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)