Shopping list for a new boat

[livendive]

So it's been a pretty expensive week. I bought a Silverton 310, a trailer for it, a 9.5' inflatable dinghy for it, with 5 hp Merc OB, and a chartplotter. I bought a year's worth of insurance, and paid an initiation fee to the local yacht club, and am now ready to work on the smaller but no less important stuff.

I still gotta pay for shipping, but hope to have her here somewhere between the end of next week and the end of the following week. She'll be coming to my house and I'll need to outfit her with some basics before her inaugarul (for me) launch. She'll be getting here pretty much empty, so what do I need to stock up on (please add to list or make suggestions for types/sources as you see fit)...

Life preservers, wearable and throwable
Bowhook
Chart
Basic first aid kit
Basic tool kit
Airhorn
TP for the head (anything else needed in there)?
A shorepower cord for when I pull into a slip the first time
Lines and fenders

What else?

Thanks!

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

TowBoat US or similar
GPS with sounder and possibly radar (Go big or go home, right?)
VHF(s) - I like a fixed mount and handheld
Cleaning supplies - towels, wax, cleaners, deck brush, hose
Deck key (for the fuel cap)
Floaty key chain
Sunblock

Also important:

Two weeks off work to enjoy the new boat
Winning lottery ticket to pay for it
Bevy of boating beauties to enjoy it with you
A tow vehicle capable of moving that beast - can't imagine what that might be

 

[livendive]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Towboat US or similar...you mean towing coverage? I bought a Progressive policy, and I declined the towing coverage because I'm not sure we even have commercial tow boats in my area. I was told I can add it on if I wish.

GPS with sounder...bought a 546s with transom transducer on Friday, hope to have it before the boat even gets here. Radar will have to wait a bit. :redface:

VHF already mounted, but I don't have a handheld.

Any suggestions on wax type?

I'll go looking for a deck key.

The bikini clad bow beauties are my girlfriends responsibility, but she's sizing up all the girls she meets for their eye-candy potential.

And yeah, my half-ton ain't got the guts for this thing, so I'm keeping an eye out for a one ton dually.

Thanks for the reply! Anyone else?

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

where are you?
I assume you are keeping it in a slip--got bottom paint? If you are not trailering it, just rent/borrow a tow vehicle.
Anchor and line
When you get your flares, think about getting a couple of sets. I hate to say this, but boats sink fast, so you need to be able to grab them from whereever you are.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

You'll get as many answers on wax type as there are waxes. I've tried several with mixed results. I like Maguire's Color Restore if you need to bring back the gelcoat. I also like 3M Finess-it, though it takes a little more effort and is difficult to find. I typically follow with 100% carnuba. I have not had any better luck with the synthetics.

I would check in your area (What body of water are you on?) for commercial tow companies. I had to be towed 12 miles last fall. If I had not had insurance the bill would have run just over $900.

You'll find the deck key at West Marine or your local marine dealer. Shouldn't be more than a couple bucks. You can also use a quarter or the "handle" part of a normal key in a pinch.

Good luck and enjoy! Oh, one other thing. They make these great floaties with an inflatable ring and netting to sit in...and cup holders. Picked up a couple at Basspro and a couple at Target. My sister-in-law got me a floating cooler to go with the floating chairs last year for my birthday. Killer. That thing is a must have as you can keep 12 beers cold and close to you without having to get back in the boat.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Plenty of dock lines as well.

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Is this your first boat?

 

[livendive]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Is this your first boat?

Yep...not my first time on a boat, as I spent a few years as a commercial fisherman, but my first foray into fiberglass, and the first that's actually mine.

 

[Divecaptchris]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Beer!:d

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Aside from one pfd for every passenger on the boat, you also need one throwable pfd. You'll need a fire extinguisher, a visual distress signal (ie. orange flag, handheld flares), an audible device like a whistle or air horn. Check your placards too. Towing coverage is a must. Here, Sea-tow gets $300 an hour to come and assist you. Someone mentioned dock lines. Keep a full set on the boat for transient docking. First aid kit. Add to that kit sun block and bug spray.

Check your local laws regarding towing, you will most likely need a wide load permit to tow that boat.

Most important of all, take a boating course. Your local Coast Guard Aux or Power Squadron will give these once or twice a year. Even if you learn only one thing, it's time well spent.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Just wanted to say congrats on the new toy and good luck.

 

[livendive]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Beer!:d

Haha! Is beer for admitting to notable firsts a customary penalty in boating too? Or are you just suggesting it as a general necessity? In either case, obviously.

 

[Divecaptchris]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

Haha! Is beer for admitting to notable firsts a customary penalty in boating too? Or are you just suggesting it as a general necessity? In either case, obviously.

Just stating the obvious!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

since you are/were a commercial fisherman, you are miles ahead on experience. relax and enjoy it.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

One extremely important piece of safety equipment was left off the list! You absolutely must have at least two bottle openers (incase one goes overboard). If not you could get stranded on a desert island and have to try to pry off bottle caps with your teeth.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Shopping list for a new boat

You'll need a fire extinguisher...

At least one B-II type or two B-I type, actually. More is better.