Must-Have Boat Supplies

While every boater knows that there are essential pieces of safety equipment required by the Coast Guard to have onboard your boat, there are also some optional, but very handy, discount boat supplies which will add to your experience on the water. After all, when you are out in your boat, you want to enjoy your time and not have to worry about anything going wrong. All of these items can easily be found at any boating supply store.

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Communications and Navigation Accessories

A VHF marine radio equipped with Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is an essential item to keep on board your boat. This device will prove itself more than just another gadget if you are ever in distress and need to contact the Coast Guard or another boat in the vicinity for help. Marine radios can be fixed in place or feature a handheld transmitter; either option can be found at any internet site which carries discount boating supplies.

Another key piece of equipment is a Global Positioning System (GPS). Used in conjunction with your VHF marine radio, a GPS can transmit your position to the Coast Guard, helping them quickly find you. A GPS is also a great adjunct to nautical charts. Of course, anyone who is an experienced sailor knows that nautical charts are a great reference in that they aid in navigation and keep your boat from running aground. You can easily locate your position using the latitude and longitude scales. Along with a compass, GPS, radar, and nautical charts, there is virtually no way you will ever be lost at sea. By shopping for discount boat supplies, all of these communication and navigation devices can be found reasonably priced.

Safety Items

Even when you know your position and it has been communicated to the appropriate authorities or someone who can aid you in times of distress, the capability of sending out a signal will definitely make you visible amidst a large, unbroken seascape. An Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB) sends a digital signal to the Coast Guard automatically if submerged. There are manual models, as well. The signals are generally picked up within 15 minutes of transmission and will have a rescue vessel on its way to your location as indicated by the beacon.

Another item, which may seem to be so simple as to not be worth mentioning, is a re-entry ladder. The problem is, many boat owners simply do not think of it. If anyone falls overboard, a re-entry ladder can be a real lifesaver. If you are going out on a boat by yourself, this is a necessity; just ensure that it is placed on the exterior of the boat before you need it. Visit the site of your favorite discount boating supply operation today to find one which will fit your boat.

When it comes to safety and security, there is no excuse for not having onboard discount boat supplies which one day may save your life.