Staying Hydrated While Boating

Studies have shown that being in or around water induces neurochemicals in our brain responsible for reducing stress and anxiety. This is not surprising, because water does run in our veins. The human body is comprised of more than 60% water.

While boaters are keenly aware of the therapeutic impact of being on the water, we often disregard the need for drinking water. Proper hydration allows our bodies to regulate temperature, lubricate joints, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells and keep organs functioning.

Dehydration can happen easily on a boat, even if you do not feel excessively hot. In addition to sun exposure and water activities, the body is constantly making micro-adjustments to the movement of the boat escalating the need to keep hydrated. Potable water availability while cruising is important for the health and safety of all on board.

Managing water resources on board can be challenging. The average person requires 1.5 gallons of water each day. Planning and provisioning for your water needs depends on how many people will be aboard and how long you will be away from a freshwater resource, such as a marina or store. The options for managing water resources include taking it with you, finding it along your journey or making water to meet your needs.

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TAKE IT

Filling our coolers with bottled water is a widespread practice. Bottled water is a convenient way to keep hydrated while boating, but it comes at a cost. Responsible disposal of single-use water bottle packaging is a major environmental issue. Storing flats of bottled water becomes a challenge if your cruising plans involve several people or days aboard.

Reusable water bottles are an environmentally savvy and space-saving alternative to single-use bottles. While shopping for water supplies, consider larger containers instead of flats of individual bottles. Gallon jugs of water take up less space and create less plastic waste.

Larger storage receptacles, such as Jerry Cans specifically designed for water, may also be utilized and refilled. Nalgene, Hydro Flask, and Corkcicle are boat-friendly examples of reusable bottles.

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FIND IT

If your boat is equipped with water storage tanks, knowing where and when to fill them is a priority. While the standard calculation for drinking water on board is an average of 1.5 gallons per person daily, this can vary depending on the person and conditions, so provisioning slightly more is wise. Do not forget to include pets in your hydration plans.

Most marinas in the United States offer potable water for free or with fueling or slip rentals. Keep in mind, hoses may have been inappropriately inserted into black water tanks for post-pump out flushing. Never insert the hose directly into your freshwater tank.

Pre-filtering water before introducing it to your tank or storage receptacles is recommended if you are filling from an unfamiliar source. Simple activated charcoal filters that attach to any water hose or complex systems involving pumps and membranes can make a difference in your water quality.

If your cruising plans include The Bahamas or the Caribbean, be sure to have a water procurement plan. Larger municipalities may have free or low-cost water services, but this water is often from groundwater and not of optimal quality.

Most smaller islands do not rely on ground- water, instead, water is derived from a desalinating process by reverse osmosis. The rates for water vary considerably but can be between 20 to 75 cents per gallon. Often, it is not the cost, but the desire to avoid spending time looking for freshwater resources or stopping at marinas. That propels the discussion of onboard water makers.

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MAKE IT

Discussions about the merit of water makers on vessels fill boat forums regularly. Whether a water maker is a good fit for your boating lifestyle depends on how and where you cruise. Water makers facilitate freedom from shore resources for those who prefer anchoring or moorings to marina slips. They also provide peace of mind when navigating offshore or visiting areas where availability, cost and water quality are prohibitive.

Water makers rely on a series of low- and high-pressure pumps to force seawater through a membrane filter. This reverse osmosis process produces drinkable water from seawater. The cost of adding a water maker to your boat will depend on the capacity and type. The equipment cost alone can average over $7,000.

A dependable water maker can eliminate the need to locate clean water sources as you cruise and make managing usage less stressful. Cruise RO, SeaWater Pro and the Pelican 2-stage system are just a few of the available options on the market.

A dehydration level of only 2% (less than 1.5 gallons for a 175 lb. man) will result in significant fatigue and impaired performance. Making sure you and those aboard your boat have adequate hydration resources is an important part of responsible boating. As we drink in the beauty of the oceans and waterways in which we cruise, do not forget to drink in actual water. Stay hydrated, my friends.