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Accessories You Need to Stay Safe on Your Boat

May. 19 2023 Accessory Buying Guide By Nobles' Marine

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While a boat will be ready to hit local waterways the second you drive it off the dealership lot, you may not be. To guarantee the safety of both you and your passengers—and make sure you’re following local boating laws and regulations— you’ll need to purchase a wide variety of different safety accessories for your boat. To make sure you have everything you need before your next boating trip, be sure to read through our article below.

Personal Flotation Devices

The most important safety device you’ll need for your boat is your personal flotation device! These often come in the form of vests or jackets and can come in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and buoyancies. Before you leave the dock you’ll need to be sure that you have at least one PFD for each passenger aboard your boat, as well as a throwable PFD somewhere on deck in case someone falls overboard. If you’re the only passenger on your boat, you’re still required to have at least two PFDs on hand, just in case.  

Distress Signals 

While laws regarding devices that create distress signals will vary from place to place, generally speaking, you’ll be required to purchase at least 2 sound-making devices, and one visual device to alert others if you’re ever in distress. Bull horns, air horns, and even athletic whistles are all popular sound options, while flares, distress flags, floating smoke signals, and electric distress lights are popular visual tools. When choosing your visual distress signal, remember that the tool will need to be visible at night. If your boat is over 16 feet in length, you’ll also need to purchase a daytime distress signal such as a safety flag or smoke signal.

On the hunt for some helpful gear, OEM parts, or a high-quality repair for your boat? Then you’ll want to visit us here at Nobles' Marine! Our locations in Crystal River and Leesburg, Florida both offer a wide variety of helpful boating services and accessories for you to take advantage of and proudly serve the nearby city of Ocala.