What Do You Have on Your Boat that You Love?

[Nemrod]

Well, blow me down, your right, seems they like to use the two interchangeably, hmmmm, must be a regional thing.

One other thing, a spare prop, a cheap one just in case and the wrench to replace it and SeaTow insurance. Sometimes I have heard they will not insure older boats so do your own research on that with your local SeaTow or whatever service you have in that area.

N

 

[matt_unique]

I concur about the dive ladder. I like the Garelik 4-step stainless steel ladder. You need to have a very sturdy mounting area though. Also, 4200/5200 is not sufficient sealant for installing anything exterior on a boat.

If you drill into a boat you should:

1.) Use a bit larger than what you need for your bolt/screw/etc.
2.) Use a Dremel tool or something similar to remove a bit more coring inside the hole without increasing the size of the hole through the outer fiberglass.
3.) Fill entire drilled out area with fiberglass resin mixed with something like cabosil to create a paste like consistency. Use duct tape or such on the other side of the hole to hold everything in, and pack it in there so there is no air space.
4.) Once cured, use the correct size drill bit for your bolt/scews
5.) Finally, use some 4200/5200 to seal in the space around/inside the bolt hole.

This way when the sealant shrinks, water will not be able to get to your core.

The name of the game with boats, particularly small boats is to pack what you need but be as light as possible. Trim trabs are a huge improvement but don't use them to correct a list, move gear to correct your list. Use the tabs to get on plane faster, to keep the bow down when necessary depending upon sea conditions, etc. I would also recommend a float switch for your bilge pump if your boat does not come with one already. Make sure it's wired such that you don't need to flip a switch for it to have power. I would make sure you have a backup means of battery power to start your engine. If not two batteries at least a battery powerpack with jumper cables.

You obviously need the USCG mandated equipment including a VHF, life preservers, signal devices, fire extinguisher, compass, etc., etc. I would also get at least a hand-held GPS, rechargeable spotlight, at least a basic tool set, spare fuses....I will have to think about it more to add to the list.

One of the most incredibly convenient items to have aboard a boat is baby wipes. They clean your boat, hands, seats, grease, everything.

 

[Going The Distance]

There isnt one thing that I dont like, but since you asked.... The three Mercs hanging on the back..

 

[Thalassamania]

1. Lines with clips that hang off the side to attach your gear to before you climb back in.
2. A pipe "trapeze" seat that you can deploy below th boat for deco.
3. A really long hose - a twenty five foot intermediate pressure line (see your local hydraulic supply hose to have one made) so that you can deploy your oxygen by just putting the second stage in the water. The regulator will still work OK.

 

[deeper thoughts]

We put in a freshwater shower in our last boat and its fantastic. My new boat has a freshwater shower and if you want to spend the money a garmin545s with the g2 vision card wow!!!!

 

[Nemrod]

I have a warning, Matt is dead on as always but for one thing, the power pack is an excellent idea if you get a quality unit, excellent idea but don't get that Made in China junk. I have had two of those I bought for my vehicles short out and one caught on fire and fire is not what you want on a boat because a fiberglass boat will burn to the waterline in a jiffy. I am sure there are some power packs out there that can be trusted but even the ones I saw at Sears and West Marine looked highly suspect as being the same thing that caught on fire except they were white instead of yellow and cost twice as much and still had that nice Made in China on them. Made in China means, it has poison if your a dog, lead if your a child and a waste of your money if your an adult not to mention standing in the unemployment line and if your a Chinese slave laborer it just means your one unit closer to being harvested for your organs--don't buy China--don't contribute to global warming, refuse to buy China products. OK, back to your regular channels and back to the shop for me.

N

 

[fireflock]

SeaTow (or TowBoat US), a ditch bag/kit, and a plastic card with VHF instructions in case the person on the boat when crap happens doesn't know how to use the marine radio.

A decent depth finder - I'd go for color if you can swing it.

A good ladder is worth it's weight in gold.

 

[offroaddiver]

one rule for me and everyone i know around boats... a good sharp knife easily reachable. after a buddy got his leg caught in the anchor line and bad rope burn... there was a titanium dive knife mounted where easily grabbed close to the helm. also great for cutting up fruit for the SI.

i like where any boat has O2. also remember to make up a paste of meat tenderizer and vinegar and just a bottle of vinegar.

A collapsible net is always fun to pick up that "whatever" without trying to lean out of boat.

DUCT TAPE I take a 8'' strip then wrap sticky to sticky then keep wrapping till a nice wad that fits into a pocket... usually have around 10 yards in just a few inches... and no cardboard to rot away.

Things i'll admit i'll steal from other boats:

a sealed jar of jolly ranchers, mints, and gum to help with that dried to bleh taste in mouth after an hour underwater.

mesh chum bags, shell bags, different sizes. lift bags, smb's, reels, bolt snaps.

 

[Teamcasa]

An extra person to stay on the boat while you go diving.

 

[captain]

The name of the game with boats, particularly small boats is to pack what you need but be as light as possible. Trim trabs are a huge improvement but don't use them to correct a list, move gear to correct your list.

I agree, but sometimes you can't move the load around. I once had an 18 foot I/O that had one 18 gallon on the port side and nothing on the starboard to counter balance it. Bad design.