I am going on a boat trip, now what?

Get these questions answered by your hosts or skipper, prior to leaving on a trip:

• Should I bring a life jacket?
• Should I bring a beach towel?
• Will I need fishing gear? What kind?
• What food should I bring? (Do not surprise your hosts by bringing more food than agreed upon, room and refrigeration must be considered)
• Should I bring my own soft drinks and snacks? (If you require specific brands agree with your host how much you will bring)
• Is ice for drinks available?  If you require ice and none is available, ask if you can bring a cooler or whether the boat has accomodations you can use?
• Do I need rainwear?
• What type of clothing? Cold weather, hot weather?
• What type of shoes to wear aboard?
• What is your policy on smoking aboard?
• Are alcoholic drinks OK on board?
• What about pets? (Do I need to leave my Great Dane at home?)
• Financial arrangements: Do I need to pay for fuel?  Do I pay for dock fees?  Do I pay for food? Do I take the host out for dinner?