RobA Posted January 21, 2021 Posted January 21, 2021 I ordered a new Ranger RT178 and should have it in 2 months. It' my first boat. What should I be thinking of getting as far as basic essential accessories? So far my list has life jackets, dock bumpers and dock lines. What else should I get? Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted January 21, 2021 Super User Posted January 21, 2021 Med Kit Fire Extinguisher Anchor Paddles 1 Quote
Solution NavyVet1204 Posted January 21, 2021 Solution Posted January 21, 2021 I’ve been eye balling that exact same model myself on their website. What all did you get added for the package? (Not trying to derail the thread)  edit: Congrats! 1 Quote
RobA Posted January 21, 2021 Author Posted January 21, 2021 4 minutes ago, NavyVet1204 said: I’ve been eye balling that exact same model myself on their website. What all did you get added for the package? (Not trying to derail the thread)  edit: Congrats! 75hp motor and a the 24v Fortrex trolling motor. I opted not to get any electronics Ranger that offered. The dealer is putting in console and bow mounted Garmin 93SV finders for me. 2 1 Quote
Super User gim Posted January 21, 2021 Super User Posted January 21, 2021 I don't know if the state you reside in requires a throwable cushion-type PFD or not but it might be a good idea anyways.  I would put a small tool kit in there somewhere that has adjustable wrenches, pliers, clamp, etc.  Also, one thing I have encountered with this model Ranger is with the spare tire. It is belly mounted under the front of the bow on the trailer. However, its bolted in there and you will need a specific size socket to remove it. The tire iron I have for my truck also doesn't fit the lug nuts on the tires of the trailer. I found this all out one day 2 years ago when I went out to my garage and saw a flat tire. Luckily it all happened in my own garage so I was able to fix it but had it occurred out somewhere else while fishing I would have been in trouble. 5 Quote
rdj735 Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Navigation lights and a kill-switch lanyard. Quote
@reelChris Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Fishing: Net, 3700 boxes, rod socks, rain gear, rags or baby wipes to clean hands with, polarized sun glasses, some way of keeping tools handy, tools including short and long pliers, small bolt cutters for cutting hooks, scissors, knife, bump board, live well additive  Emergency supplies: dry bag with emergency clothing, dry box for emergency supplies, floats for your keys, day and night distress signals (flares & smoke/flag), radio if you're going to be on big water, spare truck key in your vehicle, spare boat key in your vehicle, full water bottle & a few power bars  General stuff to have on board: extra props for both motors, waterproof box or bag for cell phone, sun tan lotion, tool kit, re-arming kit for any inflatable PFD you have, towel in case you fall in Quote
Super User MN Fisher Posted January 22, 2021 Super User Posted January 22, 2021 22 minutes ago, rdj735 said: Navigation lights Boat comes standard with removable navigation lights. 1 Quote
Super User J._Bricker Posted January 22, 2021 Super User Posted January 22, 2021 Congratulations on the new rid @Rob A!  And a First Aid kit and a trailerable boat cover, the latter is something I regret not getting to save some money. Quote
Sphynx Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 Haven't seen it listed, so a USCG approved air horn independent of any that might be installed on your boat...2 is 1, 1 is none principle for safety equipment. Quote
Super User gim Posted January 22, 2021 Super User Posted January 22, 2021 8 hours ago, Sphynx said: so a USCG approved air horn independent of any that might be installed on your boat  An independent air horn other than the standard horn that comes with the rig is required? I was not aware of this. The horn that comes with this model is quite loud too. Louder than I would like to be honest. Quote
Super User Way2slow Posted January 22, 2021 Super User Posted January 22, 2021 A few essentials on my boat, Toilet paper in zip lock bag, paper towels, and good unscented natural bar soap to wash hands with, and something to pee in. I keep one of those they give you in the hospital but a quart plastic jug works. This is so you don't have to stand on the back of the boat and advertise to the world you are taking a leak. Plus, there may be times other people are around.  I keep hand towels to wipe my hands with as I'm fishing, but sometimes you might have to handle something like gas or oil you don't want to take a chance of getting one your hand towel, so that's where the paper towels come in. 3 Quote
Super User GaryH Posted January 22, 2021 Super User Posted January 22, 2021 2 hours ago, gimruis said:  An independent air horn other than the standard horn that comes with the rig is required? I was not aware of this. The horn that comes with this model is quite loud too. Louder than I would like to be honest. It’s not a requirement. USCG rule 33 Your boat horn, air horn, a whistle are all good as a sound signaling device. Congratulations on your new boat. Great luck and enjoy. Quote
Sphynx Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 2 hours ago, gimruis said:  An independent air horn other than the standard horn that comes with the rig is required? I was not aware of this. The horn that comes with this model is quite loud too. Louder than I would like to be honest. No, it is not required as far as I know, but I don't like taking chances on something like that, you get Mr. Green-Britches (or the USCG) doing an inspection on your boat and that one on your boat doesn't work for whatever reason, an air horn in a can could save your bacon, and demonstrate that you pay attention to little things and are safety conscious, sort of like carrying an extra life jacket, I am certain lots of guys go without, but I find it cheap insurance. Quote
Bolar Posted January 22, 2021 Posted January 22, 2021 While you wait for your boat, take a boating course.  https://www.boatus.org/free/  When you finish you'll be a better captain, and know what's required to have in your boat.  1 Quote
Super User GaryH Posted January 22, 2021 Super User Posted January 22, 2021 2 hours ago, Bolar said: While you wait for your boat, take a boating course.  https://www.boatus.org/free/  When you finish you'll be a better captain, and know what's required to have in your boat.  not to mention some states are making it mandatory in the near future Quote
Super User J Francho Posted January 22, 2021 Super User Posted January 22, 2021 Obviously you need the required safety gear. See the USGC site for a list. Additional useful items: wheel chocks, extra set of spark plugs and the tools to change them, prop wrench, extra cotter pin, a couple cans of Vienna sausage, wet wipes, heavy duty freezer bags, kneeling pad, extra bilge pump with long leads and alligator clips, small 1 L dry bag for phone, wallet, phone, keys, maglight, quality dock lines, and one 50' line. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 23, 2021 Super User Posted January 23, 2021 9 hours ago, Way2slow said: A few essentials on my boat, Toilet paper in zip lock bag, paper towels, and good unscented natural bar soap to wash hands with, and something to pee in. I keep one of those they give you in the hospital but a quart plastic jug works. This is so you don't have to stand on the back of the boat and advertise to the world you are taking a leak. Plus, there may be times other people are around.  I keep hand towels to wipe my hands with as I'm fishing, but sometimes you might have to handle something like gas or oil you don't want to take a chance of getting one your hand towel, so that's where the paper towels come in. Pee bucket is essential for the old guys LOL. I have the hospital jug handy in the glovebox for my dad. For him, it's a safety issue. If he tried to stand up and pee off the side, he'd end up in the drink. 1 Quote
Super User Way2slow Posted January 23, 2021 Super User Posted January 23, 2021 I don't have the balance problem, but when the prostate ain't the best in the world, you can end peeing on the boat almost as much as in the water. Ain't too fond of that. 1 Quote
Michigander Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 I keep some cheap ski goggles in mine. Sometimes it it hailing while we're running. ? Also, some cheap ponchos in a bag. Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 23, 2021 Super User Posted January 23, 2021 3 minutes ago, Way2slow said: I don't have the balance problem, but when the prostate ain't the best in the world, you can end peeing on the boat almost as much as in the water. Ain't too fond of that. Dad can drink a cup of coffee and have to pee every 10 minutes for 2 hours because of his prostate. Something I have to look forward to. He does have a little bit of a balance issue and always sits when he's in the boat. I just booked a walleye charter on Lake Erie and opted for a outfit with a 30+ foot boat rather than a 20ft boat. I figured he would enjoy it more if he doesn't have to sit the entire time. Quote
Michigander Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 And extra sunglasses. Sometimes you break the ones you've been wearing or they go over the side. Had a bass leap out of my hands once, slap me in the face and knock my shades into the lake. 1 Quote
Super User slonezp Posted January 23, 2021 Super User Posted January 23, 2021 11 minutes ago, Michigander said: And extra sunglasses. Sometimes you break the ones you've been wearing or they go over the side. Had a bass leap out of my hands once, slap me in the face and knock my shades into the lake. That bass would end up on my dinner plate 2 Quote
Michigander Posted January 23, 2021 Posted January 23, 2021 32 minutes ago, slonezp said: That bass would end up on my dinner plate Unfortunately, my face was merely a pit stop on his way back into the water. He released himself and paid me back for piercing his lip. 1 Quote
Super User WRB Posted January 23, 2021 Super User Posted January 23, 2021 Think about the basics. To launch your new boat what is needed? 1. A bow line ( 1/2 braided rope longer then the boat. 2, 2 ea Tie down lines ( 1/2 braided rope about 1/2 the length of the boat with loops on both end. 3. Optional but recommended 2 ea side bumpers with 3/8 rope to hang on the side cleats where the+tie down lines are attached. Tom Quote
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