Boat opinions

[Pmt133]

I prefer fixed mount VHF... no possible way of forgetting it at home or having a dead battery. And you can mount the antenna in a more effective location and get a better range out of it. That being said, I do supplement my fixed mount with a portable depending on the situation...

 

[mrschwarz]

And yes to the tach … definitely a must have.

I wasn't planning to get one for the kicker. Make sense?

 

[nola mike]

I wasn't planning to get one for the kicker. Make sense?

Don't need it for the kicker

 

[redneck joe]

Horns are easy to install and id do fix radio if you have the space

 

[jlh3rd]

I use the echomap 2 53. Operating on the upper chesapeake, it has come in really handy, especially for a new bay operator that I am.

 

[cyclops222]

Nothing is more reliable than a plastic covered underwater terrain map. It works EVERY TIME.
I do NOT play Russian Roulette by doing night cruises.
I also have a dash VHF and a hand held battery powered VHF unit. Never had to use them due to a break down or medical emergency.

 

[mrschwarz]

Thanks everyone. I plan to pick up printed charts for the areas I plan to be in. I have added a boat hook to my 'must-haves' list. For now, I am picking up a handheld VHF radio and will plan to install a fixed mount before next season.

 

[tphoyt]

My hand held is supposed to be water proof.
If it needs to go down with me I guess I’ll find out if it really is.

 

[redneck joe]

Yeah mine is supposed to float, have not tested that claim ever.

 

[cyclops222]

Mine are in sliding zipper food storage bags. Keeps dry and can operate all the buttons. I squeeze out excess air and slide it into my trouser pocket at house.

 

[dingbat]

Don’t see a compass or a sextant on your equipment list. Paper maps are fairly useless w/o them

 

[cyclops222]

I have never needed a sextant or compass on the Saint Lawrence River.