Spending the night on your boat is a fantastic way to relax and spend time in nature – especially on warm summer nights when the cool air and lapping waves create the perfect atmosphere for rest and relaxation. This guide from North Florida Yacht Sales offers some expert advice on overnight boating, so you can proceed with confidence! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. North Florida Yacht Sales is your local boat dealer in Jacksonville, FL.
Choosing a Boat
Naturally, not all boats are equally suited for overnight boating. If you want to enjoy safe, comfortable overnight trips, look for a boat with the following features:
- An enclosed cabin to keep you warm and protected from the elements.
- Plenty of space for all your passengers to get comfortable and relax.
- A galley, if you want to include cooking and dining in your overnight boating experience. (You can also use a portable electric grill for this purpose.)
- A head (toilet) for when nature calls!
Getting Ready
Take these steps before you embark on an overnight boating adventure:
- Make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment on board, such as life jackets, signaling devices, a working fire extinguisher, and a working VHF radio.
- Make sure you have an anchor heavy enough to moor your boat. Your anchor should weigh at least one pound for every two feet of boat. However, you might want to choose an extra-heavy anchor for an overnight trip to ensure your boat stays secure.
- Pack a cooler with plenty of food and drink for the journey, and make sure you have some extra in case the trip takes longer than you expected.
- Pack plenty of extra clothes and warm bedding for everyone on board. Remember, the temperature may be much cooler on the water! Be prepared to layer up as needed.
- Give your boating itinerary to a trusted friend or family member who will not be accompanying you on the boat. This person can notify the proper authorities (such as the US Coast Guard) if you don’t come back on time.
- Last but not least, check and double-check the weather forecast – and never hesitate to postpone your overnight trip if a storm is predicted. Better safe than sorry!
We hope you found these tips helpful. If you want to learn more about safe boating, please feel free to consult the team here at North Florida Yacht Sales. We proudly offer a wide selection of boats for sale in Jacksonville, FL, and we serve customers from Palm Coast, Lakeside, and beyond.