What do you keep on board?

[Rattletrap]

We are stocking our first boat (a pontoon) looking to see what things I'm not thinking of.


Thanks

P.S. Already have Beer on the list

[chaseisland]

The most important piece of safety equipment is an anchor with sufficient chain and line to prevent a powerless boat from going a-.ground

[Pricestavern]

• A set of basic tools (a Leatherman works well, too)
• A compressed air horn
• A good heavy-duty knife (to cut line, if needed)
• 2-way radio
• A second small anchor to use if anchoring in crowded areas
• Binoculars
• Compass
• Map!!
• Spotlight

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Pricestavern

• A set of basic tools (a Leatherman works well, too)
• A compressed air horn
• A good heavy-duty knife (to cut line, if needed)
• 2-way radio
• A second small anchor to use if anchoring in crowded areas
• Binoculars
• Compass
• Map!!
• Spotlight

Fenders
Boathook
Paddle
Designated Driver

.

[brk-lnt]

We also have a first-aid kit in a plastic splash-proof container with all the basics.

I always keep a couple of extra towels and rags stashed on-board as well for any spills/cleanups/whatever.

Some people carry a spare prop and prop wrench, not a bad idea for a newbie on a rocky lake

[Bob G]

My advise would be to go to Marine Patrol and get a complimentary boat inspection. With the new construction under way you may have to call them. I have 2 numbers for them 877-642-9700 and 603-293-2307.
AKA The Freshguy

[ishoot308]

Antigravity micro jump start...fits in your pocket and powerful enough to jump start a diesel engine! I keep one in all my boats, toys and vehicles. They work fantastic! http://smile.amazon.com/Antigravity-...vity+batteries

Dan

[DRH]

Make sure you have the following items that are required by NH law:

1. Coast Guard approved wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each passenger on board.
2. Fire extinguisher.
3. Horn or whistle.
4. Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) - day signals are required for all boats 16' or more except for manually-propelled boats and non-motorized open sailboats under 26', while night signals are required for all boats operated between sunset and sunrise.

(Source: "The Boater's Guide of New Hampshire", Seventh Edition.)

[Island Girl]

• paddle
• windshield cleaner and paper towels, (other cleaning supplies)
• plastic bags
• plastic forks, knives and spoons (takeout restaurants, ice cream
• windbreakers
• extra lines
• tow line and tow Y cable
• extra battery
• battery and plug in spotlights
• bucket
• twine
• extra screws
• duct tape
• extra fenders
• extra flotation such as cheap life jackets
• bottled water
• and my new fender extenders!!

IG

[Descant]

Originally Posted by Bob G

My advise would be to go to Marine Patrol and get a complimentary boat inspection. With the new construction under way you may have to call them. I have 2 numbers for them 877-642-9700 and 603-293-2307.
AKA The Freshguy

Should be 293-2037

[VitaBene]

The Lakes Region Sail and Power Squadron will give you a courtesy inspection of all safety items as will the USCG Auxiliary.

Contact member Misty Blue for USCG Aux or Green's Basin Girl for LRSPS (I have not been to Power Squadron in a while so my ability to performs inspections is lapsed).

[SIKSUKR]

Dont forget my favorite accessory...the cooler.

[Pricestavern]

Originally Posted by SIKSUKR

Dont forget my favorite accessory...the cooler.

...and a designated captain

[radiocontester]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

• paddle
• windshield cleaner and paper towels, (other cleaning supplies)
• plastic bags
• plastic forks, knives and spoons (takeout restaurants, ice cream
• windbreakers
• extra lines
• tow line and tow Y cable
• extra battery
• battery and plug in spotlights
• bucket
• twine
• extra screws
• duct tape
• extra fenders
• extra flotation such as cheap life jackets
• bottled water
• and my new fender extenders!!

IG

The fender extenders rock!!!!

[Bob G]

Originally Posted by Descant

Should be 293-2037

Thanks Descant

[NHskier]

Lots of good recommendations so far. I'd also suggest a Sea Tow membership for on-water assistance.

[NHskier]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

Antigravity micro jump start...fits in your pocket and powerful enough to jump start a diesel engine! I keep one in all my boats, toys and vehicles. They work fantastic! http://smile.amazon.com/Antigravity-...vity+batteries

Dan

You might want to check your battery on a regular basis. I bought this same model last spring to keep in my car. The Anti-Gravity XP-10 looked particularly good as the car has a large V8 so needs some kick to turn it over. When I removed it in the fall the case had buckled open and the battery was ruined. Not much good if it can't be kept in a vehicle. Very disappointing, particularly given the cost.

[DUSTOFF]

Originally Posted by NHskier

You might want to check your battery on a regular basis. I bought this same model last spring to keep in my car. The Anti-Gravity XP-10 looked particularly good as the car has a large V8 so needs some kick to turn it over. When I removed it in the fall the case had buckled open and the battery was ruined. Not much good if it can't be kept in a vehicle. Very disappointing, particularly given the cost.

If you read through the Amazon reviews, you'll see that a lot of knockoffs have been sold through third parties.
Do you know who the seller was?

http://smile.amazon.com/review/R1F36...ore=automotive

[fatlazyless]

A quart of vodka, and a loaded 38-cal revolver.....never leave the dock without it!


That infamous June 2008 Diamond Island smash-up with one person dead.....had a quart of vodka and a .38 on board in a storage drawer.... according to the newspapers ...... so why not?

[ishoot308]

Originally Posted by NHskier

You might want to check your battery on a regular basis. I bought this same model last spring to keep in my car. The Anti-Gravity XP-10 looked particularly good as the car has a large V8 so needs some kick to turn it over. When I removed it in the fall the case had buckled open and the battery was ruined. Not much good if it can't be kept in a vehicle. Very disappointing, particularly given the cost.

You unknowingly bought a Chinese knock off... Heard this story more than once. If you bought from Amazon you should contact them not matter how long ago you bought it and they will work with you and most likely credit you or replace it.

I have 6 of these, all authentic originals. All work great and no problems with storage in heat or extreme cold. They all work great!

Dan

[V ger]

Type 1 life jackets equipped with whistle strobe and dye marker for each crew member.

Inflatable life jackets with harness,whistle strobe, tether and dye marker

Man overboard pole with attached horseshoe buoy and floating strobe light

Extensive set of flares (hand held and launchable) orange smoke signals, dye markers, 40 foot long distress streamer and signal mirror

Handheld VHF radio as backup and hand held GPS as backup

Boat powered and battery powered search lights and many flash lights of various sizes, plenty of spare batteries

Charts, hand bearing compass, parallels, dividers, magnifying glass, binoculars

Throwable ring buoy

Inflatable dingy with oars

Three anchors various types and weights with chain and nylon rode

Medium sized first aid kit

Sun protection creams and hats

Sea sickness prevention devices and pills

Foul weather gear and boots

Medium sized tool kit

Spare parts

Fenders and dock lines with plenty of spare lines

Grill

[V ger]

Boat hooks

Buckets

Awnings

Horns compressed air and manual

Bell

Radar reflectors

Oil absorbent pads

Fire extinguishers

Sleeping bags, these may save a hypothermic persons life

Wooden plugs to stop thru leaks

[Dad sold the C * C]

Well Rattletrap,
There are a lot of good ideas here..... Now I just hope after all this stuff is stored you can still fit the family on the boat

I fitted out a new Toon last year, most of these have been covered:
- Sturdy knife with lanyard for defense against mis- behaving lines
- Extra line for when you pull away from a dock and your brother in law says "that was their rope, right"
- Extra anchor for when the first one is thrown in and you watch the end of the line go with it. ( and sand bars)
- extra sun screen. No jokes about sunburns
- trash barrel, with extra liners.
- I have a back pack that goes into the boat every morning; this has all the extra things glasses and contacts, cheap sun glasses, towel, shirt, windbreaker, hat, cash ( if friend's wallet goes missing at gas dock . ), sharpie, pen, paper.

I'm sure you will enjoy your new boat

[sum-r breeze]

All of these recommendations are excellent. One item that I always have with me on the boat (a 30 plus foot cruiser) is a ski tow rope. The rigid handle throws like a baton and the rope floats. I have used it for more than one rescue of a distressed swimmer. You can either throw it right to the person with pretty good accuracy or like getting it to a ski-er ....you can just tie it off to the boat....circle them with the boat and the rope will come to them in the water.

The Breeze
Wave 'cuz I'll be wavin' back

[Greene's Basin Girl]

Originally Posted by VitaBene

The Lakes Region Sail and Power Squadron will give you a courtesy inspection of all safety items as will the USCG Auxiliary.

Contact member Misty Blue for USCG Aux or Green's Basin Girl for LRSPS (I have not been to Power Squadron in a while so my ability to performs inspections is lapsed).

As a member of the Lakes Region Power Squadron I am certified to do a courtesy boat inspection. Merely PM me and I will meet you at your boat and do the inspection. I want to thank VitaBene for mentioning the Lakes Region power Squadron.

[lfm]

Super soaker squirt guns
Snorkel-mask, fins (don't forget the dive flag)
Noodles
Things to throw, rubber football, frisbee, woboba etc.

[noreast]

And a 2nd boat and tow rope to carry it all.

[NHskier]

Originally Posted by ishoot308

You unknowingly bought a Chinese knock off... Heard this story more than once. If you bought from Amazon you should contact them not matter how long ago you bought it and they will work with you and most likely credit you or replace it.

I have 6 of these, all authentic originals. All work great and no problems with storage in heat or extreme cold. They all work great!

Dan

While it's about a year ago I think I was paying attention to who I was buying from at that point as I'd heard about such problems. The packaging etc. was all legit so I don't believe it was a knock-off. But thanks for the tip to contact Amazon - will give that a try!

[garysanfran]

Enough said

[Orion]

Windbreakers have been mentioned a few times. Being a pontoon, you'll find that there is no protection from the wind and when the evenings get cool, the return trip from your favorite shorefront restaurant can be chilly. Also, when rain comes up suddenly, there is generally no protection. So we always carry a half dozen of those cheap plastic hooded rain ponchos for our guests.

[smith point boater]

Originally Posted by garysanfran

Enough said

and don't forget coozies

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Emergency blankets are a great addition and they take up very little room.

[LongshotLombard]

A Horse...If it sinks you can get on the horse and Mr.Ed will swim you in.:

[DRH]

Originally Posted by DRH

Make sure you have the following items that are required by NH law:

1. Coast Guard approved wearable Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each passenger on board.
2. Fire extinguisher.
3. Horn or whistle.
4. Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) - day signals are required for all boats 16' or more except for manually-propelled boats and non-motorized open sailboats under 26', while night signals are required for all boats operated between sunset and sunrise.

(Source: "The Boater's Guide of New Hampshire", Seventh Edition.)

It has been brought to my attention by several other Forum members that the NH Visual Distress Signals requirement only applies to "federally controlled waters" (e.g. coastal waters), which Lake Winnipesaukee is not.

Update: I performed an online search for an "official" source of information on NH boating laws that specifically address the VDS issue, such as an RSA that spells out the requirements, but could not find anything. However, there is some additional information regarding NH boating laws available at https://www.boat-ed.com/abc/abc_spec...dfs/nh_law.pdf, which is part of the boat-ed.com online NH boating certification course.

[Farfrumbehavin]

A small boat to tow behind you to put everything in. Doubles as life raft !