Got my first boat, now what do I need?! Tips on lifejackets to prop wrench...what do you recommend?

[clemsondds]

As the title suggests, I just got my first boat and am looking to unfit it. Can you give me your recommendations on things I should have on the boat?  So far I’m thinking lifejackets (for driver and passengers...), emergency tools, boat maintenance stuff...

Brand/model names or links would be greatly appreciated. Anything you can think of that you wouldn’t want to go boat/fish without...

thabk you!! 

[Happybeerbuzz]

Put a good flashlight, spare plug, spare keys,  and plenty of rope to your list.  

[HenryPF]

This does not include your tackle like rods, fish finders, lures, etc.

 

Fuses, check your fire extinguisher, check your lanyard kill switch, extra key for boat and lock on trailer, rags to clean off your boat/hands, garbage bags, marker bouys, flare gun, first aid kit, pliers, scissors, rod holders, prop nut cotter pin, emergency pull rope for motor, make sure your tire jack is sufficient along with your lug nut wrench, small tool kit, extra bulbs for trailer lights (if not led), duct tape, emergency oar, emergency rain poncho, manual water pump, spare boat plug, clip on sunglasses if you wear prescription or just cheapo sunglasses, spare cheapo prop, extra copy of fishing license,  and some other stuff I am surely forgetting off hand.

Spare tire trailer, fix a flat, zip ties, electrical tape and a good attitude!

[kenmitch]

What kind of boat did you purchase?

What waters do you intend to fish?

 

The above questions may determine how prepared you really need to be, as well as how much of the stuff you can literally stuff in your boat. You'll want some room left for rods and tackle. 

 

Your 1st step in rigging your boat should be to do some research on what your legally required to carry on your boat in the waters in which you intend to fish.

 

When shopping for life jackets make sure you purchase something that is comfortable to wear all day if needed. A life jacket can't save your life in the time of need if your not wearing it.

 

I'll add a few things I didn't see mentioned above already.

 

Anchor and rope/chain that's the appropriate size, style, and length for your boat and the waters you'll be fishing.

Toilet paper for the times of need. Blowing nose, soaking up fish blood, along with it's the normal use.

Baby wipes are great for cleaning your hands, wiping the sweat out off your face, etc. They're also better than the cheap smears all toilet paper you'll find in most out houses and restroom facilities.

Navigation lights.

A couple of those boat fender/bumper things.

Emergency air horn. Your boat has a horn I'd assume. If you have a electrical issue it might not work when needed.

 

 

 

[slonezp]

First you need to be legal. See what your local governing body requires. If the Coast Guard polices your waters, their requirements may be more or less than your local DNR. Bare bones will require a fire extinguisher if you have a gas motor, battery terminals need to be covered, a PFD for every person on board, a throwable, and a horn either air or electric. A first aid kit. If you are on the water at night, navigation and anchor lights are required. An anchor may or may not be required by your governing body as well as flares. Once you get the legal stuff covered, in addition to what was mentioned above, I'd add a jump box in case the battery dies and a wind proof lighter. 

[Hower08]

A paddle. I know many guys that don't carry one. Let me tell you if you dont carry one, there will be a day you wish you did! Basic tool set and I always carry an extra life jacket one in an adult size and a youth size just in case you see someone in need 

[Bolar]

Boating safety course. 

 

https://www.boatus.org/free/

[clemsondds]

Thank you!! Wow...that's a lot of stuff ha.  I really appreciate all the help! Can anyone recommend some brands I should look for in lifejackets and cleaning stuff? Thanks

[A-Jay]

Boat Bling & 303 both make quality & effective marine cleaning, detail & protection type marine products.

I use them both.

https://www.boatbling.net/

https://www.goldeagle.com/product/?utm_source=303facebook&utm_content=organicsocial&fwp_categories=marine&fwp_brands=303-products

 

As for Life Jackets -  For both my Professional & Personal needs, I have always only used Mustang products - 

Granted you can purchase another brand for less money, but  IMO you can't purchase a better one - at any price.

My life warrants the best available.

A-Jay

 

 

[WVU-SCPA]

+1 for the extra life jackets in adult and youth sizes.

 

A third person always seems to pop up when you only have 2.

[MN Fisher]

Tossable flotation cushion for emergencies - I even carry one in my canoe.

[AustinHellickson]

8 hours ago, clemsondds said:

Thank you!! Wow...that's a lot of stuff ha.  I really appreciate all the help! Can anyone recommend some brands I should look for in lifejackets and cleaning stuff? Thanks

I have a BPS brand self inflate life jacket, i really like it so far, it has never gone off or been submerged in water and hopefully never will have to 

 

https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-a-m-24-auto-manual-inflatable-life-vest

[jbsoonerfan]

I will add a couple I don't think I have read yet. A spare trolling motor prop, a change of clothes in an air tight bag, a set of scales, sunscreen, and nitrile gloves in case you have to assist someone who is bleeding.

[TOXIC]

Dude Wipes or TP in a ziplock bag.  Everything else has been covered pretty well.  

[redux]

Tow rope. Never know when you may need a pesky jet ski to tow you in...personal experience...

[clemsondds]

Anyone have any thoughts on the auto pfd? I saw a few comments where they wouldn't wear them and only wear foam, because of the stories of boaters dying after falling in and not inflating or ripping...Obviously I'm new to all of this so just trying to learn. Thanks

[A-Jay]

2 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

Anyone have any thoughts on the auto pfd? I saw a few comments where they wouldn't wear them and only wear foam, because of the stories of boaters dying after falling in and not inflating or ripping...Obviously I'm new to all of this so just trying to learn. Thanks

 

[clemsondds]

56 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

 

Thanks but I'm asking if there's been any research or proof to show these things work?   I did a few google searches and of course the only stories you read are the negative ones where they didn't work in time of need (and it was a mustang...).  I am sure there are studies or stories of how these auto pfd's saved someone's life...or at least worked the way it's suppose to.  I agree that I would be much more likely to wear one with them being lower profile. I just want to be confident they will work

[A-Jay]

4 minutes ago, clemsondds said:

Thanks but I'm asking if there's been any research or proof to show these things work?   I did a few google searches and of course the only stories you read are the negative ones where they didn't work in time of need (and it was a mustang...).  I am sure there are studies or stories of how these auto pfd's saved someone's life...or at least worked the way it's suppose to.  I agree that I would be much more likely to wear one with them being lower profile. I just want to be confident they will work

Stories of gear failing seem more prevalent than stories of gear working.

So often when gear is cared for & maintained,  it's offered the best opportunity to perform as designed - it does.

When it is not - that's when the stories start.

 I wear an inflatable routinely.  

If you have doubts get a different type.

No one can say if gear will or will not ALWAYS work - sort of like a parachute.

A-Jay

[clemsondds]

Thanks

[Dirtyeggroll]

19 hours ago, clemsondds said:

 I agree that I would be much more likely to wear one with them being lower profile. I just want to be confident they will work

If you go with an inflatable be aware that it only counts as a PFD if you are wearing it. If you take it off, you must have another PFD in the boat to be legal.

[Frisbie385]

A spare trolling motor handle and cable.

[kenmitch]

On 3/19/2019 at 7:16 AM, clemsondds said:

Anyone have any thoughts on the auto pfd? I saw a few comments where they wouldn't wear them and only wear foam, because of the stories of boaters dying after falling in and not inflating or ripping...Obviously I'm new to all of this so just trying to learn. Thanks

 

I can say from experience that my Cabelas branded one deployed rather quickly. I learned the leaning limit of my kayak the hard way early on when I dropped a rod into the water. I bought the rearm kit and packed it back up just like new. I'd think it'll work again, but don't really plan on finding out anytime soon. I put mine on before I get into my kayak and take it off when I leave the water. I went with the auto pfd in case something out of my control happens. 

 

Whenever your driving around town do you sketch on your airbag not deploying if you get into a accident?

 

As long as you take care of the auto pdf it'll come thru in the time of need. If you snag it with a hook, well then you'd have to inspect it to make sure you didn't puncture the bladder. 

[clemsondds]

15 hours ago, Dirtyeggroll said:

If you go with an inflatable be aware that it only counts as a PFD if you are wearing it. If you take it off, you must have another PFD in the boat to be legal.

I don’t think this is the case anymore. Unless your auto pfd is marked as a type V, then you aren’t required to wear them to count. Only type V are required according to USCG regs. Changed a couple years ago. There’s a good thread about this on thehulltruth.com last year. Obviously, you should always wear it, but it’s not required by law.