Must haves for boating

[biglurr54]

Re: Must haves for boating

Has no one said a paddle yet? I always keep a paddle on board. Also I keep $40.00 cash in the glove box. It?s nice to have cash in the boat for the day you foul a prop, break down, run out of gas, or need ice cream while you?re out on the water and don't have your wallet with you. It?s nice to be able to offer people cash for a tow when necessary. Other things are Buckets (can be used for bailing, live well, portapoty, anchor rode storage, dog bowl, endless opportunity's), sun screen, and parachute cord.

Don?t forget a good cooler and good company! That?s what makes it all fun.

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Must haves for boating

BEER!!!!!

I also keep extra Hydraulic Fluid for my steering system. I had a cable come loose the first year I had my new toon and had to pay a mobile service to refill and bleed the system on the water... Not cheap. I also keep some Oil Absorbent Pads on board to protect the fish from any potential spills due to equipment failure.

 

[jondavies]

Re: Must haves for boating

I think it's worth having a VHF radio and GPS unit (either fixed mounted or handheld, depending on how your boat is laid out).

Are there any marinas on the lakes you plan to visit? If so, check to see if they are affiliated with Boat US/Vessel Assist or SeaTow, in which case membership will more than pay for itself with one breakdown.

If you plan to go to more remote places where cell signals are spotty, a SPOT satellite messenger unit is a great backup for emergencies (they can let friends/family know you're okay, summon Vessel Assist or call equivalent of 911).

 

[jimdogg1269]

Re: Must haves for boating

dont forget the "EYE CANDY" lol

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Must haves for boating

I think it's worth having a VHF radio and GPS unit (either fixed mounted or handheld, depending on how your boat is laid out).

On a lake in MN you would likely be talking to yourself, better off with a cell phone.

 

[df909]

Re: Must haves for boating

Cash is a good idea & I never thought about it- I'll be adding it to my glove box.

You ought to have a throw bag with rope in it in case you need to tow someone, you need a tow, or you need to throw a line to someone in the water. I have used mine a few times in in just a year or so.

Make sure you get a bag that's specifically make as a throw bag- they float, have reflective tape, and are easy to grab & hold onto. Also, when you out rope into a bag, don't coil it neatly. Just stuff in in hand over hand- it'll look messy but it won't tangle when you deploy it. When rope is is coiled neatly it WILL tangle and make a mess.

I also keep a float cushion with a 75' line attached to it just under the helm. There's a loop at the other end so I can hold it or attach it to a cleat. You can throw the cushion to someone in a hurry and it's already got a line attached which will save time.
We use throw bags in the fire department for many things and they're worth every penny. Here's an example of what I'm talking about: http://www.thefirestore.com/store/category.cfm/cid_119_rope_bags/

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Must haves for boating

Must haves? Ummm, a boat and a body of water??? Everything else are just extras.

I will have you know that the water is optional. I have sat in my boat in the front yard with a Beer and the radio jamin....

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Must haves for boating

On a lake in MN you would likely be talking to yourself, better off with a cell phone.

exactly... people would wonder why you want to talk to truckers if you mention you have a vhf radio on your boat near moorhead. (in fact, having a CB would actually be more useful)

 

[Robbabob]

Re: Must haves for boating

Everyone provided great input already+

Snacks... canned goods like sardines, jerky or similar. It only takes a few hours to build an urge to snack.

Multi-tool. having a little tool box is essential, but keep a multi-tool handy for the quick jobs.

Extra night time navigation bulbs.... we lucked out finding someone trailering their boat after our anchor light-bulb went out. Think I gave them $5.00 or $10.00 from the "glove box" fund.

Have fun!

 

[BARKLEY]

Re: Must haves for boating

Coors Light

 

[Bry1324]

Re: Must haves for boating

make sure you dont forget the fishing gear

 

[freelancer]

Re: Must haves for boating

Floatable telescopic boat hook/pole. Many many uses on a boat.

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Must haves for boating

Dry clothes e.g.sweatshirt/fluffy jogging bottoms sealed in a bin liner and thrown in a locker/under seat permanantly.Sized to fit the largest person you may ever carry on your boat.these will keep anybody warm from the smallest child to the largest adult .The bin liner can then have a hole torn in it and then it all becomes waterproof too.

 

[V153]

Re: Must haves for boating

Spot light. So this doesn't happen ...:

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Must haves for boating

Coors Light

Ugg, for what? In case you need to wash the boat?

 

[mjgates]

Re: Must haves for boating

One item I have not seen mentioned is a jump box. Jumper cables are ok, but if you end up with a dead battery for any reason, it is much more convenient, especially if you are out on the water. I keep it in my truck/boat at all times. I have used it on many occasions, but only once on my own boat. Usually end up helping others out with a dead battery. This is the one I carry. It will jump anything, but don't over charge it. This one does not stop charging when the battery is fully charged so you need to monitor it when charging. I have a 350 in my truck and 5.0 Merc in my boat. It's turn key start no matter how dead the battery is. Very powerful at 1700 peak amps. Much better than the box chargers you will get around town.

http://www.amazon.com/Clore-Automotive-JNC660-1700-Starter/dp/B000JFJLP6/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1305127757&sr=8-2

 

[BARKLEY]

Re: Must haves for boating

Ugg, for what? In case you need to wash the boat?

Come on!! Thats my beer

 

[Sixmark]

Re: Must haves for boating

A must have on any boat and sometimes one that is overlooked.....common sense.