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?

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

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.

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.

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

Thanks, Chuck.

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

Thanks!

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?