Boating trips in a weekly boat rental are never the same, so you need to always prepare for every trip and take necessary precautions before setting out. Not all boaters have the same experience, so it’s easy for accidents to happen on overnight yacht rentals if many variables are overlooked.

So, we have compiled a pre-departure list fit for all boaters before any trip. This checklist makes sure you are prepared for the randomness of boating, and that you and your passengers are very safe when you decide to rent a motor boat.

Top Equipment for your 16 foot boat

When taking off in your boat rentals, here are some of the equipment you should bring along.

Personal Floatation Devices or Life Jackets

Life jackets are an essential requirement because of passenger safety. You should only rent a yacht for a week once a life jacket has been accounted for. You should consider how many people will be on board and also the various sizes of those people. If you are taking the kids along, then children’s life jackets are a necessity.

Basic First Aid Kit

Along with the life jackets, add a basic first aid kit to your equipment onboard. There are lots of choices made specifically for daily boat rentals, along with attachments like hydration tablets and survival blankets for extreme heat or cold.

Visual and Sound Signaling Devices

These are distress signaling devices in case of an emergency. Any boat above 16 feet needs a distress signal operating both during sunset and sunrise, distress flags, smoke signals and flares. So, make sure the device is right for your large party boat rentals.

Fenders and Docking Equipment

Fenders are important because they provide a buffer zone to protect your boat when pulling up alongside a dock or another boat to tie up.

Depending on the nature of the boat and if it’s a party boat rental, you may consider getting specialty fenders to protect your boat’s corner or other specific areas.

What other equipment do you need for a 16 foot boat?

We have talked about critical first aid kits when you bring the kids along the sailboat rentals. What other equipment should you consider before embarking on your journey in boats for rent by owners with kids?

Ventilation Equipment

This is especially important for enclosed powered vessels, to make sure it is well ventilated. If you notice any fumes from the engine, look for a leak or spill.

Navigation Lights

Check your yacht rental near me to make sure you have all the navigation lights working properly. It is also advised to carry a flashlight on board. This also includes visual distress signals in case of an emergency onboard. Make sure everyone on board, even the kids know where distress signals are located and how to use them.

Fire Extinguishers

A Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher is a necessity, and ideally must be kept in an accessible location. Make sure all passengers who rent a boat with captain with you are aware of its location.

Emergency Boat Operation

Lastly, while you make plans to rent a sailboat for a week, make sure the kids understand the basics of emergency procedures. This is especially helpful for turbulent and stormy weather. A VHF radio is ideal to have when you rent a boat near me, since it can be a very useful communication device.

What else do I need to keep in mind?

There are other things to consider whether on cheap yachts for rent or private boats for rent. Get all the latest fun boating gears and accessories especially if there are kids on board. You don’t want to spend a week-long long term catamaran rental with bored kids. This will keep them occupied and away from harm. Accessories include board games, electronic games, movies, and more.

A cooler that holds ice is great for storing refreshments such as drinks and snacks. The kids will need a lot of food while out and about in the hot sun, so make sure they are well nourished. You may also want to bring an extra stash of sunscreen on board.

If you have chosen to go with cheap boat rentals near me, check if the ignition key comes with a floating keychain. It is a useful way to store valuables and cash while on your trip.

For safety, make sure the boat is using the right control system. Considering this ahead of booking a boat rental for a week can make a huge difference in how satisfied you are with the boat. Digital control systems in any private boat rentals are a joy for passengers.

Conclusion

We have gone through the essential list for passengers in 16 foot boat rentals from private owners. Most of the items in this checklist are very easy to buy and maintain, and you are guaranteed a fun time when you have ticked everything in this checklist. So before you take that boat for a week-long vacation, make sure your preparations have considered all of the above.