Outfitting a new boat

[wanafish]

Hi, I'm in the process of outfitting my boat with an anchor system and a couple of downriggers. Plan on fishing the CR for salmon and gators as well as the high lakes for trout and kokes. Maybe even the ocean on nicer days. Boat is a North River Mariner 19' w/ 130 Honda and 8hp kicker. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Jettin' Fool]

I dont have any on my NR but I believe they have custom down rigger brackets for your boat available. I have no experience with them but you may want to check it out if your getting a new boat have them finance them in the package.

Fool :cool:

[CAGEY]

There are a lot of things you can put in a boat.

If you are going to fish the ocean make sure you have the correct emergency items, a good marine radio and a GPS unit. Then add some real good common sense to operating the boat and you should be ready to go.

:cheers:

[fish_on]

Now that you have the boat you need to refinance the house take all your equity and put it into the boat. After you have done that every penny you can spare has to go to bait, lures, rods, and boat accessories. A crack habit would be cheaper. :grin: Seriously a good box for lead is nice as well as one of those anchor rollers that motion marine sells.

[DEEPWATER]

WANAFISH

If you mount downriggers, I recommend that you place them as far aft as possible. If you have to make a tight turn, there is less of a chance of the cable getting tangled on the motor. I have a few extra holes in my boat from mounting the downriggers where I thought it would be convienent access. If the downriggers have the 4' boom you will definitely want to have the swivel bases which are a bit spendy. The swivel bases are nice even with the short boom which allows you to swing the boom in when coming along side the dock as opposed to removing the downriggers from their mount.

DEEPWATER

[Lured In]

Wanafish...not sure exactly what you are asking for, but if it is for what to buy, you are sure to get lots of input. Here's my .02.

The NR downrigger brackets are pretty cool and bolt over the rails on the back. I will pick up a set when I am in a position to get the downriggers.

Otherwise....(no particular order after the first one)

1. Safety first. Lifejackets, throw cusion, paddle, boat hook, flares, signal flag, fire extinguisher, extra boat plugs.
2. Sonar. Get the best you can afford.
3. Rod holders.
4. Big cooler (120qt or bigger).
5. Boat cover for storage.
6. Tongue lock for trailer.
7. Kicker lock.
8, Docking lines and fenders.
9. "pee" bucket
10. First aid kit (leave in boat)
11. Tool kit (leave in boat)
12. IFISH STICKERS! :cheers: :grin:

That should get you started. Enjoy the new boat and see you on the water.

[fop]

Bring
Out
Another
Thousand

Thats all I got to say about that.

fop

[garyk]

Here's one frequently overlooked -- do you have a lug wrench that fits the trailer's wheel nuts? Spare tire is good too.

If you're going on big water, forget the cheapo life jackets that the dealer had to give you, and invest in the best-quality ones designed to right an unconcious person. The inflatables are good too. But then it's your life.

One of those Ga-zillion candle-power spot lights that 'Joes or Harbor Freight sell for under $30 are real blessing when you need them.

[Silver Hilton]

Net
Dock ropes
good bow rope
scrub brush
fish cleaning tray that hooks to the rails
drink holders
compass
spare rope for the kicker
spare set of keys.

[wanafish]

Thanks for all the great responses! I should have been more specific though. I've got most everything suggested. Specfically looking for anchor systems and downriggers that would be a good fit for my boat(19' NR Mariner) Mostly would use downriggers for kokes.Anchor system for CR. Thanks!

[HawgJaw]

I would recommend the Scotty 1101 DR's. This is a 250' electric w/ swivel mount bracket. You can get them at Bob's in Longview for $369.00. The guy at cushman boats (WA) has a crab davit that hooks to the Scotty s/m bracket. Enjoy the new ride. HJ

[timinthegorge]

For downriggers.... Scotty #1116 with 5 foot boom, electric, quick, line counter. Sweet units.

For anchor system, I agree, EZ Marine's buoy system, rocker anchor, and either Motion Marine or Big Water Company's anchor roller/nest. Definitely saves on the back. I just got a BWC Anchor Assist, and I'm having it modified at a local metal shop so it can be installed without having to grind off my line guide on the bow of my 19' Alumaweld. :rolleyes:

Best of luck, and keep proppin' up the economy with ALL those purchases! You're a great American!! Since I got my boat last July, I know I've been doin' my part as well...... :grin:

[Lundman]

The ONE THING I haven't seen anybody mention is SUN SCREEN. This item can make the difference between medium well and well done. Get at least two bottles. Factor 30.

Also, get some tunes - CD players are great - music is controlled by boat owner.

Quik Draw Rod holders from Cabelas are sure nice.

Plan a good way to stow your dip net - they always seem to be in the way - maybe a extra rod holder for the net.

Marine band radio - a must even away from the ocean.

Just some items/issues that have surfaced lately in my boat. Have a great day on the water and make sure your have a throwable PFD handy at ALL times.