What is included in the basic equipment of a motorboat?

Operating a motorboat should be pure pleasure for its owner, not a survival camp. They must feel confident on their vessel, knowing that nothing will be lacking while navigating the waters. According to Polish law, the mandatory equipment on a boat primarily includes accessories that ensure the safety of boaters. What are these?

Mandatory Equipment for Boats Navigating Inland Waters

As one might easily guess, the mandatory equipment primarily includes life belts or life jackets. There should be as many as there are people on board. The boat must also have a life buoy with a non-sinking rope with a diameter of 8-11 mm and a length of 30 m, as well as a 2 kg powder extinguisher. It is important to check the regulations carefully – the larger the boat and the more powerful the engine, the more extinguishers and life buoys it needs to be equipped with. Mandatory equipment for a motorboat also includes fenders in a number appropriate to its length, a first aid kit, and a boat hook. The presence of equipment can be checked by the Water Police. If anything is missing, the boat owner may face a fine.

Additional Equipment

In addition to the mandatory equipment, motorboats are often equipped with accessories that facilitate steering or enable towing. The former primarily include trim tabs, steering wheels, and entire steering systems. Regarding towing capabilities, special towers are installed on boats, allowing the motorboat to be used for water sports. The boat can be equipped with additional cabin lighting, making it convenient to use after dark or in unfavorable weather. Of course, before leaving the port, the boat should also have a working gas cylinder, a potable water system, and charged batteries. There are many possibilities for equipping the vessel. The choice of accessories usually depends on the requirements and habits of the boat's owner.