First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

[myers368]

I purchased a Chaparral 320 Sig. It's the first boat I've owned. Any suggestions for tools, accessories that ever boater should have?

Basically, I feel the need to go buy more stuff for her!

 

[H20Rat]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

I purchased a Chaparral 320 Sig. It's the first boat I've owned. Any suggestions for tools, accessories that ever boater should have?

Basically, I feel the need to go buy more stuff for her!

Fill out your profile as to where you are boating, it can make a HUGE difference! For my boating, flares and a 2 way radio are useless. But for many other boaters, those are essential items that you must have, even legally need to have in the case of flares in some states.

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Your State's Dept of Natural Resources should have a list available.

 

[smclear]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Where you live and the waters you'll be boating on will be a factor in determining this. For example, I do all my boating on inland lakes in Indiana. I did however spend approx. 12 years in S.E. Florida boating primarily offshore. While in Florida, i felt a GPS and marine radio (VHF) was very much in order. On the inland lakes I now boat on, it would be pretty useless. For starters, check with your local authorities what they require. You might look at organizations like the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadrons.

At a minimum, you'll need dock lines, PFD's, Anchor (or two), Fire Extinguisher. If you plan on boating on larger bodies of water, the list will grow. First Aid kit, small tool kit, perhaps a spare prop, signaling device (flare gun) etc.

This is not to be considered a complete list. Others will chime in with more thoughts. And.... don't forget the toys that add to the enjoyment (ski's, wakeboards, towables). Plenty of coolers would also be good to have.

 

[myers368]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Where you live and the waters you'll be boating on will be a factor in determining this. For example, I do all my boating on inland lakes in Indiana. I did however spend approx. 12 years in S.E. Florida boating primarily offshore. While in Florida, i felt a GPS and marine radio (VHF) was very much in order. On the inland lakes I now boat on, it would be pretty useless. For starters, check with your local authorities what they require. You might look at organizations like the Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadrons.

At a minimum, you'll need dock lines, PFD's, Anchor (or two), Fire Extinguisher. If you plan on boating on larger bodies of water, the list will grow. First Aid kit, small tool kit, perhaps a spare prop, signaling device (flare gun) etc.

This is not to be considered a complete list. Others will chime in with more thoughts. And.... don't forget the toys that add to the enjoyment (ski's, wakeboards, towables). Plenty of coolers would also be good to have.

Thanks all! I'll be boating in the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Boating Safety Course........ for you AND your significant other

Lake of the Ozarks is a beautiful area Enjoy!

 

[Texasmark]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

I always carried a paddle along in every boat I had. Just come in handy sometimes in addition to required items and always had an anchor and line (rope) to suit the depth.

Mark

 

[Natesms]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Thanks all! I'll be boating in the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri.

I replied to your other thread already but as an ozarks boater fenders, big ones, biggest you can store. You know how rough that lake can get and you need the big fenders to keep her off the docks when you are tied up at the bars.

You'll want 6 good ropes on board at all times as well. That way you can tie at the bow, spring and stern on both sides when you are tied up in the lines at the cove or at the races.

Where are you going to be keeping it? What mile marker?

 

[greenbush future]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Beer lotsa beer!


OK I'm kidding and happy Friday to you. The above replies are what ya need to prep for, I just thought I'd welcome you and force a smile on the topic. Beer is good but realize boats are exactly like cars when it comes to drinking and driving, it's not a good mix, but passengers and while anchored, enjoy a cold one.
Boater safety course will really prep you to run your boat as it should be, and safe too.

 

[moosehead]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Boater's Safety Course. Both on line and on water given this is your first boat.

Tool box, first aid kit, life preservers, anchor(s), paddle(s), flashlights, lines, waterway chart/GPS or both, properly maintained craft, prepared and aware captain and crew.

Congrats and enjoy, you have a beautiful boat and place to take her.

 

[beason]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

lots of good replies already. ropes, fenders, throwable, vests, anchors, fire extinguisher, etc.

i also keep a small tool box with a socket set, a couple of pliers, and some other bits, along with a flashlight on board. A spare belt, and impeller as well.

air blower for inflating towables, charger cables for phones, map of the boating area, rear view mirror, (required if the driver is the only person over 18 and you are towing skiers)

I looked up the missouri laws. here is a link

https://www.boat-ed.com/missouri/handbook/page/46/Other-Equipment-and-Regulations

looks like they require a skier down flag, so you may want one of those.

my personal suggestions are these two items

fender tender. holds the fender and allows quick deployment on cleats, handrails, windshields, etc




second one is bimini clips. allows you to clip towels or other items to the bimini top support. great for making shade, drying towels or that shirt that blew out, or to put up some "curtains" for some privacy.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

+2 or is it 3 now - A classroom/on-water safety course. On-line is fine for a refresher, but nothing beats a real instructor answering your questions. One or more of the subjects will also be safety gear. Enjoy your new boat safely, meyers.

 

[Natesms]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

looks like they require a skier down flag, so you may want one of those.
View attachment 228277

This is a law, and it's supposed to be displayed if anyone is the water. Any other lake in the state this is enforced, at the ozarks it's the least of their problems. No one uses them when swimming. You won't be skiing behind your chap so buy the cheapest one you can find and throw it in a cabinet somewhere in case you get pulled over for a safety check. I'm not saying "break the law and don't use it", but a red rag on a stick will get you by down there.

 

[gstrom11]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Paddle, PFD's, Throwable, Fenders/Fender Lines/Fender Tenders, Dock Lines, Anchors.. Fun List..

Iboats has it all.

You know we don't believe that you got a boat as there is no picture in this thread of it.. Just sayin.

 

[garbageguy]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Lots of good input here so far - especially the boater safety course. As captain, you're responsible for not only the people in your boat, but for safe operation around other boats.

I'm sure you'll be keeping her clean, and buying various cleaners and waxes is fun. Consider a soap made for cleaning boats and is OK to go into the water. Non-skid deck wash for areas under foot.

Pictures?

 

[wrench 3]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Interesting that no one has mentioned a first aid kit. Some times a band aid can be a long way away. Stock it according to your ability to use it. The Canadian Coast Guard requires one fire extinguisher if you have an engine and a second if you have cooking facilities. Also if you plan on anchoring out over night, that second anchor is a real good idea.
I don't know what equipment you got with the boat, but a barbecue with a railing mount for cooking on the water and bag chairs for when you can go ashore.

 

[MikDee]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Besides all that, An air horn, and or a whistle.

 

[Idlespeedonly]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Most importantly, since you are new to boating, and a 320 is a huge boat for a rookie, find somebody with experience with a boat like yours. I would sure hate to see you posting on the stupid human tricks thread.

 

[bspeth]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

Don't worry shes going to give you every chance in the world to spend money on her.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: First Boat - What supplies/accessories do I need?

For a boat that big, I would say a grapling pole. Something to hook a dock cleat with as you come into tie up. As I said, thats a big heavy boat.