Another option available is a radio based navigation aid called the LORAN-C. This system employs a system of radio towers operating simultaneously at a low frequency to reveal your location. While this system is pretty accurate on open water is suffers losses from obstructions. You also have to use a special chart to decode your position, and for reasons like this it is not as popular as it was before G.P.S. hit the scene. But it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan in case something goes wrong with the primary system, and this could serve that purpose. If you don’t mind the expense. Then again you could just get a handheld and a base G.P.S. and be done with it.

For most sailors, a VHF radio should do the trick for any of your radio needs. They are perfect and really a must for any emergency that you might experience. VHF radios are monitored at all times by the Coast Guard. There are other types of radios that can get the job done, but almost all of them are a branch of the VHF radio. If you’re planning on not going far out into the water, a small handheld two-way radio can work, but the range is extremely limited and should only be used for short trips.

You may already have a radio that you trust your life with when sailing, but for those who don’t, please don’t take that risk. You never know when something might happen to leave you stranded.

You should also check the dry weight of your sailboat. You can find information about the dry weight of your sailboat in the user’s manual. When you already have an idea on the dry weight of your sailboat and the towing capability of your vehicle, it is now the time to tow your sailboat. In most cases, an individual can transfer a small sailboat on the truck or SUV. However, with large sailboats, you may need to ask help from your family or friends. You should not be embarrassed or afraid to ask for help because I am certain that your friends and loved ones are more than willing to help you.

Obtaining the right paper work and certification is a very important legal requirement. These set of documents will include certification of registration for the boat, a Validation Decal (required for power boats and PWC) and a certification card for Boater Safety. You should have copies of these documents onboard whenever you take your boat out.

Apart from certification documents, you are also required to always have protective devices onboard. Examples of these include a flotation device or life jackets, which are to be kept on at all times by children below age 10. Other required safety devices include flame arrestors and fire extinguishers.

Next, the boat will need to contain some distress notification devices. One of such devices is an emergency alarm for emergency situations such as a bell, whistle or horn. Distress lights should also be onboard in case of emergency situations at nights. The boat should also have proper mooring and anchor facilities.

While these are the basic legal requirements, it is important to note that different states and regions may have slightly different boat legal requirements.