All You Need to Know About Boat Float Plans
If you’ve recently purchased a boat and are planning your debut trip, check out this guide before you head out. Thayer’s Marine is your local boat dealership in Norwich, CT, and we’re committed to ensuring your safety on the water. Our friendly experts have gathered this guide to help you create a boat float plan. Keep reading this blog post to learn more, and for more information, swing by our dealership for a friendly chat with our team!
Understanding a Boat Float Plan
Essentially, a float plan is a document that outlines your intended boating itinerary. It includes information such as your starting point, anticipated route, estimated time of arrival at your destination, and any stops you plan to make along the way. This document also carries details about your boat, such as its size, make, model, registration, and insurance information.
The Importance of a Boat Float Plan
A float plan helps ensure your safety on the water. If something goes wrong, such as your boat breaks down or you get stranded, a float plan can help rescuers locate you quickly.
A float plan gives your loved ones who aren't with you on the boat peace of mind because they’ll know your planned route and time of arrival at the destination, and they can alert authorities if you don't arrive on schedule.
Creating a Boat Float Plan
Creating a float plan is simple. You can start logging essential information, such as your starting point, route, expected time of arrival at your destination, and boat information. You can also record emergency contact information, such as the phone numbers of your local Coast Guard unit, your family members, and friends. Be sure to fill out the float plan as completely as possible, and then leave a copy with a family member or friend who isn't going on the boat with you.
Additional Tips
Creating a float plan isn't enough—you should also follow it. Be sure to stick to your planned itinerary as closely as possible and make any necessary updates to your float plan if you change anything.
Finally, ensure the passengers onboard your boat know your float plan, including emergency contact information.
We hope this guide helps you create a float plan before your next marine adventure. If you need more advice or are still searching for your dream boat, visit Thayer’s Marine. We have an impressive collection of vessels from various premium brands, and we can help you select a model that fits your budget and needs. Our physical location is in Norwich, CT, and we are proud to serve our friends from Springfield, MA!