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Boat camping is just one of the most fun ways to make the most of your days on the water. You can use your boat to reach a campsite where you’ll be staying or stay aboard your anchored boat overnight.
However, boat camping is not an entirely easy experience. It requires some planning and preparation to ensure that everyone has a safe and hassle-free experience.
Whether you keep your Quintrex Fishseeker boat by the shore and camp on the beach or by a riverbank or throw down your anchor and camp inside your cabin, here are some simple tips on how to safely do an overnight camping trip and have an enjoyable time.
Pick an Ideal Boat Camping Location
What this means to different people will vary quite a bit, depending on where they live and the type of boat they have.
Choose which location you’d like to camp in first. You might want to scout your location by either researching about it on the internet or visiting the location. This way you know what’s nearby and can plan accordingly for supplies and food. Plus, you will know how to get there too. Don’t forget to check with your local campgrounds and local authorities if you are planning to beach your boat in both public and private areas. You could be fined for camping in a location that is off-limits.
Prepare Your Boating Gear and Equipment
You probably do this, at least mentally, before any trip out on the boat. But when you’ll be camping there’s a lot more to keep track of since you’ll likely want both your usual boating must-haves needed for sleeping aboard.
Make sure you know how to set up and use your boat’s equipment. Make sure that everything, your boat supplies, and your land-based camping gear, is in good working order before you leave. Plan out a checklist of all the gear you’ll need in advance and go through it once you’ve packed to make sure you’ve got everything you need.
Before leaving, check the boat and trailer (if you’re going to need one) to ensure they are up to the challenge of transporting you and your gear. You may need some extras such as tie-downs or straps so you can ensure you’re securing everything tightly. You may also want to top off your Yamaha outboard fuel tank and your car as well.
File a Float Plan
You should let someone dependable know where you’re going by giving them a float plan. A float plan is basically an itinerary where it tells all the details of your trip. That’s where you list down where you’re heading to, who you’re with, details of your boat and your car, and the number of days your trip will last. If you make a real boat camping vacation out of the trip, you may be gone for days at a time. It’s imperative that someone at least knows your general location and when you expect to be back home.
Pack the Essentials
A sufficient selection of food and drinks for the entire people joining the trip will naturally top this list. But along with that, don’t forget to add things like ice, suntan lotion, insect repellent, pillows, blankets, hats, portable fans and anything else you’ll need for the camping trip. Pack lightly! You won’t have any extra space and you may want to mind the weight of how heavy the load the boat can carry, so it’s important to pack only what you’ll need. This can also prevent items from shifting during travel, which could cause safety hazards. Don’t forget to pack plenty of extra clothing in case the temperature drops at nighttime or if it rains. It’s always best to be prepared for any weather or temperature changes above anything else.
Don’t Forget to Charge Your Electronics
While it’s true that most modern boats have USB charging ports, it’s smart to start your trip with items like cell phones and rechargeable flashlights fully charged. On some boats, the charging ports only operate when the boat’s running, and you certainly won’t want to interrupt the peace and solitude of camping on your boat by starting up the engine in the middle of the night because your phone died. It’s wise to bring a power bank to charge all your devices.
Prepare yourself mentally for the trip. Mentally preparing for a camping trip with a boat might just be more difficult than physically preparing – but no less important. Take time to think of all aspects carefully before leaving on your trip, take note of things that make you nervous, and then remember that you’re going to be just fine.