Best accessories on your boat?

[willyqbc]

So what is that one accessory for your boat that you have discovered is just so convenient/helpful that you just wouldn't be without it on any boat? Looking to outfit my new boat, have lots of stuff on my old boat that will be swapped over. Oh, it is an 18 ft smokercraft Phantom.....open bow, full stand up top etc.

accessory list so far

marine radio
2 humminbird fishfinder/gps combo's
forward control 9.9 merc kicker
windshield wiper
scotty manual downriggers, rod holders etc
possibly a custom made catch tank for ocean sized fish that can be removed when fihing freshwater
bait station/cleaning board/small storage box at the back, probably over the splashwell

So what do you have on your boat that you have just found to be an indispensable item???

Thanks
Chris

[pnbrock]

shitter hands down.

[Visle]

I have a clip-on 12 volt fan that oscillates and mounts on my dash to keep moisture off the windshied. Paper towels don't work first thing in the morning when the air is cool and humid.

[swamper]

Cup holders. I have the Scotty ones that fit into a rod holder bracket.

[SUAFOYT]

Sounder/chartplotter. Never thought I'd ever go out when it's socked in with fog. Makes it possible.

[Dannybuoy]

bumpers for tieing up at docks etc , anchor.

[Glenny]

A stick with a hook on it for grabbing your crap trap rope.

[ThreeFuturehunters]

Seastar hydraulic steering.

[Whonnock Boy]

Wash down pump among others already mentioned.

[Sundance1972]

I want one of these, but my wife won't let me...

http://boghog.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/vl_grn_inboat_01.jpg

[Sundance1972]

Extra spark plugs for both motors (and tools, obviously).
Spare starter rope for the kicker.
Small electical kit in the toolbox.
Lots of water and food.
Would love to have a good washdown pump.
Always have a spare fishing rod.
I use a handheld GPS (with extra batteries).
Rain gear.
Extra clothes, shoes/boots.
Couple 100' lengths of rope.
Dock bumpers (can also be used for trap floats/markers).
Camera!!! (I keep an extra disposable in the toolbox)
Extra fish net.

[madrona sh]

Compass and area charts.
Electronics are great and all but you need a compass and charts also.

[Ozone]

Mast and sails, shower, fridge, wood stove........maybe my boat is bigger than others.

[knockturnal]

After fishing with manual scottys, id have to say Electric scottys! That and my dog.

[Sasquatch]

I have to agree about the electric downriggers. After having those, I couldn't go back to manuals. If you do go electric..dual batteries are a good idea.

Also, a piss can makes life much safer on the water.

[knockturnal]

and if you dont have a pisser for the wife/gf, get a she-wee! It will save you many trips to shore.

[Foxtail]

Mast and sails, shower, fridge, wood stove........maybe my boat is bigger than others.

Not bigger... It just doesn't go as fast :p

Sounder/plotter... Those things are awesome.
Those orca rod holders... you can set the hook right out of the holder... great for sturgeon fishing.
flashlights... preferably a headlamp... leaning over the back of the transome and trying to work on an outboard by brail sucks.
and a little secret I shouldn't share... those rubber bumpers for buzzbombs... put your bait on your hook, then push the bumper on to hold the bait in place and never lose a bait on a cast again.

[GoodPartner]

a little secret I shouldn't share... those rubber bumpers for buzzbombs... put your bait on your hook, then push the bumper on to hold the bait in place and never lose a bait on a cast again.

That's great Foxtail, Can't wait to try that one.

I suggest the Fennix TK70 Flashlight for emergency situations...like when you forget your fish bonker.

[tomahawk]

raw water pump and 10 ft hose with pressure nozzle

[lilhoss]

just added a Ace Line hauler.3 years of manual pullling for prawns.Now 300 ft in no time flat,love it.
Got most of the other stuff mentioned,but the 12 v fan for the inside of the windows.I'll have to try that.Good stuff.

[finaddict]

For us offshore boys - RADAR. And for those who venture offshore inthe fog and think that your chart plotter will get you there and back......well let's just say its entertaining watching on radar those who clearly don't have radar. I am sure if they knew how close they come to colliding, they would think twice about going out in the first place.

[Drillbit]

Savage Rascal & CB longs

[albravo2]

I don't have my own yet, but I have had my eye on a set of inflatable PFDs for a while now.

I typically refuse to wear a PFD but there have been times that I almost regretted that decision.

[willyqbc]

For those of you with wash down pumps.....did they come on your boat or did you install yourself. I'm guessing just a bilge pump and chunk of hose with a nozzle? Got any pics of how yours is set up to keep everything stowed out of the way when not in use?? Will also be looking for a porta potti for the wife and daughter....any suggestions for a nice compact one that won't use up a bunch of space?

keep the suggestions coming!
Thanks
Chris

[Leaseman]

A nice heater........:-D

[Foxtail]

Oh ya, dont forget a winlass.

[lilhoss]

A nice heater........:-D

Actually.I am looking right now for one.I've got the 185 Double eagle with a cuddy,and was looking at those lil buddy heaters,http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/CanadianTire/0762356_1?$thumbnail$&defaultImage=image_na_EN

so I can use it hunting,and camping as well.Any other ideas?...trying to stay away from the 12 v units.

..ya,I know abit of a hijack...

[Sundance1972]

Actually.I am looking right now for one.I've got the 185 Double eagle with a cuddy,and was looking at those lil buddy heaters,http://s7d5.scene7.com/is/image/CanadianTire/0762356_1?$thumbnail$&defaultImage=image_na_EN

so I can use it hunting,and camping as well.Any other ideas?...trying to stay away from the 12 v units.

..ya,I know abit of a hijack...

I have the Coleman Survivalcat that I use in my 17' Hurston , it's enough to take the chill off and thaw out your fingers but that's about it. It's only rated at 800btu, where the lil buddy is 3800, so should work well in a small cuddy.

[fishmyster]

Espar deisel furnace. They are very safe. Defrost your foggy windows. You can make garlic toast from the blasting hot air output. Trust me.

[waistdeep]

For me, a Guide and beer holder,,,,, great accessories. 😃😎

[Rock Doctor]

Touch lights (Sticky back, battery powered, LED lights), put 'em anywhere you might need light. Under engine cover, above Side Trays, under Bow, ect.

RD

[bccanadian]

PADDED SEATS. If you don't have them, you will wish to g0d that you did when you get into the rough water.

[000buck]

For sale sign! Worked perfectly

[Jack Russell]

Little buddy heaters are cheap, less than $150 all in. They work well, are stable and stowable.

A VHF radio is very handy. Has call channel/emergency channel, and you can get weather reports for the regions.

[Vansmasher]

air ride seats, wash down pump

[blindguy]

rear station steering is a must i can run 3 riggers and all my gear and my guests can have the other 26ft of boat .

[Salty]

Bilge pump with float switch wired directly to the battery so you can turn everything off and leave the boat at the dock over night and sleep well when a rain storm rolls in.

[Rock Doctor]

Bilge pump with float switch wired directly to the battery so you can turn everything off and leave the boat at the dock over night and sleep well when a rain storm rolls in.

Good and Bad to this idea. I've had to help a couple guys along the river that had dead batteries due to the float switch sticking in the ON position. Just a FYI. Dual Isolated Batteries would be a good idea.

RD

[Salty]

Ya I always go with two batteries and a switch RD. There ya go another one for the list, two batteries. lol For epic adventures we've been known to pack a cheap Canadian tire booster too.

[Rock Doctor]

Ya I always go with two batteries and a switch RD. There ya go another one for the list, two batteries. lol For epic adventures we've been known to pack a cheap Canadian tire booster too.

Yet another good idea, I always carry one of those Booster Packs

RD

[ryanb]

If you're carrying a booster to start a boat in an emergency, test it first. I decided to test mine before I went on a trip, and it woudln't start my sportjet. Started my truck just fine. Most booster packs have pathetic cca ratings. The advertised "peak amps" is nowhere near the cold cranking amps.

[longstonec]

Radar reflector...To cheap to buy one?

Wrap tinfoil around an empty paper towel roll. For small fibreglass boats it works fine.

[Sofa King]

drain-hole plugs.
spare fuses.
booster pack.

most important thing on my boat though, is a rod/reel and lures.
not much point, for me, even being on the water if i dont have those.

[VicP]

[QUOTE=Sundance1972;1284252]I want one of these, but my wife won't let me...

http://boghog.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/vl_grn_inboat_01.jpg

It would probably be higher maintenance than the boat.

[gyner]

I cannot think of only one....A shitter, Beer fridge,bush or water money AND crying towels. Flaregun. Spare prop.

[gyner]

So secretive, we even photoshop our avatar background... Ram castle? LOL