#7: Day Trip Planning: Things to Consider

This week I am giving you the foundation of a successful day trip plan. There are key pieces of information that you should include, and I’m going to provide you with my pro tips and tricks!
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Sections of Your Trip Plan Document

Boat – key information and unique features
Crew – who and emergency contact info
Itinerary – destinations and locations (GPS coordinates)
Emergency Procedures – what do to if you don’t check in

Examples of Trip Planning Documents

BoatSmart
Safeboater
AceBoater

Trip Planning Apps

Weather to Boat
Navionics Boating
AdventureSmart Trip Plan

Things you need to consider to prepare your trip plan
The first part of your trip plan is determining when you’re going to head out. Depending on your area this could depend on winds, tides, currents, or crew schedules. Regardless, your planning should start several days before your intended departure. The types of things you should be researching include:

weather patterns: anything odd brewing in the area
wind patterns: forecasted wind directions and strengths
crew health: everyone in good health and physically ready for the trip
boat readiness: safety gear checks, fuel topped up, water topped up, maintenance complete

Who should you file your plan with?
The purpose of the trip plan is to have someone follow it. This could be a spouse, family member, friend or even just a vigilant neighbour! Either way, try to find someone who will keep track of where you should be and when, and they should notice when you do not check in.
Pro Tip
I suggest creating your own trip plan document that contains your boat specific information and emergency contact information populated that you can just re-use each time you want to head out. Then you only need to fill in the crew section, destinations and check in times!
Happy Planning!
Penny