As Father’s Day approaches, perhaps you are making plans for a boating day with Dad. We know that these day trips are a blast, but making a packing list can take a while. To save you some time, we’ve detailed everything you’ll need to include, or not include, on your family boating day packing list. To make sure nothing gets left at the dock, think of your family boating day packing list in five categories: safety, food and drink, sun protection, comfort, and kid-specific gear. Nail all five and you’re set up for a genuinely great day on the water.
What’s on a complete family boating day packing list?
Family boating days are so much fun, but they can easily go south when you forget to pack something. A few boat day essentials to include on your packing list are sunscreen, non-slip sandals, dry bags, and safety gear. Coverups or jackets are great to bring for cool evenings on the boat. Coolers are a necessary item to bring for storing your snacks and drinks. Put plenty of ice in the coolers to keep the contents cold all day. If you dock or anchor near lots of foliage, bug repellent is a huge help in keeping bugs away.
- High SPF Sunscreen
- Life jacket
- Non-slip sandals
- Coverup/jacket
- Towels
- Drybag
- Bug repellent
- Cooler
- Water
- Snacks
- Ice
Safety Gear You Should Never Leave the Dock Without
Safety on boating trips cannot be stressed enough. Before you board the boat, make sure you have life jackets for everyone, a throwable cushion or buoy, and a marine-grade fire extinguisher. A fully stocked first aid kit should also be on hand. Dry bags to protect your phone and keys are useful, and you obviously don’t want to leave the dock without your coolers of food and drinks.
How to Pack Food and Drinks for a Full Day on the Water
Packing enough food and drinks is important when spending a full day on the water. It is best to pack twice as much water and food as you would normally take to the beach. Keeping hydrated and well-fed is vital for staying healthy and happy on your boating adventure.
Sandwiches, chips, and other family boating snacks are simple to pack. Outdoor Breakfast Ideas for Camping and Backpacking offers ideas for easy morning meals on the boat. Depending on your location and if you have the right gear, you can even make breakfast over the fire before boarding. Aside from packing lots of water, you can bring soda or lemonade. All perishable food, or food that easily melts, can be stored in a cooler. Not only are coolers essential for boating days, but they also make great gifts for dads who enjoy camping or barbecuing.
A helpful boat cooler tip is to pack your food and drinks in separate coolers. Packing everything in one big cooler is fine, but it can be very difficult to move. Having two smaller coolers eliminates the hassle of transportation and provides better organization. Overall, it keeps your food and drinks colder because you don’t have to open the same cooler each time someone wants a snack or a drink. For small families, a 30-quart cooler for drinks and a 40-quart cooler for food is perfect. Knowing how much ice to put in your cooler can be a little tricky, but a 2:1 ratio of ice to cooler contents works best.
Why Sun Protection Deserves Its Own Category
Sun protection is crucial when spending the day on the water. Even applying high-SPF sunscreen just once will not keep you from being sunburnt. You must reapply it multiple times throughout the day to avoid sunburn. Wearing sunglasses and a beach hat is a good way to protect your eyes and head from the UV rays. Being sunburnt is certainly no fun, so be sure to prioritize sun protection.
Comfort Items That Make the Whole Day Better
To elevate your boating experience, bring a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. These are great for setting the vibes of your day. A floating lily pad is the perfect place to relax or let the kids play. To add extra comfort on the boat, throw in a few more pillows.
Some practical items to pack that still provide comfort are extra sets of dry clothes and shoes. These come in handy if there’s any need to change during the day. To keep your drinks cold even after you’ve taken them out of the cooler, bring insulated drinkware. If you have other items that need to stay dry, you can keep them all safe in a drybag backpack. These items are practical, yet provide comfort of their own.
What to Pack When Kids Are Coming Along
When figuring out what to bring on a boat with kids, pack for them as you would for yourself. Make sure they have life vests, sandals, swimwear, hats or sunglasses, and jackets for cool evenings. Kids love snacks, and it’s no secret that swimming makes you hungry, so bring plenty for them to eat and drink.
Games are also great to pack; just make sure it is a game that won’t get water-damaged or blow away. Water toys are fantastic to bring along as well. Water balls and water guns entertain kids well and are easy to pack. If you want to go big, bring a water mat for them to play on or relax on while the boat is docked. When bringing one of these, remember to use it safely and never tow it behind the boat while someone is on it.
What to Leave at Home
Because there’s limited space on the boat, packing light is key. An easy way to save some space is to limit towels and replace heavy tableware with lightweight, disposable options. You should also leave electronics and valuable items behind to prevent them from getting lost or damaged by the water.
Boating days are a great way to spend time with Dad. As you plan your day on the water, make sure you get enough food, drinks, and ice. Don’t forget the safety gear and sun protection items. Most importantly, have fun and make this the most memorable Father’s Day yet!
FAQ
How big a cooler do I need for a family of four?
For a full boat day, you need to fit in the cooler all the water and snacks you’ll want, plus the ice to keep them cold. A 60- to 70-quart cooler should be sufficient; however, splitting it into two coolers is optimal. Your drink cooler can be 30- to 35-quarts, and the food cooler can be 40- to 50-quarts.
What’s the best snack to bring with kids?
Boating snacks that are easy to grab and go, don’t make a mess, and replenish the kids’ energy are the best ones to bring on your boating trip. Just to name a few, granola bars, cheese cubes, pretzels, and fruit are a hit.
Do PFDs need to be worn at all times?
Children ages 13 and younger should wear a PFD at all times. Adults who choose not to wear one must have their PFD readily accessible at all times.
How much water per person?
For a full day boating trip, you should drink roughly a gallon of water. If you drink a cup of water every 20 minutes, you will have drunk a gallon of water by the end of the day. It is recommended to stay well hydrated before the boating trip to help your body fight dehydration.
What’s the most underrated boating-day item?
Microfiber towels are the most underrated items for boating days. They are useful in many situations, such as cleaning up a quick spill, wiping the floor dry, and serving as cooling rags. They are also easy to store away since they do not take up much space.
Can you bring glass on most boats?
On most boats, glass is not allowed. If you are renting a boat, check the rules to see whether you can bring glass; some may allow it only if it stays in the galley or enclosed cabins. If the boat is your own, you may bring glass at your own risk; however, note any local restrictions for glass on the water.
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