The excitement of shopping for a boat can be breathtaking. So many sleek and power-loaded options to choose that you easily lose site of what you need. Before you get a whiff of the new boat smell at the dealer, think about what kind of boat you need for the water activities that you most often enjoy.

You’ll quickly find that there are many different kinds of boats; boats customized for fishing (even particular types of fishing), lazy afternoon cruising, party platforms, water sports, sailing or deep water trips. The next question is about propulsion, or how will the boat move?

Do you want to paddle with oars, sail into the wind or rev up monster motors for speed? If you want motorized boating, then you must choose from an outboard motor, inboard diesel engine, inboard gas engine or jet propulsion.

The engine choice also depends on how you plan to use the board. For example, jet propulsion is great for pulling water skiers because there is no propeller, which can be dangerous for anyone outside the boat. The propulsion system type and the size of the boat depends on the numbers of people that you plan to carry on the boat.

If you want to fish with one or two other people then you don’t need the same size boat suitable for a family of 6. Even flat bed party boats may look bigger than the recommended capacity. Never overload a boat of any size.

You’ll need to equip the boat with basic safety gear, life jackets for everyone, extra sunscreen and water bottles for every passenger.

Packing up gear to go boating means different things to different people. If you’re the cook, then you’re packing coolers with sandwiches, drinks, snacks and other treats. If you’re a dedicated fisherman, then you’re focused on the rods and lures plus the latest report of what’s biting where.

But if you’re the captain of the boat, then you need to make certain that the safety needs are met even before the coolers and chips come aboard. Safety equipment needs to be checked before every trip.

Have a life jacket for every passenger, including child sized life jackets for children. Have a well-stocked first aid kit, operational boat lights, noisemakers (such as whistles), waterproof flashlights and flares. A battery-operated radio that receives major weather bulletins can give you vital information, particularly for smaller boats that lack exotic electronics.

Think “waterproof.” Anything that can’t get wet needs to stay home or be secured in a zip top plastic bag. Better still, buy disposable waterproof cameras. Bring extra small and large baggies to store your wallet, watch, eyeglasses, keys and larger baggies for wet swimsuits. Also bring trash bags.

Staying hydrated while on the water is essential, so bring along water bottles for every passenger in addition to other types of drinks. You need 6-8oz of water every hour to avoid dehydration when out in the sun on the open water.