It’s a lot of fun to take a boat out for the day. However, it’s up to you as the owner to ensure that you’re following all the appropriate laws and keeping everyone on board safe. Here are the top safety accessories to have on board for a day out in the water. 

3 Essential Accessories for Boats

1. Ropes & Bumpers

Ropes and bumpers are important for when you’re at the dock or tying up next to other boats on the water. Bumpers protect the vessel by creating a barrier between the side of the boat and the dock or other boats. Ropes will keep the vessel in place, so you can tie up at the dock or to other boats. One rope and bumper near the bow and the stern is usually sufficient for most smaller sports boats.

2. Life Jackets

These are a must for all boaters. The state of New York requires one life jacket on board per passenger. Federal regulations require all children under the age of 13 to wear a life jacket at all times when the boat is underway. Store flotation devices in varying sizes on the boat and notify all passengers about their location.

3. Horn

In the state of New York, boats less than 20 meters in length are required to carry a whistle or horn that can be heard a half mile away. Learn when it’s appropriate to use the horn. For example, one short blast tells boaters that you intend to pass them on the port side, two short blasts indicate your intent to pass on the starboard side, and three short blasts indicate you are backing up. A prolonged blast can be used as a warning signal, such as if you have poor visibility and want other boaters to know where you are.

If you need to stock up on these or any other boating accessory, visit McMillan Marine in Rochester, NY. This is the go-to spot for all water sport enthusiasts in the Finger Lakes and Irondequoit Bay area. They carry a wide selection of both new and used boats and essential accessories for days on the water. See their current marina inventory online or call (585) 288-2180 to ask about their equipment.