So i went to the boat show and ended up putting a deposit on a 2008 speedster 200. It is my first boat. I was just looking for some essentials that should be on the boat. Tell me what you guys have on your boats at all times. Life jackets, anchors, etc. Things like that. Remember I am a newbie so dumb it down. :cheers:
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New to boating, need advice
- Thread starter Kitts
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i would have enough life jackets for the full capacity of the boat. an anchor is a good idea, a fire extinguisher and paddle are a must (even in a new boat). flares are optional here in maryland but i think you need a whistle or some sort of audible signaling device. keep the owners manual in there too, it actually has a lot of good info in case you need it. i also usually have a cell phone. if you are new to the water you'll be in check out some charts so you know where it gets shallow, even though these boats don't draw very much water. that should get you started anyway.:cheers:
What I would do is tell the selling dealer you want the "Coast Guard Kit" supplied for free with the sale so you won't have to be nickled and dimed getting the required equipment. THe kit will have everything needed to be legal. Usually retails about $100.00. Than add the necessary things not in the kit. It's a start, and the dealer should supply it if you bought it at a boat show.
Karl
Karl
sporsterjoel
New Member
Check you local coastguard they will give you a list of things you MUST have on your boat. Also be sure to buy a good VHF radio and your boaters lic. Im not sure about the US buy in canada boat lic will be maditory buy sept 2009.
Seadoopilot
New Member
good to have
I see you are in Michigan and I know the area , I recomend a GPS , If you are new to boating getting lost on the lake is a bit**. You can get one for about $150 today .
Keep some heavy Zip lock bags on board and use for Cell phone wallet and anything you need to keep from getting wet . Also , a cell phone will float in a zip lock. And you can use it while still in the zip lock . they even make special zip locks for cell phones but you dont have to go that far.
Extra mooring lines are always good .
Ratchet straps are better than the pull straps for tying down the boat to the trailer .
Berring buddies on the trailer.
a couple of dock bumpers are nice and I always have.
A new boat deserves a new boat cover .
Surge brakes on the trailer are Ideal .
Spare trailer tire.
Portable weather radio with alert
consider boat guids for loading on trailer if you have never done it
Bildge alarm is good for the novice ( thousands of people forget to put the plugs in every year ) and it lets you know when a problem starts , not when its a big problem .
All of the above are nice to have and pratical
The one thing I highly recomend is you take the coast guard boating safty corse. Many places its free , some charge $15 , does not take long
I see you are in Michigan and I know the area , I recomend a GPS , If you are new to boating getting lost on the lake is a bit**. You can get one for about $150 today .
Keep some heavy Zip lock bags on board and use for Cell phone wallet and anything you need to keep from getting wet . Also , a cell phone will float in a zip lock. And you can use it while still in the zip lock . they even make special zip locks for cell phones but you dont have to go that far.
Extra mooring lines are always good .
Ratchet straps are better than the pull straps for tying down the boat to the trailer .
Berring buddies on the trailer.
a couple of dock bumpers are nice and I always have.
A new boat deserves a new boat cover .
Surge brakes on the trailer are Ideal .
Spare trailer tire.
Portable weather radio with alert
consider boat guids for loading on trailer if you have never done it
Bildge alarm is good for the novice ( thousands of people forget to put the plugs in every year ) and it lets you know when a problem starts , not when its a big problem .
All of the above are nice to have and pratical
The one thing I highly recomend is you take the coast guard boating safty corse. Many places its free , some charge $15 , does not take long
Craigmri
New Member
Affordable GPS
Kitts,
I went with an affordable option recommended by some on here at seadooforum.com. I haven't received it yet but I'm excited to get it installed. Its basically the same model my brother has on his boat only his is color made by Lowarance(Lowrance and Eagle are the same company today I'm told).
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...h-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
What this GPS will offer that your Nuvi will not are a waterproof housing, navigational markers, depth readings and a larger display.
Craig
Kitts,
I went with an affordable option recommended by some on here at seadooforum.com. I haven't received it yet but I'm excited to get it installed. Its basically the same model my brother has on his boat only his is color made by Lowarance(Lowrance and Eagle are the same company today I'm told).
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...h-box.jsp.form1&Go.x=0&_dyncharset=ISO-8859-1
What this GPS will offer that your Nuvi will not are a waterproof housing, navigational markers, depth readings and a larger display.
Craig
Here's what I got
Starting with the must have list:
You must have a life jacket (personal floatation device or PFD) for everyone on board. Anyone under 12 must wear the PDF at all times while on board. Anyone over 12 is not required to wear it, but you must have one "readily available" for everyone. Everyone, regardless of age, who rides in a towable, water skis or wake boards must wear a PFD. I got the nicer, more comfortable Type III vests for our family and we picked up some inexpensive Type II vests at Wal-Mart (since guests rarely wear them on board and we can loan our nicer vests for the tube riders.
You also need a Type IV floatation device (ring buoy also known as a life preserver). This needs to be USCG approved, which means it's much more expensive than those cheap pool rings you'll see. If you get stopped by harbor patrol, you could be cited for not having the proper required equipment.
You need an oar. I recommend getting one that collapses. I found one pretty inexpensively on Amazon that collapses down to about 2 feet, so it stores in the floor storage easily.
You need at least a 2 lb fire extinguisher rated A & B. You can get a rechargeable 5 lb ABC extinguisher at CostCo very inexpensively. I think it was no more than $20.
If your boat has a working horn, that qualifies as your audible signaling device. Whether you decide to get another is up to you. You can get whistles that work even when wet for a couple of dollars, or a compressed air blaster.
If you'll be out on coastal waters (think ocean), you'll need one of several different kinds of visual signaling devices (like flares, smoke signals, etc.) This is not necessary for inland waters (i.e., lakes, etc.) I'm not sure where the Great Lakes fall on this requirement.
Not required, but a good idea:
2 or three fenders to protect your boat when docking. You can get 5"x20" Taylor Made fenders for $12 each online
Rope for docking and fenders. I just picked up 3/8" x 100' nylon rope at Home Depot and cut the lengths I needed. Much cheaper than buying pre-cut segments. It's marine-rated.
Buy a small plastic bin with cover (Wal-Mart or Target) about 12"-15" long by 6"-8" wide. Inside, put these items:
Wrench (like a ratchet wrench with a socket) to change spark plugs
3 NGK spark plugs
Some Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
A couple of kitchen-sized (13 gallon) trash bags. I like the ones with the built-in handles/ties.
Waterproof sunscreen
Some extra feminine hygiene products
A couple extra gallon-sized Zip-Loc bags
iPod adapter cable for the stereo (unless you aren't planning on keeping the stereo for any length of time). This allows you to control the iPod with the stereo (and the remote, including seeing the song if your remote has a display). About $15 online.
Put your registration, insurance papers, and boat manuals in a gallon-sized Zip-Loc
A first-aid kit. Sam's Club has a nice kit in a plastic bin with over 300 pieces, everything you'll need short of needing to perform surgery
, and it's about $20.
A "water-skier down" flag. Not many states require it, but it's a good idea, and they are not expensive. I picked on up with a suction cup mount (so you don't have to hold it for $5 online).
A larger plastic bin that you can fit in the floor storage (size depends on your storage area and door size, but my boat's door is only about 12" wide and I easily got an 18"x 24" bin. I put towels in there for everyone.
A tube/towable for the kids
A "Booster Ball" for the towable or, if you opt not to get the booster ball, get a tow rope that has Bungee® in it
Pump for towable (make sure it's a high-volume type)
Stair grip tape (it's like 2" wide sandpaper with glue on the back. You can get this at Lowe's or Home Depot in a 15' roll). I use it to put on the trailer on any part where I might want to step.
A boat cover from Poppy Company. http://www.poppycompany.com They're not the cheapest, but these covers are awesome. High quality, fit perfectly, easy to install, don't flap in the wind, let you fill up the boat with gas without taking of the cover, etc. Tell them you're a member here and ask for the Forum discount. I think it's 10% with free shipping.
Good to get sometime in the near future:
Extra trailer tire and mount for trailer (eBay)
Tire iron (I like the four-way, cross-shaped ones for best leverage)
Quick-change trailer jack (like this one, which stores easily): http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/S-M-1840046/
8' anchor (fluke style is most popular)
VHF radio (I recommend a portable, with dual channel capability--they're pretty cheap)
Hydro-Turf kit. Get 15% with the code "HYDRO15". Hopefully your boat didn't come with the carpet kit, because you're better off without the carpet and putting the money toward Hydro-Turf. You can buy sheets yourself cheaper, but you'll have to do all the cutting. I decided just to get the professionally pre-cut kit for ease and saving my time.
Some extra 5-gallon gas cans for longer boat outings so you don't have to pull the boat and go to a gas station or pay marina gas prices. Also pick up some silicon tube to attach to the can spouts because the new style cans don't have extendable spouts any more. Plan about 18" per can.
A cooler that fits in your storage bin/area so that you can bring it from the house/car right to the boat and drop it in. The Sea-Doo ones are pricey, but they fit perfectly.
Meguiar's M4516 Polish and M5616 Wax
Starting with the must have list:
You must have a life jacket (personal floatation device or PFD) for everyone on board. Anyone under 12 must wear the PDF at all times while on board. Anyone over 12 is not required to wear it, but you must have one "readily available" for everyone. Everyone, regardless of age, who rides in a towable, water skis or wake boards must wear a PFD. I got the nicer, more comfortable Type III vests for our family and we picked up some inexpensive Type II vests at Wal-Mart (since guests rarely wear them on board and we can loan our nicer vests for the tube riders.
You also need a Type IV floatation device (ring buoy also known as a life preserver). This needs to be USCG approved, which means it's much more expensive than those cheap pool rings you'll see. If you get stopped by harbor patrol, you could be cited for not having the proper required equipment.
You need an oar. I recommend getting one that collapses. I found one pretty inexpensively on Amazon that collapses down to about 2 feet, so it stores in the floor storage easily.
You need at least a 2 lb fire extinguisher rated A & B. You can get a rechargeable 5 lb ABC extinguisher at CostCo very inexpensively. I think it was no more than $20.
If your boat has a working horn, that qualifies as your audible signaling device. Whether you decide to get another is up to you. You can get whistles that work even when wet for a couple of dollars, or a compressed air blaster.
If you'll be out on coastal waters (think ocean), you'll need one of several different kinds of visual signaling devices (like flares, smoke signals, etc.) This is not necessary for inland waters (i.e., lakes, etc.) I'm not sure where the Great Lakes fall on this requirement.
Not required, but a good idea:
2 or three fenders to protect your boat when docking. You can get 5"x20" Taylor Made fenders for $12 each online
Rope for docking and fenders. I just picked up 3/8" x 100' nylon rope at Home Depot and cut the lengths I needed. Much cheaper than buying pre-cut segments. It's marine-rated.
Buy a small plastic bin with cover (Wal-Mart or Target) about 12"-15" long by 6"-8" wide. Inside, put these items:
Wrench (like a ratchet wrench with a socket) to change spark plugs
3 NGK spark plugs
Some Mr. Clean Magic Erasers
A couple of kitchen-sized (13 gallon) trash bags. I like the ones with the built-in handles/ties.
Waterproof sunscreen
Some extra feminine hygiene products
A couple extra gallon-sized Zip-Loc bags
iPod adapter cable for the stereo (unless you aren't planning on keeping the stereo for any length of time). This allows you to control the iPod with the stereo (and the remote, including seeing the song if your remote has a display). About $15 online.
Put your registration, insurance papers, and boat manuals in a gallon-sized Zip-Loc
A first-aid kit. Sam's Club has a nice kit in a plastic bin with over 300 pieces, everything you'll need short of needing to perform surgery
, and it's about $20.A "water-skier down" flag. Not many states require it, but it's a good idea, and they are not expensive. I picked on up with a suction cup mount (so you don't have to hold it for $5 online).
A larger plastic bin that you can fit in the floor storage (size depends on your storage area and door size, but my boat's door is only about 12" wide and I easily got an 18"x 24" bin. I put towels in there for everyone.
A tube/towable for the kids
A "Booster Ball" for the towable or, if you opt not to get the booster ball, get a tow rope that has Bungee® in it
Pump for towable (make sure it's a high-volume type)
Stair grip tape (it's like 2" wide sandpaper with glue on the back. You can get this at Lowe's or Home Depot in a 15' roll). I use it to put on the trailer on any part where I might want to step.
A boat cover from Poppy Company. http://www.poppycompany.com They're not the cheapest, but these covers are awesome. High quality, fit perfectly, easy to install, don't flap in the wind, let you fill up the boat with gas without taking of the cover, etc. Tell them you're a member here and ask for the Forum discount. I think it's 10% with free shipping.
Good to get sometime in the near future:
Extra trailer tire and mount for trailer (eBay)
Tire iron (I like the four-way, cross-shaped ones for best leverage)
Quick-change trailer jack (like this one, which stores easily): http://www.wholesalemarine.com/p/S-M-1840046/
8' anchor (fluke style is most popular)
VHF radio (I recommend a portable, with dual channel capability--they're pretty cheap)
Hydro-Turf kit. Get 15% with the code "HYDRO15". Hopefully your boat didn't come with the carpet kit, because you're better off without the carpet and putting the money toward Hydro-Turf. You can buy sheets yourself cheaper, but you'll have to do all the cutting. I decided just to get the professionally pre-cut kit for ease and saving my time.
Some extra 5-gallon gas cans for longer boat outings so you don't have to pull the boat and go to a gas station or pay marina gas prices. Also pick up some silicon tube to attach to the can spouts because the new style cans don't have extendable spouts any more. Plan about 18" per can.
A cooler that fits in your storage bin/area so that you can bring it from the house/car right to the boat and drop it in. The Sea-Doo ones are pricey, but they fit perfectly.
Meguiar's M4516 Polish and M5616 Wax
:blush::grouphug:It does seem like a lot, but that's because most of these items came with a lengthy explanation.
I put our 5 "nice" PFDs in the ski locker in the floor. I put the other 3 "cheapies" plus the fire extinguisher under the bow seats. The plastic bin with the towels and the collapsible oar also go in the floor locker. All those small items I mentioned go in the small bin in the glove compartment/passenger storage area. Of course, the trailer jack and tire iron stay with the truck.
For the tube we got, we use a kit that has bungees and suction cups to stick it on the back of the boat until we get to where we are going to put it in the water.
The fenders are stored in the rear locker with the tow rope for the tube and the first aid kit.
The gas cans stay in the truck, cable locked in the bed so nobody gets the idea that the gas is free for the taking.
I haven't purchased an anchor yet. Everything else fits in the boat and we still have the two underseat storage areas in the rear for our cold items (food and drinks). I have the 180 Challenger SE, so I'm not sure how the storage compares to the 200 Speedster.
The only thing I regret was getting the 24" ring buoy (life preserver). It was only a little more than the 20", so I thought, "why not?". Well, if I'd gotten the 20", it would have fit easily underneath the bow filler cushion instead of being in the way. Right now, we tend to bungee it to the passenger side window. I'd being willing to trade straight-up for someone with a 20". I'm thinking about ebaying or craigslisting it just to get the smaller one for convenience even though I will probably take a hit.
I put our 5 "nice" PFDs in the ski locker in the floor. I put the other 3 "cheapies" plus the fire extinguisher under the bow seats. The plastic bin with the towels and the collapsible oar also go in the floor locker. All those small items I mentioned go in the small bin in the glove compartment/passenger storage area. Of course, the trailer jack and tire iron stay with the truck.
For the tube we got, we use a kit that has bungees and suction cups to stick it on the back of the boat until we get to where we are going to put it in the water.
The fenders are stored in the rear locker with the tow rope for the tube and the first aid kit.
The gas cans stay in the truck, cable locked in the bed so nobody gets the idea that the gas is free for the taking.
I haven't purchased an anchor yet. Everything else fits in the boat and we still have the two underseat storage areas in the rear for our cold items (food and drinks). I have the 180 Challenger SE, so I'm not sure how the storage compares to the 200 Speedster.
The only thing I regret was getting the 24" ring buoy (life preserver). It was only a little more than the 20", so I thought, "why not?". Well, if I'd gotten the 20", it would have fit easily underneath the bow filler cushion instead of being in the way. Right now, we tend to bungee it to the passenger side window. I'd being willing to trade straight-up for someone with a 20". I'm thinking about ebaying or craigslisting it just to get the smaller one for convenience even though I will probably take a hit.
We have the Garmin GPSMAP 76 and it has been good for us.
http://www.towabletubesdirect.com/p...p-76-waterproof-handheld-gps-marine-gps-unit/
You have gotten some GOOD lists of things to have. i think everyone has covered things. Great help.
http://www.towabletubesdirect.com/p...p-76-waterproof-handheld-gps-marine-gps-unit/
You have gotten some GOOD lists of things to have. i think everyone has covered things. Great help.
Lutz Seadoo
New Member
Find out what you state requires you to have on board is a good place to start as it will keep you out of trouble in more than one way. Things above that I carry; Water - couple gallons of fresh drinkable water. Rope to tie up with cut to the perfect lenght. Extra key. It's my learner key but will do the job in a pinch. Cell phone in water proof case.
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