Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

[Techtraveler]

I bought a used boat today and want to start creating a list of items I will need. Boat is a 2004 Sea Fox 17' CC with a 90hp Outboard. I will be getting the boat in about a week and a half. The dealer I purchased it from is a doing a little work to it first. It was a consignment boat and it sat for about a year and a half. He will be cleaning out the fuel system, including replacing fuel lines, cleaning the carbs, replacing filter, etc. In the mean time, I would like to start getting everything I need together.


Boat sat for about a year and a half like I said, so I am thinking I should start with new ropes and anchor lines. Not sure how many I need or what lengths to get. Also, do they sell lines with a loop for tying to the cleats, or do I need to make these? I only saw a line on the anchor, but would want that new anyway. Boat has current fire Extinguisher, VHF Radio, Depth Gauge, and Bimini Top. I have plenty of Life Vests from our kayaks. I know I need a throwable Life Saving device and some sort of flare and a First Air Kit. Not sure what else. Bumpers I imagine, but how many? Any suggestions would be great. Also, where is a good place to buy this sort of stuff.

Thanks for any help here.

TT

 

[foodfisher]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

Whoa! big feller, check legal requirements for your intended usage via the interweb. Personal wants and needs will make themselves readily apparent when you splash and use her. Take your time and enjoy. Edit: A cooler with your favorite beverage and a sandwich or two to start.

 

[carey965]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

as long as the jackets are approved then you pretty much have all you need

just get 2 decent dock lines and a couple fenders and take her out for a spin

 

[JASinIL2006]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

Having a visual distress signal (e.g., flag) and an auditory signalling device (compressed air horn, whistle) is a good idea. You can also look at iboats or other sites to see what is included in a Coast Guard emergency kit and see what else you might need.

 

[ONJames]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

I agree with foodfisher. Take your time and use the boat a little before you start buying a bunch of stuff you will never use. Use whatever lines came with the boat until you figure out what you use and what length you want. I went out and replaced my anchor line because I thought I would like a new one and have since discovered we don't use an anchor for the type of boating we do. By law we must have one on board but the old dirty line would have worked fine. I thought I would like a bimini and was prepared to spend $400-$500 on one but now am glad I didn't. We like the sun. Get the legal stuff covered first.

 

[Techtraveler]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

I am really thinking about the stuff I need right now, the wants will come all too naturally I am sure. I did not see any lines on the boat when I went over it, so I know I will need those. I plan on using the anchor, because I plan on pulling very close to the beach, but want to stay in some water to allow for the tide to go out and not beach the boat. I forgot to mention the boat has a horn, so that should take care of the audio warning. Good idea to see what comes in a Coast Guard Kit. I do not want to load the boat up with junk, but want to make sure I am safe and legal.

Coolers are covered too, one behind the helm and one in front of the helm, both under seats.

 

[etracer68]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

Docking lines, in my opinon should be at least the lenth of the boat. 3/8 diameter should be good, and they do have a loop for the cleat on the boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

after you get the required legal stuff on the boat (life jackets, flares, etc.) and the cooler of beverages and sandwiches.

since you are in Florida, dont forget the sunscreen, sunglasses and spf50 lip balm

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

start with the USCG requirements.

Don't replace anything yet.

the nylon anchor line will last for decades. Just be sure it's rigged correctly (good chain, etc.) A boat that size in coastal waters (you said "beach") typically carries 100-150'.

I seldom use fenders; some people use them all the time; the point is, the way you rig your boat is way too dependent on how you use it to get advice on the internet.
That being said, two is all you need for 90% of docking situations. And since your boat has working rubrails, you may not use them at all. That's the advantage of having a boat made for outdoor use; you don't need a lot of extras.

Never rely on an electric horn, or anything else electric. Get a whistle. Air horns run out of air; hopefully you won't. And a real compass.

I think aerial flares are preferred to hand-held. You need pyrotechics, not just a flag. Check the expiration dates before you buy; they are expensive. An old CD is a signal mirror.

Do you have a used boat equipment store/boat junkyard? great place for fenders which are obscenely expensive, plus other stuff. I also get lots of boating equipment at yard sales--can't beat those prices! An especially good resource for the stuff you want to replace, have duplicates, etc.

Buy your lines for your hands, not the weight of the boat--thicker is better. 20' each for bow and stern. ALways carry some extra smaller line.

Things you MUST have:
A paddle. solid handle, not telescoping.
Jumper cables.
A bailer. I keep all my cleaning stuff in a small flexible plastic bucket--that's my bailer. And it could be a head in a pinch.
A watertight holder for your cell phone.
Always have a watertight flashlight. Many a life has been lost over no light; modern SAR can spot a penlight miles away.
If you can't climb into the boat by yourself with a PFD on, install a ski step for safety.
A spare water seperator inside 2 ziplocks (for the one full of gas you replace) and a strap style filter wrench.

I use a boat hook all the time for all kinds of stuff. I also carry a small fish net both since I fish but for retrieving my hats and other people's trash. And their hats.

Consult your locals about a shove pole. Essential in one place where I boat, not in another.

For a salt water boater, the game is to know when you have to buy the over-priced "marine" item from an overpriced marine store or when you can use something from the hardware or even dollar store. Rust marks will tell you whether you made the right choice!

There are dozens of posts here regarding your tool box. The strategy in addition to basic tools is to carry small items that can be used for many purposes. Electrical wire can fix an electrical problem or an equipment problem, as can rescue tape, cable ties, hose clamps, etc. You would be amazed how often you use a small hammer and a small block of wood. But that's a whole nother topic.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

A Boating Safety Class should be your next move! Online is okay but a real class with real people is best!

 

[Techtraveler]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

A Boating Safety Class should be your next move! Online is okay but a real class with real people is best!

Ironically I got this boat by not going to a Boater Safety class. We were signed up to take one yesterday early AM in ST Augustine where we live on the weekends. However, Friday night when we would have driven over there the weather was horrible and we did not go and decided to stay in our hometown for the weekend. An hour after we decided to stay I checked a local classified web site for boats available and a boat that had been listed the week before had reappeared on the site. I was supposed to see this boat when it was first listed, called one day to see it, but was not able to get there that day. The next day when I called I was told it was sold.

After calling back when I saw the add again the lady told me the buyer said he was coming back to get it, but never did.

Of course this does not mean I won't take the course. For now I am taking the online version. The next class version given locally is not until November.

TT

 

[Techtraveler]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

Anyone have thoughts on a Marine GPS? First let me say, I have zero plans on taking this boat offshore. I plan on using it only in the Intercostal in FL. However, I really enjoy having a GPS in my car just for the time line planing. I know when I can expect to be at certain destination due to the GPS always knowing how far away I am from that destination. I figure Marine GPSs do not tell time of arrival due to the difference in speeds per boat, but I could always calculate that just fine. Also, do Marine GPS show channels and obstructions like charts do? If so, do more basic units do this, or only the more expensive ones?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

I have a marine GPS/fish finder/depth reader/charts on one boat and love it; don't have one on any other boats or cars. Fun to have; not required for inshore use. If your boat comes with one, great!

Also I forgot to say, while it's at the dealer, replace the water pump impeller. He should know that. Then again every 1-2 years in sandy salty water.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

Of course this does not mean I won't take the course. For now I am taking the online version. The next class version given locally is not until November.
TT

If you are not a boater (yet!) or are new to coastal boating, take an experienced boater out with you the first time--even if you have to hire one. Try one of the younger guys at the dealership when he gets off work. Pay them to extend your sea trial. Or hire a fishing guide for a "general lesson."

Not only will it be well worth it for your getting comfortable and confident with the boat, it could save your life or your boat (one guy last week didn't know you have to put the plug in!). Learn how to operate in the rough stuff (practice on wakes).

If you are trailering for the first time, practice that in an empty parking lot and then avoid the public ramps when they are crowded.

Never ever take the family on the maiden voyage; take the wife or girlfriend, but no both, only if she is an experienced boater. Seriously.

 

[Techtraveler]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

I am not a first time boater, but it has been 12 years since I have owned a boat and really need some refresher more then anything. I am very comfortable trailering. I have had Travel Trailers for years now. Luckily we have a private boat ramp in the complex we will be keeping the boat. It is uncommon to see anybody use it at all even on weekends. I am hoping to get someone more experienced to come out with me the first time. Also, I plan on going earlier in the morning when there is very little boat traffic.

 

[Techtraveler]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

I
Never ever take the family on the maiden voyage; take the wife or girlfriend, but no both, only if she is an experienced boater. Seriously.

Take the wife or GirlFriend, but not Both? Um, just a wife....don't have both.

 

[bspeth]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

yea I don't think I would take both the wife and girlfriend either,no boat is big enough for that.

 

[mrmamiller]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

Didn't see it mentioned...maybe a 2nd anchor would be in order if you're anchoring at a beach. Need a 2nd one to keep the boat from swinging around sideways to the beach, or worse.

 

[pokman]

Re: Bought a used boat, now what do I need?

my 2 cents besides what was already said. Spare prop, ratchet and sockets, wrenches, just the normal tools you might need. Fuses, fenders, good anchors and make sure all your lights work. If the 90 is a 2 stroker throw a extra qt or two of oil in the boat. Finally make sure all maintenance has been kept up on motor, worst thing is motor crappin out on first ride. This is all inland suggestions but should be should be the same for FL.