Bought a 16.5' Bass Boat last weekend. First NEW boat in my life. It has 2 live-wells, rod lockers, a 70hp Merc, cup holders, seats and poles and not much else.
So far I purchased:
• 2 Locators - for front and bow by trolling motor
• Trolling motor and mounting brackets
• Dual Bank Charger
• Batteries
• Boat Bumpers
• Docking Lines
• Life Jackets - 2 Suspender types and jackets for guest and DNR wardens I may meet
•I am looking at Anchor winches, but may just do old school crank ups until a future season when I have more funds. I have spent a fortune. The MinnKota Deckhands are also WAY to big for the small triangle the Trolling motor is on in the bow. I might just put one in back so I can hit a switch and head to the front.
• I need anchors, looking at 17lb Navy Style cause, my old, beat up and broken back doesn't want to lift the 20+ pounders more than I have to.
•I am thinking of adding Live Well Timers so I don't have to run them constantly.
What else am I not thinking of? What do you guys recommend?
If
Bought a Boat - What all do I need???
You will soon learn it would of been cheaper to walk to the end of the dock and just throw your money in the water. However, since we are all here now... ; ).
Some simple items
Extra boat plugs, can be used to plug live well intakes in the event of a snapped fitting.
Duct tape & electrical tape because at some point you will need it
Lock tite, because at some point most of the screws will come loose in your boat.
An assortment of hose clamps, from fuel lines to live well & bilge.
An extra cartridge to replace bilge or live well pumps.
A small volt - ohm multi-meter. Invaluable when chasing down an electrical issue.
Assortment of bolts that hold your trailer together
Scissors jack for quick boat tire change out
Spare pig tail for your trailer spare trailer bulbs and fuses.
Look now at your tow vehicle and if equipped know what fuses under the hood control your trailer turn signals, Have some extra of those fuses.
Get your system down that works for you for putting boat in and taking boat out. Don't let any one get your flustered or make you go faster. Know your checks and follow your process, be extra weary when someone is trying to help.
good luck
Keep ‘em coming, my shopping list is growing! Thanks for the tips.
I spent more on trolling motor and electronics than some of the nice used boats I saw online!
For now my goal is to pimp it out and only make minor changes later.
Just got old school hand crank ups for the anchors. Last set at a marina. I don’t want lake muck in the boat.
Just want the dang ice to melt!!!
