14 Essentials For Your Upcoming Boat Rental

Last Updated on January 14, 2022 by Boatsetter Team

Are you considering a boat rental but have no idea what to bring along? Boating is one of those endeavors where you need to bring essentials but are often faced with limited space. So, if you’re stumped by where to begin in terms of packing the essentials…this is the list you need!

Let’s take a look at the top 8 boating essentials for your next time boat rental:

1. Sunscreen: It’s important that to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Putting adequate sunblock on will also prevent the likelihood of heatstroke and painful burns. Lather up, reapply and bring protective items such as hats, sunglasses and UV protective clothing!
2. Water and snacks: When you are on a boat, it’s easy to forget to consume enough water, as the fun and excitement boast quite the distraction. Ensure that you and your guests drink lots of water to prevent dehydration which could cause dizziness. Make sure to pack lots of snacks as well, as keeping your metabolism and blood sugar up will ensure that you have adequate energy to enjoy all that your boat rental has in store for you.
3. Towels and a spare outfit: Making towels and keeping them handy is a great way to stay dry while on the boat. Since boats tend to be slippery when wet, properly drying yourself off will ensure that nobody slips on the wet boat deck. Changing to a spare pair of dry clothes will prevent you from catching a cold and probably make you more comfortable too!
4. Fishing gear: If you intend on doing some fishing during your day on the water, pack the appropriate fishing gear such as a fishing rod, tackle box, tackle, extra line, and several fishing lures.
5. A solid plan: Navigating around the water can be tricky and overwhelming, especially when you are full of excitement to begin with. Having a solid plan will allow you to get the most out of your day on the water and will ensure that you get optimum boating fun.
6. A GPS and depth finder: Having these two pieces of helpful technology will ensure that you don’t run aground if you’re navigating through shallow waters. A GPS will point you in the right direction if you feel as though you are lost or just want to make sure you are on the right track to where you want to be going.
7. Extra anchor line: It’s always beneficial to have ample dock and anchor line on your boat. Having enough will make tying up at the dock easier as well as making joining other boaters and tying up to their boats, easier and more efficient.
8. Camera: Of course! It’s important that you capture these special moments as you may not be on a boat too often. Looking back on some of the best memories and times with your friends is a great way to remember the fun you enjoyed together.
9. Floaties: Modern floaties have come a long way from the standard old round ones. These days, floaties come shaped like donuts, unicorns, or pizza slices! All of these are fun things to do on a boat, especially if you are travelling with your family and if you are looking for things for the kids to do in the water.
10.  Life Jackets and PFDs: Even more important if you have young kids, it is essential to carry plenty of life jackets and PFDs onboard your rented boat. No matter how well you and your family can swim, there are often strong currents in the water that can pull you under or drag you far from your boat, especially when you are boating in the ocean. Take the time to make sure you have enough safety equipment onboard. 
11.  Snorkeling and Scuba Equipment: There are various other types of equipment that you should have before setting sail on your rented boat. If you enjoy diving, consider adding items to your collection like wetsuits, water shoes, goggles, and fins. Avid divers often use underwater cameras to capture their experiences to share with their friends. It is great to see friendly dolphins, parrotfish and large diving turtles on somebody else’s personal video!
12.  Water Skis, Paddleboards, Kneeboards, and Wakeboards: Water skis and other skiing equipment is essential if you enjoy this sport. The other choices, like paddleboards, kneeboards, and wakeboards, are excellent boat day essentials for towing some of your guests who may not want to ski, but still, relish the experience of being pulled along by your rented boat. 
13.  Coolers and Portable Grills: What is a charter yacht vacation without some drinks and food to enjoy as you watch the sun setting over the water? Be sure to pack a cooler full of ice and your favorite beverages. A portable grill can easily be hooked up to a small gas cylinder to cook up some delicious meats and vegetables for you and your family to enjoy.
14.  Kayaks: Especially useful when sailing over placid waters, kayaks can allow you to drop anchor and explore island coves and shallower waters with ease. Kayaks come in a variety of sizes so be sure to choose a kayak that will fit your needs as well as the needs of your guests. And one final note: make sure you remember to bring along several sets of oars as well!

Get the most out of your time on the water. Being properly prepared for your adventure will not only create peace of mind, it also means that you are taking all of the safety precautions necessary in order to make your day an enjoyable one.

Looking for the perfect boat rental? Boatsetter, the #1 boat rental community, is your choice for the a privately-owned boat and a perfect day out on the water! Boats from yachts to pontoons are available and can be rented with or without a captain.

Just book your boat rental and start gathering up the essentials…it’s that easy!

Boatsetter Team

Boatsetter empowers people to explore with confidence by showing them a world of possibility on the water. Rent a boat, list your boat, or become a Boatsetter captain today.