On a sailboat there are a few safety features that should definitely be installed. Fire alarms should be installed on a sailboat, below deck. It is equally as important to test this boat fire alarm once a month to make sure it is working adequately and properly. Often, fire alarm batteries run out of juice and leave sailors unknowingly vulnerable. 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. Poisoning by carbon monoxide happens annually to hundreds of people. 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 is not a limitation in selection as the types include LED lights which can be mounted on the ceiling or wall. There are smaller halogen types lamps which can adjust direction so light can be cast where it is needed. 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. The types and models of external lights that are chosen is going to vary on the specific length of the boat. When it comes to selecting the exterior lights, the visibility should be at least two miles. Certain situations are going to call for a floodlight to be aboard the sailboat.
A generator on board would possibly be a good idea as well. A worthwhile and especially efficient generator needs to be purchased. This may cost a little bit more, but the long term benefits will eventually make themselves clear. 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.
