Making a NEW boat owner laundry list

[OutdoorGirl]

I was just sitting here with not much to do. So I just though about posting a little stuff. Thought about walking the shoreline at Silverwood today because the weather was good. This post kept me from spending money. Thanks HA HA!!

Glad to help you save some dough while I'm racking up all the money I'm gonna spend, lol! Thanks again that info was awesome. It's a lot of stuff I need to get but a little at a time I guess.

[Karyn]

Congrats on your boat! Going out is a ton of fun! I have a little 12 foot Valco with a real simple laundry list: life jackets, whistle, red flag, oars, air horn, small speaker for ipod, a compas, and suncreen (50+ and lip suncreen). I have one extra rope and one with the anchor tied to it. Polarized sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat are a must. OH! a small towel and a medium towel... Usually, I bring a lunch, water- and other adult beverages, and a few snacks..mmmm and the fishing stuff. I am sure there are a few things I might have forgotten... but pretty much that's it...

I do not have a fish finder- I just follow the boats and listen for the hoopla :) Have fun out there and be safe!
Karyn

[5150fishn]

Congrats on the boat win. I really thought I was going to be taking it home with me! Well that obviously didn't work out to well. LOL! But I did take second place so I guess I can't complain too much. Karyn pretty much gave you a good list of the basics but you really need to put some chain on your anchor before the rope.

[Hometown]

LIKE 5150fishn said Karyn has the basics covered but put 15 feet of chain in front of anchor but you need a small fire ext. also and allways grab the number of the lake office before setting out.Oh and that 9.9 outboard will push that boat real nice.Enjoy your prize

[OutdoorGirl]

Thanks again everybody for all the awesome advise! I'm making a laundry list my paycheck can't cash, lol. But looking at that brand new boat in my backyard makes me feel up-i-ty! LOL

[Karyn]

Yep... I forgot the fire extinguisher! sorry... If you go into the ocean, you need flares. To get my list going, I went to a few lake websites and took a look at what each lake required to launch and went from there.

Someone (sorry I forget who it is) gave me some really awesome advice- to take a boat safety class. I would definitely suggest it. The class was very informative and I learned a whole lot.

Also, I don't know if you are good at backing up- I am still learning- so I take my boat to a parking lot and practice before I get to the boat launch. Nothing is more embarrassing than jackknifing!

Also, make a list of the things you have to do when you launch and a list of what you have to do when you put it back on the trailer. It can all get a little tricky. Good luck :)

[Sandman_Tracker]

Everyone gave you a nice list. Karyn had a good idea about visiting Lake Websites and viewing their required list. You’ll find that the minute you think you have everything, there is something else you want or need.For example I didn’t see anyone mention, rod holders (for storing), net, bilge pump (if you haven’t got one already), bumpers, small set of extra tools, I always keep raingear on the boat, waterproof bag (storage) for documents and manuals, small flashlight, first aid, and did it come with lights?

And yes, please practice backing up….lol. I was at Perris last week and told the guy checking the boats, “ya know, I think you guys need to make it a requirement that you have to know how to back a trailer up before coming here”. Man, I seen em’ going in and coming out…lol

Also, another piece of friendly advice. Get the boat ready for launch up top, not down at the bottom of the ramp. I personally get everything done up top, that way when I get down, I disconnect the strap and back in….I’m in and out. I can’t stand when people are at the launch ramp having pinics….lol

The want/need list is never ending.......but the fun keeps going and going.

[Karyn]

And the cup holders- gotta keep the Blue Moon safe! Bumpers are good too...There are some cool cup holders and rod holders out there or you can make your own- for a few bucks- all you need is some PVC pipe, a few screws, and a hacksaw.

[Norma Stitz]

vessel assist

[Koshaw]

I would do some research on anchors and practicing anchoring since especially at Irvine Lake, spinning around is a pain due to currents and wind. Also, a trolling motor and battery helps for trolling =).