Whether required or not you'd be crazy not to have one with you. If the boat is small and mostly open, get a handheld.
Handheld GPS would be a good idea too. Always have a cell phone with ya too !!!! Helped me one day when electric trouble popped the radio fuse....Good Luck
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Things done at the last possible minute are done with the greatest possible information. Procrastination is, therefore, the most efficient means of doing things.
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