New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

[CougarJackson]

Morning fellas. My dad just bought a 2006 262 EX. This is his first boat and neither him nor I know anything about boats. We've taken an online course and learned a decent bit about "rules" and I am going to start looking for some practical courses that we can take to get us more comfortable with everything.

He purchased the boat last weekend and we are now putting together a shopping list for the things he will need for the boat. The dealer through in a 4-pack of life jackets, 2 dock lines, a throw cushion, and an anchor, otherwise the boat has nothing.

Below is a list of stuff I have put together on Amazon and I am coming to you guys to take a look at the list and let me know if the items are good, the prices are good, or any other advise you may have related to what is currently on the list, what else should be on the list, and what, if anything, should come off the list.

Bald Mike, if you happen to see this, feel free to PM if you believe you can beat the prices of what I have on there, or if you can match with a better product.

Keep in mind I have an Amazon Prime membership, which means everything on this list comes with free shipping.

A couple details about the boat that may or may not help...

It is a 2006 262EX with 250 hrs (all services are current).
It will be stored in dry stack at Lazy Days on Lake Lanier in GA.

There are a couple items not yet on the list, but I think those are going to require some more "in store" and "in person" input and those are a set of skis, a wakeboard, maybe a tube (or some other fun towable floating item) and a line to pull it all. Also, a keel guard.

Anyway, here we go (these are in no particular order).

Anchor - Amazon.com: Fluke Galvanized Anchor, 18-Pound: Sports & Outdoors

Spotlight - Amazon.com: Cyclops CYC-9WS Thor-by-Sirius 9-Watt Rechargeable LED Spotlight: Home Improvement

Fire Extinguisher - Amazon.com: Kidde Mariner5 Fire Extinguisher with Pressure Gauge: Home Improvement

3 Lifejackets - Amazon.com: O'Neill Superlite USCG Vest (Pac/Nvy/Col, X-Large): Sports & Outdoors

2 more docklines - Amazon.com: Seasense Double Braid Nylon Dockline: Sports & Outdoors

Airhorn - Amazon.com: Falcon Safety Push Button Horn: Sports & Outdoors

Anchor line - Amazon.com: 1/2 X 200 Nylon Anchor Line with Heavy Duty Galvanized Thimble: Sports & Outdoors

Tool set - Amazon.com: Crescent 170-Piece Mechanics Tool Set: Home Improvement

4 pack of lifejackets - Amazon.com: Kent Type II Adult Life Jackets with Clear Storage Bag, 4 Each (Orange): Sports & Outdoors

2 packs of fenders - Amazon.com: Dock-Rite Smooth Twin-Eye Boat Fender(White\ 5.5 x 20-Inch) (Pack of 4): Sports & Outdoors

4 packs of fender lines - Amazon.com: Regal Connection 150538-11 White 3/8" X 5' Marine Fender Line - Pack of 2: Sports & Outdoors

First aid kit - Amazon.com: The Complete First Aid Kit - Includes Save-A-Tooth, Exceeds ANSI Standards, 100% Made in USA: Health & Personal Care

Anchor chain - Amazon.com: Shoreline Marine Anchor Galvanized Chain, 5/16-Inch x 6-Feet: Sports & Outdoors

2 anchor shackles - Amazon.com: Shoreline Marine Galvanized Shackle Anchor, 5/16-Inch: Sports & Outdoors

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

This is a Crownline ????

List looks OK, but there is always more to get.

Fenders are a bit small for that boat . . . Get 8" round . . . it will cost more, but so does gelcoat repair, etc.

Make sure you have enough life jackets for the maximum number of crew/passengers, plus a few smaller ones for kiddies, etc.

Anchor looks OK (18 lbs) get 12-15 feet of chain and a swiveling shackle in addition to the standard shackles . . else your anchor line will turn into a rats nest.

Also, have some spare line and maybe a few spare docking lines.

USCG emergency flare and signaling pack . . .

Binolculars

Handheld compass

Charts for your area

I'm sure others may have some more. . .

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

We assume you are talking about a Crownline 262 EX.

I see 7 more life jackets on your list. I guess since it may hold 11 people that is why?
List looks pretty decent, even though all is from Amazon. I'm sure you can do better on some items
with a little more shopping around.

 

[agallant80]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

GPS is nice for following your track line back at night until you know the lake. I have just a hand held. Also does the boat have a depth finder? Extra prop with nut and prop wrench is nice, you won't waste a nice day if you ding your prop...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

#1: install a wall-mounted bottle opener somewhere convenient. Also install cold beer.

waterproof flashlights (3)

Boat hook

does it have a VHF? If not install one. At least get a marine-quality hand-held for talking to boats and marinas nearby.

If you buy tools like sockets, get quality name-brand tools; the cheapies are good for fishing sinkers but that's about it.

Jumper cables (extra long)

50' of 1/4 line and 30' of mooring line in addition to what you have

Rain gear, sea boots (at least 2 sets). Extra hats (they blow off) and a small net to scoop up the ones that blow off.

A couple of plastic whistles; attach one to the life vest you are likely to wear.

back-up bilge pump.

If you carry a spare prop, be sure to carry a prop nut, too. You don't need a prop wrench but you need a wrench/pliers/socket that fits the prop nut.

There are lots of posts here about tool and parts to carry and so much depends on the boat, and where and how you will be using it. But think about things that don't take up a lot of room but can be used to fix many things: cable ties, hose clamps, duct tape. I highly recommend a new product called Rescue Tape. Also electrical repair stuff--jumper wires, clamps, splices, fuses, running light bulbs and a tester. A hammer and a small block of wood and a big screwdriver. When you're on the water you're on your own and you have to know how to fix stuff.

I don't know if you have a swim platform or ski ladder, but have the boat set up so that someone who falls overboard can climb back in unassisted.

Also, tie a 30' line on the throwable BEFORE you need to.

There are a lot of things that fit in the "good to have just in case" but you can spend yourself to death on them, so I keep an eye out at the yard/estate sales and used boat stores (find an old boater's moving-to-the-nursing-home sale!). For example, I carry battery powered running lights but I use them on several boats. I don't think I'd buy them new, but I can't pass up the used cheapies. i get lots of lines, anchors, fishing stuff, cushions and life preservers that way.

 

[Toddavid]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Portable tool kit.

Spare engine and drive fluids.

Extra bilge drain plugs (and wrenches).

Bailing bucket.

Muffs.

 

[briangcc]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

The only suggestion I would make is in regards to the life jackets....try them on! You may or may not like what you have chosen. They also may or may not fit you correctly. I'd normally say go to a Gander Mountain, Dicks Sporting Goods, Walmart, etc to see what they fit like but in my neck of the woods, they're just starting to dust off the fishing/boating gear and bring it to the retail floor.

And why so many life jackets? Are you expecting to have that many people out at the same time? I carry about a like number but sometimes I have my boat filled with teenieboppers who want to go swimming/tubing. If you only expect to have 4-5 guests aboard, just carry that many life jackets (plus one for you) and save a few bucks.

 

[drrpm]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

A pair of canoe paddles just in case. The T grip can be used as a boat hook too. A bunch of pool noodles can be fun to float around on in the lake. I usually have 6 of them.

 

[coastalrichard]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Dry Bag for emergency items, etc. secured to a PFD by a short line. If you have a catastrophic event, you can grab ONE bag and ditch with it. Install a permanent compass, GPS and depth finder; a handheld VHF will be fine for inland use. Although you will be operating in inland waters and, therefore, are not required to have a full complement of flares, etc., it is ALWAYS better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it (where have I read that before??).

Oh...and a credit card with ample limit for fuel

 

[JoLin]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Congrats on the boat- couple comments...

You said you're looking for additional courses? US Power Squadron or CG Auxiliary. Find a chapter in your area. Take a 'classroom' course. You'll get local knowledge that way. It's being taught by people who boat where you do.

The 5 lb. fire extinguisher isn't good for anything but show. You won't even get it aimed at the right spot before it runs out (3-5 seconds). I'd buy a pair of 10-pounders. I carry 4 of them on my boat.

Tools? I've put together my own set of tools and parts. There are only so many things I can tackle while I'm on the water. I won't be changing a head gasket. I carry a spare set of belts, hose bandage, some electrical fuses, wire, crimp connectors and the tools I need to change 'em. Be sure to pack a couple of spare fuel filters and filter wrench.

Don't carry all those PFD's on the boat until you need them. They take up a lot of room. I carry my wife's and my inflatable PFD's, plus 4 'bricks' aboard. I keep extras at home for when there will be more than 4 aboard.

(Question for you and anybody else who cares to answer... why do I carry a total of 6 PFD's if I won't have more than 4 people aboard?)

Communications device, definitely- but if nobody on your lake monitors the marine channels, a VHF won't be very helpful. You also need a CG approved safety/signal kit.

When you're ready to hit the water, have USPS or CG Aux do a vessel safety inspection. It's free. They'll let you know if anything isn't up to par. Lot cheaper than finding out when law enforcement stops you.

Have fun- be safe.

 

[Slip Away]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Wow, good suggestions, but really ? All that stuff on a boat for a day on the water Just in case?? Nice stuff to have for sure, but many of the suggestions could be left at home, and brought when needed, especially every imaginable tool.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Wow, good suggestions, but really ? All that stuff on a boat for a day on the water Just in case?? Nice stuff to have for sure, but many of the suggestions could be left at home, and brought when needed, especially every imaginable tool.

Yes, all good ideas and it is the 'safe' versus 'sorry' approach . . .

someone mentioned a throwable PFD, which is required. Check your USCG regs for what the boat is supposed to have in terms of safety equipment. If you get stopped it is best to have those things.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

I didn't realize they are bound to a small lake where they wouldn't need a lot of the stuff I suggested for coastal boating. heck,
they don't even need extra plugs.

 

[JoLin]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Wow, good suggestions, but really ? All that stuff on a boat for a day on the water Just in case?? Nice stuff to have for sure, but many of the suggestions could be left at home, and brought when needed, especially every imaginable tool.

I'm going to generalize big-time here, and hope nobody takes offense.

I can see your point, but most of us who responded are 'coastal' guys. Rough water, sudden bad weather and big open spaces. We tend to be extra cautious. I've seen posts by a few lake boaters who seem so unprepared it scares the bejeezus out of me.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Since the OP (and his Dad) are new boaters, it is better (IMHO) to start them off on the more prepared side . . .

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Socket & Screwdriver set

Women in bikinis

Super Soakers

 

[tpenfield]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Socket & Screwdriver set

Women in bikinis

Super Soakers

Probably will need the water ballon launcher at that point .

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

I think you have the things you "need" covered. What about what you want? What will the boat be used for? In addition to all the stuff you mention we typically have extra throw cushions to use as floats for swimming (you can sit on them in the water), not to mention other toys and ropes to tow folks (tubes, skis, knee and wake boards). We aslo have PFD's for the regulars and lots of spares for visitors.

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

...Fenders are a bit small for that boat . . . Get 8" round . . . it will cost more, but so does gel coat repair, etc...

+1 ^^^

The five inchers are too small for even an 18 foot boat.
Allow an inches of fender for each 3 feet of boat.

26/3 = 8"+
10" would be even better!

They'll look huge in the garage but real small at the dock!
They get pricey at that size, but much cheaper than hull repairs.
You won't need 8 fenders, or have room for all of them!
Start with 3-4 and see if that works for you.

They also double as great throwable PFD's!
Not for legal purposed but very practical!

 

[tazrig]

Re: New boat owner: Critique my shopping list

Congratulations on the buy! Just a couple of things I didn't see mentioned. If you are going to have any kids on the boat you'll need child sized PFD's and in addition to one or two manual fire extinguishers you might want to look into an automatic system for the engine compartment as gas and a few sparks can ruin your whole day.



Two of the bigger names in automatic engine room extinguishers are:

Fireboy-Xintex pre-engineered total flooding fire extinguishing systems

and

Sea-Fire Products USA