Things NOT to Bring on a Boat.

7 Things NOT to Bring on a Boat

Written by Kim Kavin
August 28, 2023

Last Updated on August 28, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Many things are great to bring on your boat or boat rental: cold beverages, fluffy towels, stylish sunglasses, and even water-loving dogs. But there are plenty of things you should not bring on a boat, especially if you want to keep the boat shipshape and ensure everyone stays safe and happy on board. Here’s a look at seven things you should not bring on a boat:

  1. Anything sharp
  2. Sticky food
  3. Dark-sole shoes
  4. Flip-flops
  5. Cheap sunglasses
  6. Sprayable sunscreen
  7. Perfume or cologne

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1. Anything sharp

There’s a reason that people who design boats make sure to include rounded edges and corners on everything from the helm to the tables. Boats move. All the time. And sometimes, boats move in ways that you can’t anticipate.

People bump into stuff on boats, and injuries can occur if whatever they’re bumping into has a straight or sharp edge or corner. Leave all that stuff on land. Stick with rounded-off items on the boat.

 

2. Sticky food

Boat food.

What’s one of the fastest ways to trash a boat? Bring aboard food that gets sticky and melts in the sun or salt air. The environment out on a boat amplifies the stickiness factor exponentially, turning what was supposed to be a snack into a giant gob of goo.

That goo gets into seat cushions, onto teak decking, and inside all kinds of crevices where you’ll never be able to get it out. Save yourself the trouble by leaving the sticky stuff at home.

 

3. Dark-sole shoes

The wrong kind of shoes can do serious damage on a boat. It doesn’t matter whether the boat’s soles and deck are made of teak or painted with a non-slip coating; dark-sole shoes can leave monster-size scuff marks that will give the boat’s owner fits.

If you plan to keep your shoes on (with the boat owner’s permission), wear proper shoes with light soles that won’t leave marks.

Pro tip: Speaking of what and what not to bring aboard, check out the boat rental’s Add-ons list for essentials like a cooler or ice, or even funtivities like snorkeling gear, photography, and more!

 

4. Flip-flops

Boat shoes.

Shoe companies make proper, fitted water shoes for good reasons. Boats are wet. Boats are slippery. Boats are rocking and rolling a little bit when you try to get onto and off them.

Flip-flops that can easily slide on and off your feet may be great on the beach, but they can be dangerous on the boat. Proper water shoes that will stay put on your feet and help stop you from slipping are a far better choice.

 

5. Cheap sunglasses

You want to protect your eyes out on the water, just like you protect your skin and every other part of your body. The best way to do this is with a good pair of sunglasses that block ultraviolet rays. Polarized glasses are ideal to reduce eye strain. Other features can even block wind from getting in the sides.

 

6. Sprayable sunscreen

Applying sunscreen.

Sunscreen can do a lot of damage to the boat itself and to the people on board. Not only can sprayable sunscreen cause stains on fabrics and other parts of the boat, but it can also create a slippery floor, a hazard for everyone on board! So, leave the sprayable sunscreen behind, and instead bring the lotion style (ideally, the reefs and marine life-friendly kind).

 

7. Perfume or cologne

Bugs and insects absolutely adore perfume and cologne. It’s hard enough keeping the bugs at bay when you’re out on the water, especially around sunset. Agree to smell like the sea for the day. You’ll be a lot happier without the bugs.

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