If you hope to make the most of your summertime adventures, head to your favorite body of water. However, you’ll need to plan your trip to ensure the bright and sunny weather adds to your experience instead of making you sick. Thankfully, help is right here!

Thayer’s Marine is your local boat dealership in Norwich, CT. We always help customers plan their summertime adventures and can help you, too. Keep reading this blog post to learn more about the summer necessities for riding a boat, and for more information, swing by our dealership for a friendly chat with our team.

1. Get Safety Gear

The first and most important item on our list is safety gear, such as floatation devices and life jackets for each family member. Be sure you pick US Coast Guard-approved life jackets in the right size and keep your floatation devices readily accessible on your vessel.

2. Install a Canopy Cover

Next, you’ll want to install a bimini top or canopy cover on your boat to provide shade to your passengers. Direct sunlight can become unbearable, especially on day-long trips, and cause sunburns and dehydration. To prevent this and enjoy your time on the water, invest in an easy-to-install-and-use retractable cover, which you can pull back when the weather becomes favorable.

3. Bring Navigation Tools and Charts

Another essential item to have on hand is a reliable navigation tool, even when exploring familiar areas. Ensure you have the latest GPS device, a compass, and up-to-date location-based charts. This can help you identify your location and prevent you from straying.

4. Invest in a Cooler Box and Drinks

In addition to staying on the course, you’ll want to keep yourself and your passengers hydrated. We often recommend our customers buy a good quality cooler box to keep snacks and drinks cool and fresh. You’ll want to get a big enough size for your items to last several hours at least.

Bring sufficient water and other drinks for everyone on board and extra ice & quick snacks.

5. Get Personal Items

Finally, you’ll want to bring a few personal items to stay safe and comfortable on your summertime boating trip.

Get sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF and reapply every couple of hours, especially if you're swimming. You’ll also want to bring a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. You should also have a well-stocked first-aid kit comprising bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.

We hope you find these tips handy on your next summertime boating excursion. If you need more ideas or are still searching for your dream vessel, visit Thayer’s Marine. We have an impressive collection of boats from various premium brands, and we can help you select a model that fits your budget and marine lifestyle. We are happy to serve our friends from Norwich, CT, and Springfield, MA, so swing by today!