Last Updated on June 6, 2025
This article looks at the contents of a boat box, a portable kit that can be taken on any small boat. It holds important paperwork, safety gear, and other items needed for a day out on the water. The idea is to have one box that covers the essentials for various small boats, like aluminum boats or jon boats, instead of having duplicate safety equipment for each one.
The Go-To Boat Box: What's Inside?
When you're out on the water, being prepared is a big deal. This boat box is all about safety and making your boating trip better. It has things you need for safety, things that are required, and some extra items just in case.
Key Takeaways
- VHF Radio: A portable, floating VHF radio is always in the box, charged and ready to go. It's checked often to make sure it works.
- Drain Plug: A spare drain plug is a must-have. You never know when you might need one.
- Sunblock: There's always a backup tube of sunblock. Even if you bring more, it's good to have an extra.
- Fire Extinguisher: A small, portable fire extinguisher is included. It's rated for electrical and gasoline fires, which is good for motorboats.
- Bailing Bucket: A small bucket is kept for bailing out water if needed. It also holds other useful items.
- Rope: The bucket contains a bunch of clothesline, which can be used for tying things off. There's also a dock line, about 10-12 feet long, with a loop on one end.
- Plastic Bag: A simple plastic bag is in there for various uses.
- Whistle: A working whistle is included for signaling.
- SOS Flag: A day visibility SOS flag, still in its original plastic, is kept for emergencies.
- Folding Knife: A brand new, aluminum-handled, stainless steel folding knife is stored in its package to prevent rust. It has a serrated edge for cutting line.
- Floating Beacon: A floating SOS beacon is in the box and is checked to make sure it still works.
- Paperwork: Registrations for different boats (like the 14-foot Lone Star and the Boston Whaler) are kept here. There's also a copy of the Coast Guard required equipment checklist to make sure all necessary items are on board.
- Longer Dock Line: Another, longer dock line is included, neatly tied up.
- Water Bottle: A flattened water bottle is in the box, ready to be filled for drinking water if needed.
- Navigation Lights: Clamp-on bow and stern lights are included, along with all the brackets needed to install them for night boating.
- Engine Cut-Off Switch: A spare engine cut-off switch is kept, especially for Mercury motors.
What's Not in the Box (and Why)
Some things that might seem obvious are not in this particular boat box. For example, there are no tools like pliers, wrenches, or sockets. The reason is that engine problems on the water often need more than simple tools. It's usually easier to use an alternate motor to get back to shore and fix things there. The only tool that has really been needed on the water is a knife.
Other Important Items
Beyond the boat box, other items are always brought along for a boating trip:
- PFDs: A personal flotation device (PFD) for the boater and one or two spare PFDs for others.
- Drinking Water: Plenty of drinking water is always brought.
- Anchor: An anchor is always on board.
- Extra Dock Line: Additional dock line is carried.
- Paddle: A paddle is always in the boat.
- Net: A net is also kept in the boat.
- Seat Clamp Tool: A tool to tighten the clamps on clamp-on boat seats is always available.
It's important to remember that what you bring depends on where you boat and what you do. For short trips in small boats, often alone, these items work well. If you're also filming, you might bring a case of camera equipment, but that's not a typical boating essential for everyone.
