ll have several choices in pontoon boats according to the size, performance, and facilities. They were once used for slow cruising. In recent times, they are provided with enough power to tow the skiers. The sizes of pontoon boats range from 16 feet to 25 feet. 

Some of them are also have excellent facilities for entertainment, fishing, and water sports. Such boats offer plenty of space for accommodating friends or family members. They are easy to handle and provide the required stability on the waters.

2. Deck boats

These boats also come in various sizes ranging from 16 feet to 27 feet. Most of these boats are built using fiberglass, but some are constructed using aluminum. Deck boat models are provided with outboard, sterndrive, or jet propulsion. Such boats usually have an open bow with the necessary lounge space. They can be used for activities such as casual angling, exploring, cruising, and water sports.

3. Fish-and-ski boats

The fish-and-ski boats are made more versatile by modifying the original boat design. A fish-and-ski boat can either be a freshwater fishing boat or a runabout. The boats used for fishing usually feature comfortable seating and tall windshield. Runabouts have angling-friendly features like rod holders, a trolling motor, and a live well.

4. Water sports boats

These boats are designed specifically for the water sports enthusiasts like wakeboarders and wake surfers. Such boats are commonly referred to as ‘wake boats’ or ‘ski boats’. They have a hull, which is shaped to produce the desired wake. Water sports boats have plenty of towing power, but lack speed and efficiency. The propeller is located under the boat instead of being behind the boat. 

Water sports boats are safe and can be legally used for wakesurfing. They can be equipped with trim tabs and other accessories that are designed to enhance the surf wake. These boats also have an inboard water ballast tank for adding some weight.

5. Cabin Cruisers

Cabin cruiser boats are used for cruising on larger lakes. They are provided with berths and a gallery for overnight stays. You can enjoy a comfortable ride in these boats. They are designed to cover greater distances when compared to a runabout. Cabin cruisers can also be a great choice for dockside entertainment. Cuddy cabin boats are nearly the size of a runabout. 

They offer an enclosed bow with a low cabin, which makes them ideal for accommodating facilities for overnight stays. Such offerings also provide good shade for smaller children. These spaces can also be used as changing areas or as reliable places for gear storage.

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