Thorough preparation ensures a safe boating holiday
With two kids under seven, there's a lot to consider on our home away from home. A decent library of DVDs, activity books and craft items are essential in the event of inclement weather. Then come the water toys for when the sun shines, after which, on a gently rocking boat, sleeping kids are assured. Sabring champagne at sundown might be the next move.
Naturally, fishing is one of the most popular ways to pass your time. If you can land a couple of fat flatheads and a bucket of blue-swimmer crabs, you've got dinner in the making. After packing a virtual tackle shop, we add a stack of crab traps, the big aluminium crab-cooking pot and a free-standing gas stove. Cooking crustaceans ashore in seawater ensures your boat doesn't smell like a trawler.
Then comes the dive gear, with masks, snorkels and fins for all the family. I include two spearguns, just in case the relatives lob during the holidays. Swimming apparel, including wetsuits, is next. This goes into a couple of big plastic tubs in which our budding crew enjoy frequent baths on deck. With a watermaker, they can let rip with the hose without us having to run to a marina for a refill.
A deck-mounted stainless-steel barbecue and big bait-cutting board enhance the functionality of the cockpit. We also check that the extended awning is at hand. Shade from the midday sun is coveted in summer. We tend to play at other parts of the day. For this, we have a three-man kayak that can carry the whole clan, a smaller one for mum and a kid, and a small Weenie Wave for our minnow. The stand-up paddleboard (SUP) is coveted by his sister, nearly seven. We pack a second inflatable SUP too.
The tender on the bow has been serviced, but we include a floating tow rope so we can pull the kids on the two tubes, And we throw in more lifejackets in case friends lob. By which stage, I can see poor old dad will be busy baiting, casting, inflating, launching, paddling, retrieving, scaling, filleting, barbecuing, cleaning and so on.
As I write this, the twin Cummins diesel engines and generator are having their annual service and the boat is being slipped and antifouled at Royal Motor Yacht Club Broken Bay. Importantly, the anodes are being replaced to ward off corrosion, but the checklist from Newport Marine Services is more complete than that. As anyone with a boat will attest, the very acronym is short for broken or about to. So we make sure we have some basic spares and filters too.
The eventual pots of gold add to the impetus for our passage to Pittwater, the Hawkesbury, Cowan Creek and Brisbane Water. At holiday time, the ocean between Sydney Heads and Barrenjoey may as well be renamed the Pacific Highway. You need to keep watch for other boats on the "rhumb" or "layline", and give Long Reef a wide berth. The German banks can break well out to sea, while the reef itself extends much further than the obvious headland. Some unsuspecting boats have driven straight up onto the bricks here.
Narrabeen bight can be the roughest part of the voyage, especially when the current and wind are opposing, as they might in summer. From here, you may as well make a beeline for Bangalley Head, where the water runs deep right up to the rocks. En route, you cruise past Newport Reef where 1000 muttonbirds take flight.
Whale Beach is great for a troll if you want fresh fish for dinner but, within an hour, we have rounded Barrenjoey Headland. Sydney Harbour seems like a long way away. Fresh vistas span the width of Broken Bay, where Lion Island sits ready to pounce.
Up the tributaries, a summer of possibilities ignites the memory. Our on-water weekender has arrived. Now the fun begins.
David.lockwood@bigpond.com
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
For a safe and enjoyable boating holiday, it's important to pack a variety of items. Consider bringing a library of DVDs, activity books, and craft items for entertainment during inclement weather. Water toys, fishing gear, and a gas stove for cooking are also essential. Don't forget lifejackets, dive gear, and a deck-mounted barbecue for added safety and fun.
For a safe and enjoyable boating holiday, it's important to pack a variety of items. These include a library of DVDs, activity books, and craft items for entertainment during inclement weather, water toys for sunny days, fishing gear, crab traps, and cooking equipment like a gas stove and a big aluminium crab-cooking pot. Don't forget dive gear, swimming apparel, and a deck-mounted barbecue for added fun and functionality.
To ensure your boat is well-prepared for a holiday trip, conduct an annual service on the engines and generator, replace anodes to prevent corrosion, and have basic spares and filters on hand. It's also wise to check the functionality of equipment like the tender and ensure safety gear is available.
To ensure your boat is well-prepared for a holiday trip, conduct an annual service of the engines and generator, replace anodes to prevent corrosion, and have a checklist of basic spares and filters. It's also wise to have your boat slipped and antifouled, as well as serviced at a reputable marine service provider.
Popular activities during a boating holiday include fishing, diving, and kayaking. You can also enjoy swimming, using stand-up paddleboards, and cooking fresh seafood on a deck-mounted barbecue. These activities provide fun and relaxation for the whole family.
Popular activities during a boating holiday include fishing, diving, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can also enjoy barbecuing on a deck-mounted grill, exploring new waterways, and spending quality time with family and friends on the water.
To keep kids entertained on a boating holiday, pack a variety of DVDs, activity books, and craft items. Water toys and a kayak can provide hours of fun, while a stand-up paddleboard is great for older children. Ensuring a mix of indoor and outdoor activities will keep them engaged.
To keep kids entertained on a boating trip, pack a variety of DVDs, activity books, and craft items for indoor fun. For outdoor activities, bring water toys, snorkeling gear, and a kayak. Ensuring they have plenty of activities will help them enjoy the trip and stay engaged.
When boating with children, ensure everyone wears lifejackets and that you have extra lifejackets for guests. Keep a close watch on them during water activities and ensure they are supervised at all times. It's also important to have a first-aid kit and emergency contact information readily available.
When boating with children, ensure everyone has a properly fitted lifejacket, and pack extra lifejackets for guests. Keep a close watch on them during water activities, and have a floating tow rope for added safety. It's also important to have a well-stocked first aid kit on board.
When cooking on a boat, use a deck-mounted barbecue and a gas stove for convenience. Cooking crustaceans ashore in seawater can prevent your boat from smelling like a trawler. Plan meals that are easy to prepare and clean up, and ensure you have all necessary cooking equipment on board.
For cooking on a boat, consider using a deck-mounted barbecue and a free-standing gas stove. Cooking crustaceans ashore in seawater can prevent your boat from smelling like a trawler. Make sure to pack a big bait-cutting board and a large aluminium crab-cooking pot for convenience.
To maintain your boat's condition during a holiday trip, regularly check the engines and generator, and replace anodes to prevent corrosion. Keep the boat clean and organized, and ensure all equipment is functioning properly. Having basic spares and filters on hand can also help address any issues that arise.
To maintain your boat's functionality during a holiday trip, ensure regular servicing of the engines and generator, replace anodes to prevent corrosion, and have basic spares and filters on hand. Regular checks and maintenance will help avoid unexpected issues.
Scenic destinations to explore on a boating holiday near Sydney include Pittwater, the Hawkesbury, Cowan Creek, and Brisbane Water. These areas offer beautiful vistas and opportunities for fishing, diving, and exploring. Be mindful of navigation challenges, such as the German banks and Long Reef, to ensure a safe journey.
Scenic destinations to explore on a boating holiday near Sydney include Pittwater, the Hawkesbury, Cowan Creek, and Brisbane Water. These areas offer beautiful vistas and a variety of activities, making them perfect for a memorable boating adventure.
Call 1300 880 160
Start a chat
Schedule a call
