"Must Have's" in the Boat?

I just picked up my first boat & I’m excited to get the family out!! Now, the question I have for all of you is, What are some of your MUST HAVE’S in the boat? I know the obvious to stay legal (life jackets, throwable, fire extinguisher, etc.) It’ll be a family boat with my FW & 2 kids (10 & 11) with most of the time fishing & recreating. Just looking to compile a list things I will most likely need at one point or another. Or “must have” in the boat. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks for any replies,
Nick

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Medical kit of some kind can be a few band aids and ibuprofen to the full monty. I like a pair of binoculars can be the best sonar some days. Bug Spray, spare sunglasses, sun screen, larger tape measure for those unexpected fish, multi tool, some sort of tape, and fish counter or clicker. I’m sure there are many more but this is a few things that are in my glove box.

Congrats on the boat! To many things to list really but I will start it off with a little johnny in case there’s to many people around and a portable jump pack.

Tool kit, TP in a zip lock, lots of duct tape, an anchor and rope, docking lines, bottled waters, a fly swatter…for a start.

Spare fuses
Spare remote battery
Jumper cables
Adjustable wrench

Fly swatter was already mentioned, but i need to second that. Does not eliminate the problem but feels good to get revenge for the bites.

I just put in a portable jump pack, also said above. My electronics drained my starter battery one day last year and i needed to use my trolling motor batteries to jump the outboard.

Small bottle of dawn dish washing soap. Phone charger. Drift sock. 100 feet of extra rope. Lug wrench that fits the trailer in case you fush with a buddy and he uses his vehile to tow. Fuses, electrical wire, twist connections.

39degrees wrote:

I just put in a portable jump pack, also said above.

This is a smart idea. Not only helps you jump a battery in your boat, but if you need a boost in your vehicle too. I’ve got one but I’ve never had to use it. Knock on wood

Basic hand tools
Electrical tape
Fish towels
Landing net
Bumpers
Tie ropes
Zip ties (Dale’s favorite “must have”)
Bug dope
Sun screen
Emergency water
Extra plugs for the hull and live well
Lighter
Spare spark plugs for the 2 stroke
Extra injector oil
Pliers, clippers, jaw spreader
Hook sharpener
Spare hat
Headlamp/ flashlight

That’s what I get off the top of my head. Im sure there is more but that’ll get you started.

Does your boat have a horn? I think they’re required and my older Lund did not have one.

I have a portable horn within reach, DO NOT get the air horn in a can. I have the one using a plunger.

Perhaps a floating cell phone case with a tether?

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Coffee can for emergencies…..multiple types!

Baby wipes instead of TP. Waterproof and ladies will appreciate it.

A bolt or pin for hitch tongue in case yours falls out. I lost mine some how and had to improvise.

Had to use a jump pack one time too. Keep it charged of course.

Also get a piece of wire, wide and flexible enough to break up any debris or ice build up in the pee hole…..been there too.

Nice boat btw

Opps i forgot, Plastic Garbage bags. Many uses for those.

The other thing i found helpful is put all the stuff mentioned in smaller bins/totes with a good lid then put those in your storage compartments. First hard rain all your stuff in storage will be soaked. Easy to open the storage compartment remove the small bins and let it all air dry.

Can’t believe no one said beer!

Great list guys!! Some of the things I do have, but most I don’t.
Keep em’ coming!!!

Drizzy Musky wrote:

Can’t believe no one said beer!

I thought that was mandatory?

Anchor and rope. Strong enough for a tow. The towed boat is expected to provide the tow strap.

Potty pail.

Jaw spreader for northerns, keep it next to the needle nose pliers for hook removal.

Driver’s License, registration card and insurance (if you have a policy).

If stopped by sheriff or CO, you will be asked for driver’s license.

Enjoy the water!!

Pete

I keep an old plastic mug for urinating in, especially in bigger waves. Just dump over side and rinse. Cleaner and safer

Craig Sery wrote:

I keep an old plastic mug for urinating in, especially in bigger waves. Just dump over side and rinse. Cleaner and safer

I use a urinal like you find in hospitals. Works really well.

Cheap set of rain gear for the unexpected storm or guest who forgets it.

Wet wipes and a dry sack with tp.

mahtofire14 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Craig Sery wrote:</div>
I keep an old plastic mug for urinating in, especially in bigger waves. Just dump over side and rinse. Cleaner and safer

I use a urinal like you find in hospitals. Works really well.

Like I mentioned earlier we called it the little Johnny, I think a company used to call it that. They have a screw on cap with a gasket, not that you would transport it but it works nice.

Spare prop hub and cotterc key.

Whoops misspelled cotter…

mnfisherman18 wrote:

Cheap set of rain gear for the unexpected storm or guest who forgets it.

Totally agree. I have a couple of the cheap ponchos too. Like the ones you can buy at fleet farm check out for $1 folded up in the super small package.

I have used them myself when the rain gear was left in the garage.

I also have a plastic space blanket.

Were flashlights mentioned already?

clean underwear

I didn’t see a sharp hunting knife in case you have to cut an anchor rope in a hurry.

Wire cutter/snips in case some gets a hook stuck in flesh somewhere.

Spare drain plug. Don’t ask why I know

Thanks everyone! Time to do some more shopping!

Where is your favorite Boat “Supply” store? & please don’t say Wally World.. I won’t go in there!

IceNEyes1986 wrote:

Where is your favorite Boat “Supply” store?

Aside from the pine city Walmart, I think the Cambridge fleet farm will be your best bet!