Safety Equipment inside a Sailboat

Posted: September 9th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Recreation | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

There are a few safety features on a sailbot that should undoubtedly be installed. A fire alarm should be installed below deck, without a doubt. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Sailors are left unknowingly vulnerable when the fire alarm batteries run out of juice, as they often do. The fire alarm which is purchased and installed should definitely be loud in pitch when going off. This will ensure that it will be loud enough to hear all around the boat.


To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Many people each year fall victim to having carbon monoxide poisoning. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.

The boat interior should be well lit without a doubt. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. There are many types to chose from, including attachable LED lights which can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. There are smaller halogen types lamps which can adjust direction so light can be cast where it is needed. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.

Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. The types and models of external lights that are chosen is going to vary on the specific length of the boat. Two miles at the least should be the visibility allowed by the exterior lights. On the sailboat, there should be a floodlight for specific circumstances.

It would be a good idea to have a generator on board as well, if possible. An efficient and worthwhile generator needs to be selected. The long term benefits will make themselves known, even if this will cost a bit more. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. To those who sail actively, it becomes known that just as important as maintaining the sailboat is maintaining safety on a sailboat.



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