How to Travel the World Safely on Your Boat

It is often the dream of many boat owners to travel the world safely on their vessels. While it might seem like a pipe dream, it is more than possible; provided you follow some guidelines. After all, many manufacturers design their boats to pass the same regulations just about anywhere on the globe, which means the prospect of traveling the world safely is not as far-fetched as some might think.

That said, it is crucial that you consider every aspect of traveling on your boat, as you will likely have to deal with foreign regulations. It would also be a good idea to make use of professional services when shipping your boat to another destination.

Ensuring your vessel is fully equipped to get the job done

For the most part, making sure that your boat is well-equipped for foreign waters is just about the same as sailing in your local area. Aside from the general checklist that comes with sailing just about any boat, it would also be a good idea to check the exterior for any signs of damage and have it repaired if you find any worrying scratches or dents.

It is also a good idea to ensure that your boat is fully protected from the elements. A great example would be boat paint from Durabak, as quality marine paint will undoubtedly keep the vessel safe and secure from the elements.

Aside from boat paint and external damage, safety equipment is another crucial part of the traveling checklist. For example, for every person joining you on the trip, there should be a corresponding lifejacket. Another essential piece of safety equipment would be a flare gun in case anything goes wrong. A best-practice method would be to put your first-aid kits in water-resistant containers to prepare for any situations. The more preparations you make, the smoother the voyage will go.

On the topic of voyage insurance

If you are planning to make use of professional services to store and ship your boat to another country, ensure that you also make use of voyage insurance. If your boat ends up being damaged during the shipping process, voyage insurance will reimburse you.

An easy way to evaluate the strength of the hull

No matter the type of voyage, it is never a bad idea to assess the integrity of the hull. A neat trick would be to make use of a mallet to tap sections of the hull lightly. If the sound is dull, there is a chance that the fiberglass – and the wooden panels – might be damaged.

Thoroughly inspect the fuel filter

Before you decide to set off for any voyage, ensure that the fuel lines are working as they should. The fuel filter should be free of any debris. If you end up replacing an old filter, make sure to flush the fuel lines to reduce overall condensation.

Traveling the world safely on your boat is similar to any other voyage on your boat. It is all about making the necessary preparations and making sure no stone is left unturned.