Camping on Your Boat – Checklist

~ Micheal Pulo

You can get a lot of inspiration from boating camping, 4X4 camping and hiking camping. Here are the unique things to remember when camping in your boat:

Safety and Security

  • Carry all boating safety gear for your region
  • Check the weather, conditions can change quickly and become dangerous
  • Have first aid gear – not just general but also snake bite kit and vinegar for stinger bites
  • Enough water for your trip and back up options
  • Emergency boarding ladder ready to go
  • Be educated on dangerous animals in your area (Land and an in water)
  • Understand the hazards such as submerged logs, visibility, shallow water, Other boats, navigation aids, Over head cables, cables ferries, etc
  • Ensure personal security. Be aware, look for signs (rubbish), lockable cabinets and boat security, carbon monoxide and other vapor risks
  • Core temperature control – in and out of the water
  • File a trip plan with a friend or coast guard

Shelter

  • Take care anchoring. Look for smooth bottoms, keep the boat in the direction of the wind, keep away possible falling trees on bank, be aware of current and tide variation
  • Ideally have shelters that keep rain out of the boat. A heavy downpour can sink a small boat
  • DIY tarps work well when lashed to the boat
  • Consider the wind, temperature and insect conditions in your area
  • Control condensation with ventilation and sponges
  • Ensure your sleeping gear can keep you warm if it is wet
  • Have layered clothing sets to easily adjust to conditions

Water

  • Smaller containers of water are easier to carry and make it easy to adjust weight distribution around the boat
  • Carry fresh water filters for emergency use
  • Consider desalination options if travelling more remotely or on in salt water
  • Carry a tarp to catch rain water

Food

  • By all means take a cooler or refrigerator if you like, but keep a good supply of food that does not need cooling
  • Keep it simple
  • Keep food in watertight containers
  • Be careful cooking on your boat. Fire hazards, fuel vapors, carbon monoxide poisoning and other risks are real!
  • Vacuum sealed food lasts longer
  • Keep cooking gear simple and easy to maintain (have a back up)

Published by Micheal Pulo

Having started his career in the Royal Australian Air Force at age 16 in Root Cause Analysis, Micheal's experience across a variety of industries has led him to certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, experienced Project Manager, Business Growth Consultant and Complex Business Problem Solver using GE's legendary Work-Out across all areas of business. Having a visionary and coaching leadership style, he improves efficiency and effectiveness through multi-disciplinary collaborative team problem solving. The words "Can't be done", "Can't be solved" and "Hasn't been done before" are his biggest motivators being an insatiable explorer of people, places, things and ideas.

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