What does a boat less than 39.4 feet have to have on board?

A boat less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) typically must have certain safety equipment on board, including life jackets for all passengers, a fire extinguisher, a sound-producing device (like a horn), and visual distress signals. Additionally, it must be equipped with navigation lights if operating at night. Local regulations may also require specific items, so it's essential to check the requirements for the area in which the boat will operate.