Basic equipment of motor yachts

The mandatory equipment for motorboats depends on the engine power and hull length of the vessel.

Permanent equipment elements for all motorboats include life jackets or life belts (for all persons on board) and vessel markings, which are clear and legible inscriptions of appropriate height and distinctive color placed on the outside of the vessel. Sound signaling on a small boat is not required, although it will certainly be useful if we care about safe sailing.

What else should you remember?

An important element on the boat are also fenders used to protect the hull and quay during maneuvering. For motorboats longer than 3.5 meters, the number of fenders should correspond to the size of the vessel. The boat's equipment also includes a boat hook (mandatory on boats longer than 3.5 meters) used for pushing and pulling the boat. A motorboat should also not lack a first aid kit with supplies for emergencies such as injuries, cuts, and fractures. Another element of boat equipment – a powder extinguisher – is required if the boat is 3.5-10 meters long and has an engine up to 10kW. If these parameters are higher, then more extinguishers are needed on the boat. The mandatory rescue equipment also includes a life buoy with a non-sinking line of appropriate length: this requirement applies to boats at least 4 meters long. Sailing a large yacht with a more powerful engine also means the need for more life buoys. Detailed guidelines on mandatory boat equipment can be found in the regulation of the Minister of Infrastructure dated 05.11.2010, announced in the Journal of Laws No. 216 / 2010 item 1423 regarding technical requirements and equipment for inland navigation vessels. It is worth getting well acquainted with them before setting out on the water, as the skipper of a motor yacht may be fined several hundred zlotys for lack of appropriate equipment.