things to have in the boat

[jwmiller33]

its almost opener time, and i'm sure most of you guys (like me) are gearing your boats up for the big day next weekend, which got me to thinking. what are the miscellaneous odds and ends that you guys keep in the storage compartments of your boat for use out on the water? i am the type of person who would rather be over prepared then anything, so i like to have a little bit of everything in my boat. here is a list of a couple of mine

-spare plug

-150 ft of rope

-spare spark plugs

-extra prop

-reel grease and oil

-60 inch fabric tape measure (soft/flexible kind)

-air horn

-first aid kit

-duct tape

-electrical tape

-spare fuse

-extra oil

-socket wrench set

-2 screwdrivers

-a few random nuts and bolts for a potential on the water quick fix

-filet knife

as you can tell, i like to be over prepared in case of emergency on the water... almost all of that stuff fits in two small rubbermaids that are about 16 inches x 5 inches x 8 inches. one thing i would like to have that i dont already have is a spare gas line (have the older style red gas tank and an old 2 stroke)

is there anything else you guys keep in your boat that i havent listeD?

[Sherpa]

In case of an emergency I like to always have a tarp in my boat at all times. Also a space blanket, matches, water and something to eat like powerbars because they are easy to store and they keep for a long time. I doubt I will ever be stranded overnight out on a lake but if it happens I will be dry, fed and warm.

Also, don't forget TP. That's how you end up sockless for the day.

[jwmiller33]

TP is a great idea sherpa! thanks for the input. i am going to put a roll in my dry storage tonight! i can't believe i didnt have it in there already.

matches are a good idea too. i forgot to mention i keep a lighter in the dry storage compartment as well.

[traveler]

I'll trade all that for a good net man...

[flyfisher03]

I'd add an ABC fire extinguisher.

[BFJ]

Guys, Did I miss the Blow up doll??? ( PFD If a jumbo size!!

[Sherpa]

Oh yeah! A blow up doll is a must have.

[blakeb]

Flare

[Pat K]

A spare set of keys for your tow vehicle in the boat.

A spare set of keys for the boat in your tow vehicle.

[SkunkedAgain]

Duct tape

Bottle opener

Sandpaper for cleaning electrical connections

Wire - to bypass a burnt or bad section

Jumper cables if you have an electric start motor

[walleyewild]

Sealed waterproof flashlights and spare batteries

Electrical tape

Drift sock (not only usefull for drift fishing but usefull if you breakdown so you don't drift too far).

WW

[PierBridge]

A marine band radio and a bigger boat now!

[Grum]

2 paddles (or oars) are better than one

[deadeye]

JB Waterweld. If you can't fix it with duct tape this stuff will get the job done. Perfect if you manage to poke a hole in the Hull of your boat. It bonds and cures underwater.

[Redranger]

All add: Jumper cables,extra clothes, heater packs (spring / fall), lighter/matches.I have a 20' boat never could see a need for a paddle or oars!

[Ed Carlson]

Fuse's....be sure to carry spare fuses for all circuits on board, and for the tow rig.

Fuses on a motor are often omitted, or not even known they exist by many...good to tape spare spares inside the outboard engine cover just in case.

[Ralph Wiggum]

A crescent wrench comes in real handy at times.

Make sure you've got the proper-sized spark plug socket and socket for your prop nut.

Lug wrench and jack for your trailer.

[saunasisu]

Wire cutters (especially if your using downriggers). Coast Guard approved throw cushion. I also carry a manual bilge pump, just in case.

[311Hemi]

Wire cutters

Just ran out to the garage and threw that in the boat...thanks for reminding me!! After getting a Rapala lodged deep in the thumb last year this was required to cut the treble from the rap so I could then have someone pull it out for me.

[blakeb]

spare boat keys in truck and boat (2 sets)

spare truck keys in the truck and boat (2 sets)

you will never regret this

and dry butt wipe

[Ed Carlson]

spare boat keys in truck and boat (2 sets)

spare truck keys in the truck and boat (2 sets)

you will never regret this

Good plan!

Seen a lot of case's of keys locked in trucks at the ramp, or dropped in the water...good reminder.

[MuskieJunkie]

When I go on a fishing trip I bring a spare set of truck keys to give to someone to put in a zippered jacket pocket or bag. Learned that lesson the hard way....

I leave a spare set of boat keys in my boat all the time (and have had to use them

[Daze Off]

Fly swatter for those pesky black flies that circulate in the boat below the gunnels even on windy days...

[GlassEyeangler]

I was going to say TP as well; however, if you have it in your boat and other people are fishing with you...you can charge $.25 per sheet and BELIEVE ME - they will pay it!

Why not make money on Opener - Good luck tomorrow!

[ssaamm]

TP is good, but baby wipes are even better. The container keeps them fresh and out of the way. They are a little more soothing on the lower unit than TP. Good for masking the aroma a cheap Backwoods cigar before greeting the wife. The list goes on and on.