Boating Equipment and Supplies Basics

Stock your sporting goods store with boating equipment and supplies

By Elizabeth Gibson

Take advantage of a boating equipment and supplies basics overview to anticipate the needs of recreational boaters when stocking your store with boating equipment, marine boat supplies and boating supplies. Power boats and sailboats require different types of equipment and marina supplies. Many manufacturers make a variety of boating equipment and supplies, while others specialize in only certain types of products and supplies. Some manufacturers specialize in marine boating supplies while others carry equipment makes of boats.

Boating equipment and supplies come in four main groups. You need some boating equipment for the safety of the occupants. You will also need certain supplies to ensure the boat's engine runs well. Sailing vessels have additional needs besides regular safety and operational gear.

Consider stocking the following boating equipment and supplies:

1. Look at boating equipment designed for safety,

2. Identify boating supplies needed for operating the boat,

3. Find equipment particular to different types of sailing vessels and

4. Stock boating equipment that complies with federal or state regulations.

Identify wholesale suppliers of boating safety equipment

Safety equipment for boats comes in two main types: personal safety and boating safety. Personal safety items include such items as life vests and emergency water rations. Boating safety items include items such as horns, anchors and night lights.
Try: ACR Electronics makes a series of electronic navigational aids. These devices aid search and rescue if a boat breaks down or the boater becomes injured. Stearns carries a line of life vests for men, women and children. The company also makes wet suits and gloves. Perko manufacturers safety equipment for boating, in particular fog bells, fog horns, whistles, horns and navigational lights.

Find supplies for operating and maintaining a boat

Besides safety supplies, boat operators also need to carry certain items to keep the boat in good repair so that they don't get stranded on the water. A sporting goods store should stock some of these items such as spare props, engine oil, bilge pumps, battery chargers and hoses. The boat operator also needs for the boat trailer such as replacement lights and rollers.
Try: River Marine Supply carries commonly purchased boating accessories and marine instruments. River Marine Supply sells such items as ladders, fenders, horns, flags, and other equipment. Evinrude stocks an extensive inventory of its inboard and outboard motors, such as hoses, pumps, filters, starter motors and many other parts. Sea Hawk Paints manufactures several marine supplies including solvents and cleaners to take care of the outer surface of a boat used in salt water.

Identify sailboat equipment needed beyond the standard equipment

Sailboat operators need the same safety equipment as motorized boats. Some of them have motors to fall back on when there is not enough wind, so they also have some of the same mechanical needs. But sailboats also require some specialized sailing equipment too.
Try: Performance Yacht sells hardware specific for sailing vessels to help manage the sails. This company carries several brands for each item. Go2Marine establishes commercial accounts for sailing gear such as compasses and wind indicators. Order a Harken catalog to offer specialty sailing hardware and gear for customers or contact your nearest distributor.

Find boating supplies and equipment that meet US Coast Guard regulations

Minimum boating equipment and supplies must be present on a boat at all times. For example, each person must either be wearing a personal flotation device or have one readily available. Your store must also stock warning and navigational aids.
Try: Orion Safety Products lists boating equipment required by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Code of Federal Regulations spells out the federal regulations pertaining to boats and required boating equipment. The law addresses navigational lights, electrical systems, fuel tanks and balancing your load.

Study your local marketplace. It doesn't make sense to stock boating equipment for sailboats, for example, if navigable waters do not exist close by. Understand the needs of your community and region before deciding what your store should carry.