What can you not live without on your bass boat?

urban · February 21, 2013, 07:17:39 PM

I wanted to see what is a few of the most essential items you can't live without on your bass boat. The reason I am asking is because I just purchased a new one and I have no idea where to start! All thats on my list so far is lifevests and beer so I am not sure if im heading in the right direction here.....

Creel Limit Zero · February 21, 2013, 07:27:01 PM

For required gear, you'll need a throwable floatation device, sound device (whistle is probably acceptable), and fire extinguisher. Reminds me I need to check expiration on my fire extinguisher. Been a while.

Bigwrench · February 21, 2013, 07:39:22 PM

Life vests , throwable , 2-3 lengths of dock line, jumper cables,whistle/audible can horn, fire extinguisher, spare prop and pin for TM , Side cutters(dykes) , cell phone , first aid kit, spare plug,small tool set , flash/spotlight and spare fuses
Sun screen and toilet paper , wet/cold weather gear

MommaWrench · February 21, 2013, 08:55:16 PM

Quote from: Bigwrench on February 21, 2013, 07:39:22 PM
Life vests , throwable , 2-3 lengths of dock line, jumper cables,whistle/audible can horn, fire extinguisher, spare prop and pin for TM , Side cutters(dykes) , cell phone , first aid kit, spare plug,small tool set , flash/spotlight and spare fuses
Sun screen and toilet paper , wet/cold weather gear

Hmmm. Nowhere in this response do i c the name 'Tammy' or 'Schlich' btw Bigwrench. Lol. But thats ok......i know u like ur boat better when im on there with u!

bigjim5589 · February 21, 2013, 09:25:18 PM

The safety equipment is certainly essential, but that should also be common sense. Besides, it's required by law I believe.

Here's an essential I think!

urban · February 22, 2013, 07:19:10 AM

Well, my list expanded exponentially... I'll have to start gathering all this gear. I think the diamond in the rough was the toilet. Would have never thought of that... It seems that whenever I "invite" the significant other on one of my adventures her bathroom break ratios increase greatly. Now there is no chance she's getting me off the water.

Any other "essentials" please let me know!

bigjim5589 · February 22, 2013, 07:56:18 AM

Urban, I learned that the hard way! I fish from a Gheenoe or a jon boat. I have 3 boys & a daughter, all of which like to fish. The boys were not a problem. I don't use a motor with the Gheenoe, only paddles! When a girl needs to use the facilities, & you're a long way down the river, it's a big problem!

That & a big towel was the best solution I found!

My kids are all grown & out on their own now. I'm a lot older, but still fish from the Gheenoe. It's a long paddle back for me too now!

Creel Limit Zero · February 22, 2013, 08:43:13 AM

I have a suggestion instead of toilet paper. I always have a box of baby wipes for those moments you have to go. Toilet paper is just one rainstorm away from a mess, while the baby wipes are much better for use in the

bigjim5589 · February 22, 2013, 09:26:03 AM

Creel, great suggestion! My wife buys them by the bulk box @ Costco. Grandkids!

Bigwrench · February 22, 2013, 09:30:30 AM

Lol we use baby wipes also

Forgot about those

bassn1 · February 22, 2013, 09:41:53 AM

Quote from: Bigwrench on February 22, 2013, 09:30:30 AM
Lol we use baby wipes also Forgot about those

Never forget them. They are the difference between a pleasant day and an itchy painful day

urban · February 22, 2013, 09:50:04 AM

its amazing how the small things in life really make all the difference.

Oldfart9999 · February 22, 2013, 11:59:57 AM

Quote from: Creel Limit Zero on February 21, 2013, 07:27:01 PM
For required gear, you'll need a throwable floatation device, sound device (whistle is probably acceptable), and fire extinguisher. Reminds me I need to check expiration on my fire extinguisher. Been a while.

You also need an anchor with enough line to hold in deeper water. No 'fense but I would leave the beer home, I just don't like drinking on the water, we lose boaters here every year, BWI, they like to run into each other, concrete piers and fall overboard and drown and after watching some of these nummys flying around I just think it's better to my drinking at home in my recliner. Enjoy the new ride.
Rodney

urban · February 22, 2013, 02:21:11 PM

Appreciate the tip oldfart, and for your assurance I do not drink and drive. More of a luxury for the passengers... I work in The District Attorney's Office of my county and after seeing the cases that cross my desk I would be the most ignorant person in the world to do such a thing. I really do appreciate the concern though.

West6550 · February 23, 2013, 06:15:35 AM

First thing I did was check the state wildlife site and coastguard (center console) boat here. I made sure I had those things. (Life vest, whistle, etc) Measure your locker areas so you can get tupperware cases for tools and stuff.. extra fuses, electrical tape, and a simple set of tools. Trust me.. carry extra fuses for the crank line lol. I also carry a few 88¢ ponchos from walmart. A couple sets of pliers.. remove hooks, cut hooks out of your arm lol loosen a nut on the boat.. always needed lol I carry a jug of distilled water.. you can flush your eye, flush a wound and if your thirsty well duh it's water. Almost forgot sunblock, bug spray, also nail clippers are great for trimming line and cutting right on the knot. Oh and I always carry a pocket knife, most the time I carry my pistol too. Just think.. passing a canal and a dude on the bank robs you... were you gonna go?... it happened here a few years back but unfortunately he was killed. Good luck and enjoy the boat!

Bigwrench · February 23, 2013, 06:37:01 AM

Quote from: West6550 on February 23, 2013, 06:15:35 AMOh and I always carry a pocket knife, most the time I carry my pistol too. Just think.. passing a canal and a dude on the bank robs you... were you gonna go?... it happened here a few years back but unfortunately he was killed. Good luck and enjoy the boat!

I always get back in the coves on our lake and worry about bears lol. That and snakes ! Maybe some sort of pepper type spray (if you dont own a weapon) and a snake bite kit ?

oldjim · February 23, 2013, 08:26:35 AM

Not so bad here in Lousiana, when I lived in Florida during mating season the gaders would want to get in the boat with you. So you may need that 9mm.
Oldjim

TNDiver · February 23, 2013, 11:46:59 AM

I would also carry a few space blankets or other types for when you are on the water and temps change and passengers get cold. It has happened to us a few times. I know space can be a premium, but a couple wind proof jackets/blankets can be helpful for cold or other things. I would also seriously think about a flare gun. It can help signal your location in the dark AND be used for self-defense, start a fire, etc. We got stranded on a sand bar, and if you can't get reception, how are you going to signal you need help, other than the whistle/air horn, which on a windy day may not be effective or you are too far for anyone to hear.

Andrew · February 23, 2013, 12:23:29 PM

My mercury, my two humminbirds, rmc mounts, revo's, curado's, my hog farmer alabama rigs, hack attack jigs, trokars, kimber tactical pro 2 .45, gopro black edition, and my boatus angler towing membership card...

West6550 · February 23, 2013, 08:58:02 PM

Here in Winter Haven, FL lot of the canals go under large bridges or down by lots of houses. Most canals are safe. 13 lakes connecting that span almost 3 citys, each with there own little rough patches of people. I know of two that a lot of homeless guys hang out under. They could be coming down off something and decide to rob you. Most people out are enjoying the water. But you never know. Oh and BigWrench lol if a bear is close enough for me to mace him lol I'm in trouble!! Lolol Cool fact for you, it's legal to OPEN carry a " Dart firing stun gun " aka Taser. If you wanted non deadly that's the route I would go.. they fire 21 feet. There is a video of a bull getting knocked down by one! Crazy powerful and non lasting injures.

urban · February 25, 2013, 07:54:53 AM

Thanks for all the advice everyone, everything went great and I purchased almost all that was suggested to me. I picked the boat up on Saturday and everything went smoothly. I cant wait to get it on the water.

2012 Tracker PT 190tx

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West6550 · February 25, 2013, 01:33:45 PM

Good looking boat! Enjoy!

Oldfart9999 · February 25, 2013, 07:05:28 PM

Mighty fine looking rig! So where are you going to put everything, we said?LOL
Rodney

urban · February 26, 2013, 07:15:47 AM

haha I havn't figured that out yet. Could take months of planning with all the stuff I got

Hackle · February 26, 2013, 06:26:53 PM

well im 19 and cant afford a bass boat..but on my kayak i never forget a raincoat..never know when a summer time storm is guna show up on the water..also always have a picture taking device and sunblock/ sun wear items like neck guard and gloves.. you dont wanna be the guy who gets skin cancer from bass fishing all day...