What to Bring Your First Day on the Boat: A Nashville Lake Day Packing List

You bought the boat. Now comes the best part. Before you launch on Percy Priest or Old Hickory for the first time, here's a practical list of everything to bring — including the things most first-timers forget until they're already on the water.

Required Safety Gear (Non-Negotiable)

• Life jackets for every person — Tennessee law requires one per person. Children 12 and under must wear one while underway.
• Throwable Type IV PFD — Required on boats 16 ft and longer. A cushion or ring buoy counts.
• Fire extinguisher — Required on any boat with an enclosed engine compartment or fuel tank. Check that it's charged.
• Sound signaling device — A whistle or air horn. Required by law, costs $5.
• First aid kit — Not legally required but you will want it eventually.

Navigation and Communication

• Fully charged cell phone in a waterproof case or bag
• Navionics or similar app downloaded offline — cell service is spotty at some spots on both Percy Priest and Old Hickory
• Know the marina's phone number in case of breakdown

Sun and Heat Protection

• Sunscreen — SPF 50 minimum. You burn faster on the water than anywhere else.
• Polarized sunglasses — essential for seeing hazards in the water
• Hats for everyone
• Plenty of water — dehydration is a real issue on hot Nashville summer days
• Cooler with ice

Boat Gear You'll Want

• Extra dock lines — always useful, always forgotten
• Fenders — protect the boat when docking at marinas
• Anchor — if you want to hold position in a cove
• Boarding ladder — essential if anyone gets in the water
• Basic tool kit: screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, zip ties

Things First-Timers Always Forget

• The boat registration and your boating safety certificate — keep copies in a waterproof bag on board
• Dry bags for phones, wallets, and keys — everything gets wet eventually
• Towels — more than you think you need
• Trash bags — leave the lake cleaner than you found it
• Cash — some older fuel docks don't take cards reliably

For Watersports Days

• Tow rope appropriate for the activity (tubing, ski, and surf ropes are all different)
• Spotter — Tennessee law requires a dedicated observer when towing a person behind the boat
• Appropriate life jackets for the activity

Ready to get your boat and get out on the water? Browse our inventory or call (629) 245-2628 — we'll make sure you leave the lot ready for day one.