Things I need: (WTB)

[scrutch]

Just bought a 18' Viper cobra and it didnt come with a few things i need.  Whatever's left on the list by Sunday I'm gonna pick up new.  heres the list:  Life jackets: tournament fishing style (auto inflatable would be nice) for me and maybe the wife, good kids jackets for the rugrats;  anchor,  boat fenders (goes btwn boat and dock to protect the boat), outboard motor support bracket, new bow roller for the trailer, 3-4 marker buoys, keel guard.  also open to any recommendations in the process...

[scrutch]

also: hot foot pedal. oh yeah one more thing... a shoe box full of $100 bills.

[Brian B]

what kind of electronics did it come with? trolling motor?

[Hot Rod]

Personally I wouldn't worry about the boat fenders on a bass boat.  I bought some when I got my new Strat and used them exactly twice.  Hauled em around the boat the first season then threw them out when I realized all they did was take up space in the boat. 

Thats space that could be filled with more tackle!

[Carrington]

i honestly would not recommend a inflatable lifejacket.  they are usually class 3 life jackets.  i will always have one a lightweight class 2 life jacket to be safe.  the difference is the class 2 will float more weight and also a class 2 will flip you over if you land face down and are knocked out so you dont drown.  just my 2 cents.

[SoFlaBassAddict]

for me and maybe the wife

Come on, tell the truth.  You know you don't really want her going with you. 

[burleytog]

i honestly would not recommend a inflatable lifejacket. they are usually class 3 life jackets. i will always have one a lightweight class 2 life jacket to be safe. the difference is the class 2 will float more weight and also a class 2 will flip you over if you land face down and are knocked out so you dont drown. just my 2 cents.

There is a difference between a life jacket and a PFD (personal flotation device). A PFD is designed for constant wear where comfort and flotation are the critical issues. A PFD will float you, but not self-right you (turn you over in the water). A life jacket will turn you face up in the water, but the foam filled varieties are bulky and less comfortable to wear. Typically, life jackets are horseshoe shaped in design and slip over your head with all of the flotation in the front of your body up around your neck.

Foam Type I PFD's offer up to 22 lbs. of inherent boyancy.  Type II and III's offer up to 15.5 of inherent boyancy.  Type V 15.5-22 lbs.

Inflatable PFD's of the Type I, II, III and V variaties offer inherent boyancy rangings from 15.5 to 34 lbs.

http://www.uscgboating.org/safety/life_jacket_wear_wearing_your_life_jacket.aspx

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations.asp

There is nothing wrong with using a self-inflating PFD.  Mustang Hydrostatic PFD's are classified as Type II by the USCG.

http://www.mustangsurvival.com/hydrostatic-inflatable-pfd/index.php

[Carrington]

i never said anything is wrong with them, i just prefer not to use them.  one malfunction of the inflation piece and your done so i stick with the foam(or whatever material they are) life jackets.

[DINK WHISPERER]

What about a recessed trolling motor pedal tray? One of the best mods i ever put on a boat.

[burleytog]

i never said anything is wrong with them, i just prefer not to use them. one malfunction of the inflation piece and your done so i stick with the foam(or whatever material they are) life jackets.

A PFD that you will wear is 100x better than a PFD that is too bulky to wear.

[Carrington]

well im going to stick with my bulky one and you stick with whichever type you like.  i was just saying which i feel is safer.

[NJBass12]

Just bought a 18' Viper cobra and it didnt come with a few things i need. Whatever's left on the list by Sunday I'm gonna pick up new. heres the list: Life jackets: tournament fishing style (auto inflatable would be nice) for me and maybe the wife, good kids jackets for the rugrats; anchor, boat fenders (goes btwn boat and dock to protect the boat), outboard motor support bracket, new bow roller for the trailer, 3-4 marker buoys, keel guard. also open to any recommendations in the process...

Just a few additional things that I thought of.....Throw cushion, air horn, flares, wistle, first aid kit, some tools, jumper cables or a power pack that you can use to jump a battery.

[Fishes in trees]

Check your state regulations, there might be some stuff that you've got to carry - and different states are different.  Years ago, I had a buddy get a ticket from water patrol because he didn't have a throwable flotation device on board.   It doesn't have to be easy to get to, it just has to be on board.  Other things, like a fire extinguisher, it is a good idea for that to be easy to get to.

I carry some structure markers in my boat, but I don't think I got them wet last year (not counting getting rained on)

I'd say just start out with what is legally required and after a few trips stock what is necessary.

18' seems like a lot of boat now, but if you carry everything you think you might need sometime, you'll fill it up pretty quick.

[cart7t]

Here's another no vote for boat fenders.

Unless you're on a lake with a lot of recreational boating that will be tossing your boat around in a boat stall a lot, bumpers are usually a waste of storage space, especially in an 18' boat which will have limited storage to begin with. 

Rather, invest in decent mooring lines and learn how to properly tie off a boat to the dock so you prevent damage due to excessive wave action.

[donmac]

Check your state regulations, there might be some stuff that you've got to carry - and different states are different. ...

+1

Some of the things you listed are optional - some aren't. Check your local regs and make sure you get your required safety equipment.

If you still have money left, consider the other stuff.... Some of which you will may personally consider mandatory as well.

[R520dvx]

well im going to stick with my bulky one and you stick with whichever type you like. i was just saying which i feel is safer.

+1 .....  I'm with you on this one. I've read way too many posts about inflatables either not working or quickly deflating after deployment.

[burleytog]

Years ago, I had a buddy get a ticket from water patrol because he didn't have a throwable flotation device on board. It doesn't have to be easy to get to, it just has to be on board.    

Yes, it does have to be readily accessible. 

[J Francho]

Get your boat officially inspected at a Coast Guard station.  That sticker will save you a ton of aggravation on the water, and you'll know for sure your boat is compliant.

[goodolboy]

A Boat  Buddy is a great thing to have.  You drive up on the trailer and the bow eye hits it and wham you're locked on tight.

[scrutch]

what kind of electronics did it come with? trolling motor?

came with a zercom in-dash flasher, hb cheapo on the bow. got my mind made up already on that one... gonna be a hb 898, 998, or 1197 with side scan mounted on a swivel base at the console so it can be turned for use on the bow.

TM is the original MG 43# bow mount. dont think I'm gonna change that yet, but ya never know!

[scrutch]

for me and maybe the wife

Come on, tell the truth. You know you don't really want her going with you.

lol...welllll....ok ur right. she hates to fish. but taking the wife and kids tubing was kinda what helped me pry the money from "the warden's" death grip to buy the boat.  I carefully weighed the cost, I think it'll be worth it... :-/

[scrutch]

What about a recessed trolling motor pedal tray? One of the best mods i ever put on a boat.

good idea... never thought of that one... can u explain WHY it is so much better?

[scrutch]

Got alot of great thoughts and ideas i didnt think of.... thanks everyone!!! 

keep em coming!!