Equiping a boat
 

OK, I bought a 12ft Jon boat ww/ Minn Kota trolling motor about 9 months ago -- good deal -- $125. (Nothing else came with it.)

Now heres what I need, but add to it if you can think of stuff:

Trailer hitch and trailer
Seats
Oars
Life jackets (I have two young sons)
Anchor
Motor and gas tank
Marine battery
Paint (Pretty grubby looking in its current state)


Now, a nearby lake is designated non-gas motors only, so I don't need a motor and gas tank right away, which is good since they're the most expensive items.

On the wish list is marine plywood and carpet planking for a custom finish. Maybe built in compartments for live well, tackle, etc. A Bilge pump would then be in order -- in the mean time, a coffee can should do.;)

For a boat this size, a fire extinguisher is not required, but I may get one anyway once I get a motor.

What am I missing?

RE: Equiping a boat
 

JIm,

I would buy a can or 2 of contact cement and install indoor outdoor carpet. Very easy to do. Also if you r serious, you could get a depth finder.Bass pro carries an awesome portable one that shows structure,fish beneath the boat and up to 60 feet on the side. Around 200.00 You also may want to install a red/green light in the front. I made a deep well out of a cooler. I found an adhesive that you can glue an airater to the bottom of the cooler.Everything failed but......Shoe Goo.It has held for the last 7 years.Fish die fast in Florida plus the snakes,gators and birds will grab your fish. I have a heavy duty 10 footer. I can get to places the other guys can't.Once I had a 9.9 on the back.It was hydro planing. Have fun.
Chuck

RE: Equiping a boat
 

I consider a bilge pump a necessesity. Obviously, your going to need a battery charger. In your case, a 3 stage portable from wal mart will be everything you need. It will charge you battery fairly fast, and will maintain them when not in use.

RE: Equiping a boat
 

eto, don't forget the tie down straps when you get the trailer. I know it may sound obvious but since they didn't come together I know alot of people who didn't even think about them until they went to leave to go fishing.

RE: Equiping a boat
 

You mean lay it right on the aluminum, or on plywood like I mentioned?

Thanks, Chuck.

RE: Equiping a boat
 

I hear ya! I did think of that, but that is the kind of thing I'd be likely to overlook!

Thanks!

RE: Equiping a boat
 

About the trailer... I'm thinking of getting a 4' x 8' utility trailer, instead of a boat trailer. It's a flat bottom Jon boat, so I think it would go just fine on a utility trailer. Am I right?