Advice on the essential equipment for safe boating in inshore waters

Be prepared

Safety kit

For a small boat used in sheltered waters the following equipment is a sensible starting point:-

  • Main key with kill cord
  • Spare key with another kill cord
  • Fire extinguisher fitted in the boat
  • Lifejackets including a spare
  • VHF radio
  • Rope; long length for towing or mooring
  • Mooring ropes and fenders
  • Anchor, chain and rode
  • Flexible bucket, for bailing or storing anchor. If you lose power, can also use this with the long length of rope to create a sea anchor
  • Paper charts and compass
  • Pair of oars. A boat up to 5 or 6 metres can be moved (slowly) if you sit at the bow and take turns paddling either side

Check out the safety guidance from the RNLI.

Grab bag

Have a dry bag packed with the following kit:-

  • Backup VHF handheld radio
  • Spare mobile phone
  • Spare warm clothing
  • Bin bags or survival sacks. These are to retain heat if you recover someone from the water and they are fully clothed.
  • Some food and water
  • First aid kit
  • Suncream
  • Hats

Toolkit

A modest toolkit and basic spares may get you home without having to call for help.

Essential tools

My toolkit contains:-

  • Socket set including spark plug remover
  • Screwdrivers
  • Set of spanners 3-17mm
  • Hammer
  • Side cutters
  • Pliers
  • Utility knife
  • Zip ties in various sizes
  • Small can of WD-40
  • Insulating tape and gaffer tape
  • Voltmeter
  • Fine sandpaper for cleaning electrical connections

Spares

I don’t go overboard with spares - no pun intended. Since my boat only has a single battery for starting and powering onboard equipment, I invested in a portable jump pack. Starting a large 2-stroke outboard with high compression takes a lot of battery power.

  • Fuses for internal boat electrics and outboard
  • Spark plugs
  • Hose clips various sizes
  • Spare fuel and 2-stroke oil
  • 600A jump pack in case of flat battery. Can be used to charge phones/VHF radios and also has a torch built in

Fuel

My boat has a 60 litre fuel tank and a separate 2-stroke oil tank.

I generally fill the tank on land from jerry cans rather than using marina facilities. Spare fuel is carried in 5 litre plastic cans, stored in the ski locker to keep the weight low.

Stu at Dangar Marine has a huge number of videos on his Youtube channel. This one on breaking down in a boat on the water helped me assemble my toolkit and spares.