While Lake Travis, Texas perennially ranks as one of the best boat party locations in the U.S., you don’t have to travel to the Lone Star state to enjoy the sun, fun, and a swim.

Great places to rent a party boat all over the country abound, from Missouri to California. 

But to the uninitiated, planning an outing on the water can seem intimidating. There’s setting up the rental and planning the itinerary. There are also drinks, music, and safety features to bring. 

But don’t sweat all the packing. The best rule of thumb is to keep it simple.

In the following article, we’ll take a look at the essentials you’ll need for your first boat party.

Who’s Driving This Thing? 

If you rent a private yacht, you’ll need to have someone on board with some experience driving the boat. Overall, driving a boat isn’t terribly complicated, and rental agencies offer short courses for people looking to rent. 

Remember, whomever you chose to drive the boat needs to be serious about sobriety. Driving intoxicated on the water has penalties just as serious as those on land. 

Don’t Feel the Burn

Sunscreen and other protective skin products are a must. The water acts as a mirror making for more exposure to the sun’s harmful radiation. 

Choose waterproof or sport-style sunscreen for the boat party to avoid having to reapply the product over and over again.

Dress for Success

Are you going for a classy sunset sail or a classic booze cruise? A white outfit looks great on the water but should only be worn in a more sedate surrounding. 

Avoid white in more rowdy settings because stains happen when the drinks start flowing. 

Also, bring a light sweatshirt or jacket. Temperatures, even on sunny days, can fluctuate widely due to the wind and the water. 

Hats and Shades

A good sunhat is a must, and if your party goes on the move, make sure your hat has a chin strap. You don’t want to lose your shady hat in the wind.

As far as sunglasses go, spring from polarized ones. These types of sunglasses block out the glare created by water and allow for better visibility. If you have a lanyard or tether for your glasses, a boat trip is a good time to attach them. 

Non-Slip Shoes

There’s a lot of opportunities for slipping around on the water. When it comes to footwear, make sure you have nonslip treads. Lightweight running shoes or hiking sandals are a good choice.

Remember, you’ll be getting in and out of the boat and moving around in tight spaces, so comfort and practicality are key. 

Boat Party Music

Check to see if your rental has a stereo system. If it does, make sure you have the right cable to plug in if Bluetooth isn’t an option.

If you have to bring your own speaker, choose one that’s waterproof. The JBL Charge 4 is a good choice. It’s loud, waterproof, and can also charge your phone in a pinch. 

Drinks and Snacks

Make sure you have plenty of snacks and your favorite drinks for the party. Find out if there’s ice or if you need to bring your own cooler. Coming empty-handed is always a little lame. 

Lastly, don’t forget to pack some water. Dehydration can tire you out even at the most rocking boat party. 

Stay Calm and Party on

When you’re on the water, anything can happen, so make sure you’re prepared. Packing a change of clothes or having a waterproof bag for valuable items is a good idea.

Also, make sure there’s a first aid kit on board for the boat party. Accidents do happen, and often it’s hard to get immediate medical attention on the water.

But most of all, relax, have fun, and enjoy the ride. 

You can also experience a lunch and dinner cruise in Nashville. Just visit Nashville, Tennessee things to do to know more.

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