Looking for different thoughts...

[BrianinMD]

One thing which comes to mind for a sticky in this forum is a listing of items to have in you boat.

After just buying a new boat and needing everything it makes me wonder what the experienced boaters have in their boats which may not be as obvious as the normal items like dock ropes. There are the normal state and Coast Guard listings, I am wondering more what is there thru experience.

[Scott F]

I keep an extendable boat hook on my boat. When I get a bait snagged along a shallow bank, I can get in too close for the trolling motor to operate and use the pole to push myself away from the shore. I also keep a "johnny" bottle for when I need to relieve myself. Safer than having to get too close to the edge of the boat. 

[Jm526]

I always have a bag of a assortment of tools. Incase something breaks I am always prepared. 

[A-Jay]

First, I'd like to preface this response by stating that the storage on my particular boat is "ample".

Beyond the legal requirements (PFD's, Flares, etc) I also carry the following miscellaneous items :

Assorted tools - Though effecting repairs on the water is pretty hard, I still carry a small tool box. I'd encourage one to MATCH these (size & type wise) to the hardware you're apt to need it for.  No sense having a box or bag of items that are either too large or small or the wrong type to effectively use.  

DFI 2-Cycle Outboard Oil, Sta-Bil 360 & Gas Treatment, funnel, clean rags, spare trolling motor prop & several shear pins, a Leatherman, small cleaning kit (with items / products to safely clean Humminbird Screens, Dash windscreens, seats, & spot clean carpet), Compass, Small Mirror, Zip ties, Electrical tape, 2 flashlights,  telescoping magnetic wand, Dude Wipes, Box cutter, Survival knife (mounted on gunwale out of the way but still available for quick access), 8 inch high leverage mini bolt cutters (strong enough to cut the heaviest gauge hook wire I use with one hand), First aid kit (a real one not the cheapest one), bug spray, sun screen, several extra lines including a long oversized line for towing, a box anchor with anchor line, bag of rain & foul weather gear, bag with a seasonal change of clothes & a towel, & a Save Phace mask (this is where I get to be Spider-Man).

A-Jay

[Glenn]

Here's a tour of my boat:

 

[Catt]

[slonezp]

If your water is patrolled by the U.S. Coast Guard, your safety equipment requirements will differ than if it's the DNR or a local authority. In addition to the basic tools and safety equipment, I carry a cell phone and cell phone charger, hand held spotlight, battery jump box, lighter and waterproof matches safety flares, extra rope, cheap multi-meter, and as already mentioned toilet paper(to clean up after those dreaded brown trout). When I venture out on Lake Michigan, I carry an Icom portable ship to shore radio.

[Ski213]

One thing I carry that I haven't seen mentioned is a handheld gps. I also always have a paper chart/map for the lake I'm fishing as well as a magnetic compass. 

[lo n slo]

amen to the "johnny bottle" and catt's striking paper. might i add stowing about 5 of those plastic grocery bags, that we all seem to accumulate, for making the occasional, emergency "off shore deposit". 

[Further North]

4 hours ago, Glenn said:

Here's a tour of my boat:

 

Lod Rockers?

I even had my wife and daughter listen.  Darn it all.  Now I need something else in my boat.

[Glenn]

3 hours ago, Further North said:

Lod Rockers?

Man I wish I had 10 bucks for every time somebody mentioned that. I'd be retired and sitting on a boat right now. 

 

[Further North]

8 hours ago, Glenn said:

Man I wish I had 10 bucks for every time somebody mentioned that. I'd be retired and sitting on a boat right now. 

 

First time I've seen it.  made me smile...I do stuff like that all the time.

[J Francho]

Wire brush for battery terminals.

[iabass8]

All the obvious PFDS, Fire Extinguisher, w/e the coast guard requires.

Extra trolling motor prop + a handful of sheer pins. 

Zip ties, lighter, side cutters, wrenchs/nut drivers/screwdrivers/allen keys that fit everything on the boat that can be repaired on the water.

Battery Jumper

Jumper Cables

Trim Relays

Fuses

Volt Meter

Waterproof box for phones, keys, etc.

toilet paper

Tow Rope

Always stocked on Oil and Gas treatments

[Junk Fisherman]

Here are some things I have not seen on the list that I carry:

Bag of gloves, hat, hand warmers, thin long underwear

Baby wipes

Empty Coffee container (keep it in the livewell) for going to the bathroom

Extra coffee cup 

Spare sunglasses

[tkunk]

Focusing on things that aren't required by the coast guard, I can attest that jumper cables and a bilge pump with alligator clips can save your boat, and more importantly, your life. 

An anchor can save your boat if your engine fails and you're getting pushed into a rocky shore by big waves.  The key is to get it out there as soon as your worried, so that it has time to bite on something.

I also wouldn't go out onto big water without a low-HP kicker engine, because you can always start one of those by hand if everything else fails.  And, after 20 minutes or so, it'll charge your cranking battery enough to get your big engine started.  Better yet, devote one of your batteries to cranking only, and keep the kicker in case your big engine has a mechanical problem.

[YUT18]

Besides the basics (life jackets, rope, anchor, and oil), I carry a set of jumper cables (in case crank battery dies), extendable rod (to push off banks if needed), fuses (got to have electronics), and of course TP.

[Catt]

Channel lock pliers, Crescent wrench, Phillips screwdriver, slotted screwdriver, & I can fix most anything!

[WRB]

The things I use nearly every trip are;

Dock tie down ropes*, side bumpers and bow line when I launch my boat alone.

Flash light for looking for things in the dark.

Hats and sunscreen.

Knife and small flat wood cutting board.

Hand towels and hand cleaner.

Roll of paper toweling.

Drinking water.

Needle nose pliers.

Towels and a spray bottle for wiping down the boat and engine after fishing.

Emergency items include a spare drain plug and spare set of keys.

Tire gage for the trailer tires.

Spare trailer bulbs and fuses for whatever needs them.

PFD's, throw cushion and spare dry clothes.

Marine fire extinguisher

Rain gear if rain is possible.

Warm jacket.

Spare pair of sunglasses.

Small kit to repair reels and lures.

Spare fishing line.

Medical kit.

Tool kit; small needle nose pliers, compound side cutting pliers, Chanel lock pliers, spare spark plug and socket, 4" and 8" Crescent wrench, flat and Phillips screw drive, electrical and duct tape.

Tom

* keep 1rear rope attached for emergency boat re entry use.

[Al w.]

Great posts! I have a few things that I'll be adding in the near future based on everyone's ideas. It's always good to hear some good advice. ?