HERE'S SOME POSSIBLE TIPS FOR THE BOATER'S CHRISTMAS LIST AND WHY
Round & Round We Go
Studies have shown that when cut off from sensory input, such as in a small boat in heavy fog, most people tend to circle clockwise. A working compass is invaluable in keeping you on a straight heading. If yours is out of order, try trailing a line astern as a reference point. You'll still tend to bear off to starboard, but knowing that you aren't really traveling in a straight line might be enough to keep you out of trouble.
Let There Be Light!
LED button lights are cheap, easy to mount, and go a surprising length of time on AAA or other small batteries. Stick one over your navigation station, or in dark corners where you could use a little light, such as the anchor well. Just remember to turn them off! LED headlamps are invaluable aboard any size boat. You never have to fumble for a flashlight, and have all the light you need for fix-it jobs. Most can switch from a white light to a red for use on dark nights. We keep three of them around, stationed in various nooks and crannies, and use them more than the LED flashlights that we also have on board.
Where Are The Keys?
Do you lock your coupler and spare tire?
Make three sets of trailer keys. Some locks require an Allen wrench; make sure that's included in your extra sets
. Keep a set of trailer keys on a separate ring in your tow vehicle all the time. Some argue that if your vehicle gets broken into, then the thief has the keys. I argue you'll have bigger problems than trailer keys!
Keep a set in the boat while in use, and always have a set at home, where someone can pick them up in an emergency and deliver them to you!