Boat Supplies and Equipment - Talking About the Most Critical One

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The Best Boat Supplies and Equipment For Your Needs

I'm your classic passionate enthusiast when it comes to boats. My particular passion and focus is on Boat Supplies and Equipment which would make your life a whole lot more easier and safer thus enhancing your boating experience.

Sadly the boat industry is seeing a quite a decline due to rising gas prices. In Maryland, watercraft registrations dropped by 3922 boats from 2004 to 2007.

What you would be great to have is something that could reduce fuel usage. We will discuss later of something could your fuel usage efficiency.

On the other hand the equipment that you must have on your boat are all related to safety. What a surprise. I urge you to resist the temptation of buying the big cool toys when your safety equipment needs are still not met.

I can tell you that we do have some really cool toys in this business and you will be seeing a lot of it here. This is why boating is such an exciting hobby.

Obviously, every type of boat has different supplies and equipment requirements so we put these in different groups. You may see a repetition of equipment between groups, this indicates that in can be used for different kinds of boat. For example, a pontoon boat equipment may also be used in a small boat.

We'll also cover Boat Fibreglass or Boat Plastics which would be interesting especially for those who are building or modifying boats.

It would be more interesting when we cover the boat supplies and equipment for different boat activities like Boat Camping, Boat Fishing, Boat Cruising, Sailing and even Diving.

Must-have Boat Equipment 

Make Sure You're Safe First- Basic Required Stuff For Your Boat

There are four things you must have when you are out boating:

1. Personal Flotation Devices
2. Working whistle or horn to make sound.
3. Visual Distress Signals
4. Marine type Fire Extinguisher

Personal Flotation Device 

The Most Important Boat Equipment

Most boating accidents involve falls overboard, capsizings, or sinkings. A properly fitted and correctly used PFD can save your life. In fact, 85% of the boaters who drown as a result of boating accidents would have survived if they had simply been wearing the life jackets most of them carried on board.

The Personal Flotation Device (also named PFD, lifejacket, life preserver, life vest, life saver, cork jacket, life belt, flotation suit, Mae West). Many types of PFD's are available but the United States Coast Guard Classifies them into 5 types.

Type I Personal Flotation Device 

Offshore Life Jacket

The most effective PFD which has the most buoyancy and turns a face down wearer most effectively. The downside is that it is quite bulky and may be uncomfortable to wear when not in water.

This is especially designed for open,rough or remote waters where rescue may take some time. It provides the most buoyancy and will make wearers in the water to face-up even when unconscious.

Type I Offshore Commercial PFD, Adult

Engineered to provide years of rugged service in a wide variety of commercial applications. Covers are coated polyester fabric, while belts, straps, and bindings are made of strong, weatherproof polypropylene webbing. Snaps and D-rings are made of black oxide coated stainless steel. Permafloat foam flotation is electronically sealed in airtight vinyl liners and will not lose buoyancy if cut or punctured. These PFDs are designed to turn unconscious wearers from face-down in the water to a vertical or slightly backward position. Reflective tape patches give improved visibility. Meet or exceed all US Coast Guard requirements for commercial vessels carrying passengers for hire.

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Type I Offshore Commercial PFD, Child

Child version of the above

Amazon Price: $39.99 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Type II Personal Flotation Device 

Near-Shore Buoyant Vest

Type II is a favorite among recreational boaters because it performs almost as well as a type I PFD but with some added comfort to wearing it.

If you are on calm inland water or where there is a good chance of quick rescue then the type II personal flotation device or near shore buoyant vest should be enough.

The Type II PFD provides less buoyancy, less pronounced turning effect but more comfort.

Extrasport Infant/Children's Type II PFD

The Extrasport Infant/Children's Type II PFD comes in two sizes: Under 50 lbs. & 50-90 lbs. A great value in a basic Children's Type II vest developed to provide high flotation and head support for infants and small children. Type II Life Jackets are specifically designed to turn a child over and float them chest-up instead of face down. The design features a 2-piece foam collar that cradles and supports the head and a grab loop to aid in pulling them quickly from the water. The adjustable leg straps with a single-buckle connection make getting the vest on and off a snap and prevents the jacket from riding up.

Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Type III Personal Flotation Device 

Flotation Aid | Generally for Water Sports

The Type III PFD is most popular with canoeists, small-boat sailboat racers and kayakers because it lightweight and doesn't restrict movement too much.

It is best for conscious wearers who can keep their own faces out of the water.

Neoprene "Sky Ski" Water Ski vest; CGA Type III PFD

Product Features

* Neoprene construction for best fit and comfortability
* Large arm cut-outs for best mobility
* Zips closed and has 2 buckles to adjust fit
* Mesh Panels on bottom edge for quick drainage
* Coast Gaurd Approved Type III PFD

Product Description

Our new Coast Guard Approved Type III PFD, this all new Sky Ski vest is the only choice for die hard Hydrofoilers! Features include: Dual belt with oversized quick release buckles; Heavy Duty zipper; Oversized Armhole for greatest comfort; Mesh panels on bottom edge for quick drainage; Anatomical Flexpoints; & Durable Silkscreened Sky Ski graphics.

Amazon Price: $79.95 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Winning Edge Deluxe Child Type III Life Vest

Product Features

* Designed to fit children between 30-50lbs.
* Durable flotation foam for maximum safety
* Smooth 200-denier Nylon for Added Durability Without Compromising Comfort
* Perfect for all flat water boating activities (water skiing, wakeboarding, canoing, general boating, close-to-shore safety, and more)
* USCG(U.S. Coast Guard) Approved

Product Description

This is a step up from our Youth Universal Life Jacket you will see why. This is a premium neo-nylon Youth Jacket designed for performance and comfort. We have been selling these vests for over 2 years. Winning Edge has been a great company to work with and while other sellers may sell these, we personally work with this company to design and market these vests. What other sellers offer that? Our staff personally uses and tests these out when it comes time for season.

Amazon Price: $18.99 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Stearns Adult Boating Vest - Pink/Blue - Universal Fit

Product Features

* Type III Adult Boating Vest - U.S. Coast Guard Approved
* Three Adjustable Belts
* Durable Crosstech floatation foam
* 200 Denier nylon oxford shell
* Fits Chest 30-in to 52-in. Weight minimum: 90 lbs.

Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Kokatat Ronin Life Vest

Product Description
The Kokatat Ronin Life Vest includes full-length spinal protection and padded shoulders to help you make it through a nasty swim in a rocky river. Despite the added protection, the Ronin Life Vest still has a low-profile cut that works well for anything from rafting to creek boating to sea kayaking. Kokatat's internal grip panel and offset front-entry design create a snug fit that won't ride up when you're in the water.

Product Features

* USCG Type: III
* Flotation/Buoyancy: [S] 16lb 5oz; [M] 17lb; [L] 17lb 5oz
* Pockets: 1 Front zip
* Closure: Offset front zip, waist buckle
* Touring Tow Compatible: No
* Weight:
* Recommended Use: Rafting, kayaking
* Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime

Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

ebay Offers on Personal Flotation Devices  

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Type IV Personal Flotation Device 

Throwable Devices

If you are on waters with contant boat traffic and rescue is immediate, a type IV Personal Flotation Device is essential so when someone goes overboard on your boat you would have everything covered.

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Type V Personal Flotation Device 

Special Purpose

This is used for specific purposes e.g. boardsailing and whitewater rafting.

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