There is rarely a reason to pack a large suitcase for a boat trip. Boats have limited storage and living space, so the last thing you need onboard is a bag of clothes taking up the little room you have to move around.
Extra weight can also place more strain on the boat’s engines, requiring more fuel and power to maintain the same speed. Since many boating adventures take place during milder weather, you can often do more with less and still pack light.
By planning for changes in temperature, activities, weather, and water conditions, you may be surprised by how efficiently you can pack while still covering all the essentials.
Pack Light
Packing light means you’ll have more room to move around, and the lighter weight helps keep the boat more nimble.
Dress for the Occasion
Before you worry about clothes, make sure you have the correct gear and accessories for your day.
A day of wakeboarding and picnicking on a sandbar requires a completely different wardrobe than a weekend on a yacht or an offshore fishing trip. Whether that means fishing gear and sturdy, nonslip shoes or a wakeboard vest, boardshorts, and a custom playlist, we recommend starting with the essentials.
Bring the Right Sun Protection
Whatever the season or activity, protecting yourself from UV rays is a must.
This doesn’t just include sunblock, sunglasses, and headwear. Makeup, facial and body lotions, and clothing are all available with UV protection to give you a reprieve from the hours you’ll spend in the sun.
On the perfect day aboard your boat, the cool breeze coming off the wind and water can make it easy to forget that the sun is beating down on you. Board the boat with your first layer of sun protection already applied, and be sure to reapply throughout the day.
Bring aloe and aspirin or ibuprofen as well. Both can provide comfort for someone who gets too much sun.
Windbreaker for the Win
Without adding the bulk of a sweatshirt, a windbreaker is versatile and easy to pack.
As the day winds down and the sun gets lower, temperatures do too. Even in the height of summer, you may get chilly onboard. On fishing boats, you’ll probably start the day wearing these layers and put them back on toward the end.
A windbreaker can hold in your body heat while doing its namesake job of keeping the breeze off your body. Because they’re waterproof or at least water-resistant, windbreakers also dry quickly, so late-afternoon spray doesn’t soak into your clothes and make you cold.
Be Smart With Your Shoes
Be sure you have comfortable shoes with good grip if you’re expecting adverse conditions or spending a lot of time standing on deck.
Flip-flops are a fun summer staple, but they’re not always the best choice on deck. If you know you’re going to hop off the boat at some point, they’re lightweight and easy enough to slide into your bag.
However, solid shoes are a must for fishing, sailing, or doing any other work or activity on deck while the boat is in motion. The exception may be a luxury yachting vacation, where you’re likely to leave your shoes behind as soon as you come aboard.
Mix and Match
Packing smart doesn’t mean packing everything. Mixing separates saves space and prepares you for a variety of conditions.
Choose comfortable clothes that are easy to wear so you can focus on your boating experience.
If you’re on an overnight or longer-term trip, no matter the size of the boat, storage space will be more limited than it is at home. Choose swimsuits, tops, bottoms, and outer layers that can be exchanged depending on the activity or temperature. Just a couple of each can be combined to create several outfits.
When it comes to fabrics, avoid materials that wrinkle easily and choose fabrics that air-dry quickly, such as nylon and polyester.
Bring Just the Essentials
Bring your toiletries, but scale them down for the occasion.
We’re not suggesting that you can’t enjoy the same products you use at home during a day or overnight trip, but bring travel-sized versions. On most recreational boats, bathroom, or head, space is limited, and often so is the water supply.
Products like two-in-one shampoo and conditioner or combined face and body wash can multitask and help reduce grooming time and storage needs.
When it comes to medications, bring more than you expect to need, just as you would on any trip. Consider packing anti-nausea medication as well if you’re unsure how you’ll react to being on the water. The sea may become choppier than you remember.
Entertainment Gear
Let the trip serve as the entertainment, and leave some creature comforts at home.
Most boats have entertainment systems onboard. If you’re planning to dock for lunch or spend time lounging, bring a small speaker that packs a punch rather than a large boombox you may not use on the boat.
That space can be used for other items, such as travel-sized games, snacks, and a sheet for the beach, which takes up far less room than several towels.
If the kids can’t leave their tablets and game systems at home, pack them and their chargers in waterproof cases or dry bags whenever they’re not in use. The same goes for your smartphone. These bags are affordable and available in many different sizes.
Traveling light is part of the fun of the boating lifestyle. While you don’t need much, packing ahead and packing smart ensures that everything you need is within easy reach without bringing items you won’t use.
That leaves you free to enjoy every minute on your boat, whether you’re fishing, entertaining, or simply cruising.
If you’re still searching for the perfect boat for your adventures, Ocean Blue Yacht Sales is here to help. Explore our available inventory and let our experienced team help you find a boat that fits the way you want to enjoy life on the water.