Planning a family boating trip is among the most exciting things that you can do with your loved ones. Unlike road trips, where you can get immediate access to stores or stops when necessary, boating trips need meticulous planning to make sure that your kids won’t get bored, and everyone in the family remains safe and happy. Keep in mind that you also need to prepare for unexpected events that can affect your entire trip.
Here’s how you can make your boating trip as enjoyable as possible:
- Plan Your Way
It is easy to get lost at sea. There are often no signs to guide you, so it is crucial that you carefully plan your way. A boat autopilot can also be helpful as well. If it is necessary to make long passages, you should do this while your kids are asleep. This way, you don’t have to think about how you are going to entertain your children. Passages during the day should also be kept short whenever possible. Carefully check tidal gates so you can avoid them. It also helps if you can plan the time of your voyage when the tides are calm, so you don’t have to worry about your children getting seasick.
- Train Your Family
It is not enough that only one person in the family knows how to sail. While planning, you should also consider training your “crew” so you will have someone to rely on when trouble on the water happens. Start by teaching them how to maneuver the boat, tidy the lines, and store the fenders. It is also critical that you teach them about the safety measures they should do in case something happens.
- Introduce Your Kids to the Water
Seawater can be scary, especially for little kids. If you plan to bring them on your vacation, you have to make sure that they are comfortable enough to wade and swim through the water. This way, it will be easier for them to have fun and be prepared if something happens.
- Bring Water Gear
This infographic was created by Veteran Car Donations, yacht donation
Kids can get bored if you don’t provide them with the right activity to get them preoccupied. It helps if you can invest in high-quality boat gear that lasts. A nice wakeboard tower will surely give your child something to look forward to during your boating trips. If you are renting a boat, clarify if you need to pay extra to bring a ger.
- Have Enough Food and Water
Your kids can get hungry from all the activities you have planned for them, and it helps if you can bring enough food to keep their tummies full and water to keep them hydrated during your trip. Your food supply should be enough to last the duration of your trip.
- Pack Medicine
You should also pack medicine that you or your kids might need. You should also pack emergency medicines for any issues that could occur during the trip. If your kids have the tendency to be seasick, you should take anti-emesis medications. Packing antihistamines and pain relievers should also be necessary.
- Prepare Portable Chargers
Our mobile phones are our connection to the outside world. If you are going on a boating trip for at least several days, it helps to have a portable charger to keep you connected. Your kids may want to have some form of entertainment during downtimes, so they will really appreciate it if your gadgets are well-charged.
Before going on board, communicate with the sailing company about what inclusions are included in the package, so you will know what other items you should bring. In general, rental boats have basic equipment such as life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and towels.
