I think first and foremost... having an inventory of everything you need done at the beginning of the season is paramount, along with ensuring it's in good working order not just for now but the entire season. For me if it looks questionable it gets replaced. I always carry enough PFDs for the max load of people plus one extra. My fire extinguisher is located within quick and easy reach of me at the helm, so too is my throwable and lake chart. This I think is really important too, I keep my boat clutter free, and insist that all passengers put all their stuff in a bag and keep it there so the bags can then be placed in areas where they can be stacked up neatly and out of the way. I always have in mind if anything ever were to happen I don't want to be digging through piles of clothes, shoes, towels, masks, snorkels, fins, noodles, floats or any other junk that may be on board. Plus these objects can become projectiles or distracting while underway.This admittedly is a challenge with kids on board, but they quickly learn who the captain is.
Rope, can never have enough of that on board either for anchoring or towing. Finally since I have a bowrider, I always carry my bow cover in the event the lake gets really rough and I have to deal with large chop, the bow is emptied out and the cover goes on. All it takes is stuffing one wave with an open bow and your goose is cooked.
Always carry some basic tools on board, extra oil, two anchors, and most times my VHF 2 meter HT as a backup to the cell phone, couple of flashlights and a wooden paddle and a really good suggestion gleaned from my boat inspection this year, I added a small first aid kit.
I have mentioned this in other postings... when pulling either a skier or tube I display a bright orange safety flag.
I NEVER EVER allow anyone near or on the back of the boat if they are in or getting out of the water and the engine is running.
When headed out early season... I always have at least a couple changes of good warm clothing with me.
Finally I never let the gas tank get below 1/3 of a tank before I'm looking to fill it up.
I find most of this to be common sense things to have, and I've always been of the opinion you're far better off having gone a little overboard with this stuff than getting into a pickle and not having what you need.
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