What should a new boater keep onboard?

[imported_Captain Morgan]

I recently purchased a 17' fish/ski boat with a 3.0L Mercruiser Alpha I/O. I'd like to know what items are a must to have onboard, including spare parts. Life jackets are obvious, but what else?

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

Since you and I both live in California; I could recommend that you pick up a copy of The ABC'S OF THE CALIFORNIA BOATING LAW-2006. It lists everything that is required for safety. Most boating shops and marinas have copies for free distribution. It's printed in Sacramento by the Dep't of Boating and Waterways...888-326-2822.

The other stuff varies depending on your expected activities (such as whether you venture very far from land) and level of skill.

I keep a simple toolkit that would enable me to replace a fuel line or sparkplugs or prop. I have some warmer clothes just in case I have to spend the night floating around somewhere...

I imagine you'll get a lot of lengthy replies with long detailed lists. I keep things simple mainly because I have a smaller boat without a lot of storage (maybe a good thing...)

Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[roscoe]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

http://forums.iboats.com/bbBoard.cgi?a=viewthread;fid=1;gtid=137405

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

i keep bottled water on board, you never know when a short trip becomes a long one.

 

[kbetts]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

TP, you just never know when you need to go!!!

 

[waterinthefuel]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

Keep the latest edition of your favorite magazine, incase the fish don't bite. Keep enough beer on board to make you not care if the fish don't bite. Keep enough food on board to fill your tummy incase same said fish don't bite.

Just make sure you don't drink and boat.....after your beers just take a nice quiet nap out on the water.

 

[Surffx]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

First aid kit is a must

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

Extra spark plugs, engine straps, socket and ratchet for spark plugs and prop, extra prop, bottle of motor oil, vice grip, 5 in 1 screwdriver, space blanket(s), rain suits(not in California...maybe sunscreen instead), bailer, whistle, paddle, anchor, floating flashlight, bottled water, energy food bars, throw rope (also good for towing), cell phone/radio.

...and hot babe in bikini (wife, spouse, girl friend, etc.).

 

[Mark42]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

Don't forget about Pirates!!!!

You will need a cannon, black powder, cannon balls, and a blunderbuss. That should keep those rascals at bay.

I used to have some RPG's, but the Coast Guard confiscated them after some Pirates complained that I sent their ship to Davey Jones Locker. Apparently you are not allowed to shoot contemporary weapons at pirates.

And as you can see, there are no Pirates around me.

 

[imported_Captain Morgan]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

Those are some great ideas so far, except the cannon and stuff. Should I be carrying a spare prop, impeller, hoses, belt, plugs, etc? I mainly plan on using the boat in central California lakes, not in the ocean, delta, or bay.

 

[Boatist]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

So much depends on your skill level.
No need to carry a spare prop if you do not carry a prop wrench, thrust berring spare cottor keys. You will need the wrench to get the old prop off, pliers to remove the cotter key so you can get the nut to turn. Thrust bearing because it will get dropped. Keep in mind that with a merc all this work will be done under the water.

Could you really change an impeller on the water. I could not.

Start with the basics.
Good Frist aid Kit.
Fire extinger even if you do not have a built in tank.
Good Anchor and at least 100 feet of line.
Tool box.
Coil wire and a long Spark plug wire.
Quart of Oil, and Wd40.
Spark plug, Belt, Hose, Points,but only if you carry the tools and have the skills to replace.
Electrcal tape, Duct tape.
Horn if not installed on boat.
Boat hook.
Fenders.
Tow Line.
Make sure you have the required throwable life ring or cushion.
Garbage can.
Water and Sun screen.
Spare key and drain plug.
In winter a towel and a change of close.
Bow and Stern line.
Fuses of every size you have on the boat.
On My boat when doing maintenance at home the tools I used stay on the boat in the tool box.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

The more you have on board, the more you can help yourself. Many of these items can be put under a seat and forgotten about for years ...if you are lucky. I have a 20 year old boat where the boat had quit a time or two. I was quite happy when I could just pull out a common part with some tools and in short order be back boating for the day. I boat on some large remote reservoirs miles away from nowhere and at our cottage also miles from a well stocked marine dealer. Consider when something does go wrong, I don't have to wait for days before I can get a simple part to get back on the water.

Most of the common parts I have on board are the old ones I changed out from a general tune up. They are still more than useable ...especially in an emergency.

 

[kbetts]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

I bought a small tackle box to keep all of my wrenches and sockets in while boating. I also have a utility knife in there just incase you get some rope or fishing line wraped around your prop. If your budget lets you, I would consider a VHF radio as well.

 

[wvit1001]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

The one thing that I have used most is my long jumper cables. Luckly I've never had to jump my boat but every year I've helped one or two people get their boat started.

 

[xtraham]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

your gonna need a bigger boat...............

 

[Mark42]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

Those are some great ideas so far, except the cannon and stuff. Should I be carrying a spare prop, impeller, hoses, belt, plugs, etc? I mainly plan on using the boat in central California lakes, not in the ocean, delta, or bay.

I must object. The cannon and stuff was excellent advice. How do you think I got to be a Captian? 8)

 

[imported_Captain Morgan]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

Those are some great ideas so far, except the cannon and stuff. Should I be carrying a spare prop, impeller, hoses, belt, plugs, etc? I mainly plan on using the boat in central California lakes, not in the ocean, delta, or bay.

I must object. The cannon and stuff was excellent advice. How do you think I got to be a Captian? 8)

A cannon would be great, don't get me wrong. But I've only got a 17' boat. So the cannon will have to wait for my next upgrade boat.d

 

[Bill Adkins]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

I may have overlooked it but if you venture into the ocean a marine radio is of the utmost of importance, I actually had two on board in case one quit at a really bad time. I did have to call for a tow once from about 15 miles out. It wasnt my boat but neverless I was the one stuck. Just a thought.
Bill

 

[stephenc8301]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

the only thing you need is a battery and a trolling motor.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: What should a new boater keep onboard?

I agree with the VHF radio big time. I don't go out without one and that even includes in my kayak as you can get quite far offshore drifting in the tide!