Installed on a sailboat, there should definitely be some key safety features. A fire alarm should be installed below deck, without a doubt. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Sailors are left unknowingly vulnerable when the fire alarm batteries run out of juice, as they often do. The fire alarm which is purchased and installed should definitely be loud in pitch when going off. This will ensure that it will be loud enough to hear all around the boat.

To supplement the fire alarm, there should be a carbon monoxide detector installed as well. Carbon monoxide poisoning claims many victims each year. The most deadly aspect of carbon monoxide is that it is odorless, and even those with a keen nose will miss its presence. There should be one installed in every sleeping area, galley, and confined space to maximize coverage and protection for the crew. Installing a carbon monoxide detector will provide early detection of the situation and prevent needless health injuries.

The interior of the boat should be well lit. Utilize boat interior lighting which is cost beneficial. There are many types to chose from, including attachable LED lights which can be mounted on the wall or ceiling. Light can be cast where it is needed by using a small halogen type lamp. This latter type would be ideal for reading. It is also important of course to get a waterproof design. For smaller spaces and other situations, keep a powerful flashlight aboard. Some flashlights even come with built in FM radio.

Beyond safety within the sailboat, the exterior of the boat should also be well lit with boat exterior lighting. These lights are used also for navigational purposes. The best type will be the LED type, since they use half the energy and have a long life. One factor in chosing a type and model of external lights is the length of the boat. The visibility of the exterior lights chosen, should be at least two miles. There should also be a floodlight aboard that will be used for certain situations.

If it is possible, having a generator would also be a good idea. An efficient and worthwhile generator needs to be selected. Let the long term benefits have a chance to reveal themselves, even if this may be more costly. There needs to be specific features installed on a boat for safety purposes. It becomes very clear to those who actively go sailing that maintaining safety on a boat is just as important as maintaining the boat itself.