[hotwls13]

I have searched but I didn't see a list like this. I will be purchasing a New Bayliner 175 soon (please don't try to talk me out of bayliner or convince me to buy used, this is pretty much the only option for me right now). It will have the flight package, so Bimini, Wakeboard Tower and Stereo are included. I'm not sure if anything else comes with it when you buy new (flares, whistle, anchor, first aid kit).

So, after I go down and sign my life away on this boat, what will I "NEED" to be ready for the water. I have a small family of 4 (Me, my wife and 2 kids 11 and 3). The max allowed on the boat is 7, so do I need 7 life vests? Should I get a good one for me and cheapys for the rest? I had a 3-man Jet-ski before and everyone had a vest and whistle.

Usage for us will be mostly cruising, tubing, wakeboarding (once we learn how) and occasional fishing.

We are working our dealer right now on price and I plan to get a bunch of stuff thrown in at the end. I would like that stuff to be the stuff I will "NEED" so I don't have to come out of pocket.


Some sort of difinitive list would be great. Other, nice items will come later (such as bow cover, rear trim switch etc).

[ilmostro99]

I'm not sure if dealers are required to or not, but when I bought my used boat, the dealer gave me 4 of the type II lifejackets, a fire extinguisher, and a type IV throwable. Basically everything I would need to put it in the water and be legal from the start. If you have small kids, you will need to purchase lifejackets that fit them. The type II that dealer gave me would not work for my 4 & 2 year old. For small children, make sure they are the type that have the crotch strap. You don't want them slipping out of the lifejacket in the event of a mishap. I purchased a few type III pfds for watersports - you really don't want to ski in a type II. Make sure they are throwing in the transom straps for trailering. If not, you will want some. After that, it really depends on what you will be doing with the boat; tubes, ropes, skis etc.
The rest is not necessarily required, but a good idea:
Signal devices
whistles
tool kit
fenders
dock lines
oar/boat hook
minimum 25' line, 3/8", a few would be better
first aid kit
radio, and the list goes on, and on, and on.
Good luck
Erik

[ilmostro99]

I forgot to mention that mine didn't come with an anchor, and I think most don't. Anchors are pretty specific to the type of bottom you will be anchoring in, so most dealers don't include them. I bought a danforth type because in my research, they are the most versatile, but still not perfect for every situation, 6' galvanized anchor chain, 2 galvanized shackles and 150' anchor line.
Erik

[wildmaninal]

If you haven't taken a boater's safety class or boater's license exam then you may want to do that.

www.boat-ed.com

and choose your state on the home page.

You need 7 life vest if you plan on having 7 people on board. Children should always have their life vest on.

[hotwls13]

OK, so far we have:

type II lifejackets
fire extinguisher
type IV throwable.
Vests For small children, make sure they are the type that have the crotch strap.
type III pfds for watersports - you really don't want to ski in a type II. transom straps for trailering.
Signal devices
whistles
tool kit
fenders
dock lines
oar/boat hook
minimum 25' line, 3/8", a few would be better
first aid kit
radio, and the list goes on, and on, and on.
Good luck

Keep it coming guys.

[Bigprairie1]

Get an old bleach bottle or equivalent and make yourself a bailer? I whipped one up for my boat just in case.
Another handy thing to get water out of the bilge is a very good, very high absorbency marine sponge....great for cleaning and sopping up the water.
Post a few pics of the boat!! Good choice.
BP

[hotwls13]

Hmm, good idea. And it's cheap! The 175 comes with a Bilge Pump: (500 gph) but I would guess a manual way of doing it is a good backup.

[phwrd]

Based upon my limited knowledge, from buying 2 used boats (and adding $$$ things after). I would ask about the following :

Trim Tabs, smart tabs seem to work good for us newbies, electric tabs for those with experience.

Sounds like you need child size vests, auto inflatable if you can push it.

Pedestal table supplied and rigged for rear of boat ? Let them install and warranty it.

Multiple bilge pumps, one automatic 24/7 (1000-1500 GPH), other being optional auto / manual.(as big as you can get 3700-4000 GPH).

Batteries – multiple. At minimum, one crank, one house (large deep cycle). Smart charger, auto switch instead of manual to keep proper charge on both batteries without worry. Why not include a solar charger mounted on top.

Must Have Fuel Flow Meters, one per motor with a accessable fuel filter between the tank and meter. What type of gas tank does it have, will Ethanol cause deterioration ? Is this covered by the warranty ? Including gunk in the fuel lines, carb's and blown pistons because of it ?

Your new GPS (with software/proper charts installed $$$) and your new VHF are DCS compatible, make sure they communicate to each other correctly.

Read a recent article about dealers putting boats on whatever the trailer manufacturer had cheap. Make sure they match.

And at least a full tank or two of fuel. The new boat market is down. Get everything that you can.

Is this enough to start you thinking ?

Oh, and congrats and have fun.

[INJUN]

I did not see it mentioned: a throwable floatation device.
An oar (secondary means of propulsion).

[hotwls13]

Originally Posted by phwrd

Based upon my limited knowledge, from buying 2 used boats (and adding $$$ things after). I would ask about the following :

Trim Tabs, smart tabs seem to work good for us newbies, electric tabs for those with experience.

Sounds like you need child size vests, auto inflatable if you can push it.

Pedestal table supplied and rigged for rear of boat ? Let them install and warranty it.

Multiple bilge pumps, one automatic 24/7 (1000-1500 GPH), other being optional auto / manual.(as big as you can get 3700-4000 GPH).

Batteries – multiple. At minimum, one crank, one house (large deep cycle). Smart charger, auto switch instead of manual to keep proper charge on both batteries without worry. Why not include a solar charger mounted on top.

Must Have Fuel Flow Meters, one per motor with a accessable fuel filter between the tank and meter. What type of gas tank does it have, will Ethanol cause deterioration ? Is this covered by the warranty ? Including gunk in the fuel lines, carb's and blown pistons because of it ?

Your new GPS (with software/proper charts installed $$$) and your new VHF are DCS compatible, make sure they communicate to each other correctly.

Read a recent article about dealers putting boats on whatever the trailer manufacturer had cheap. Make sure they match.

And at least a full tank or two of fuel. The new boat market is down. Get everything that you can.

Is this enough to start you thinking ?

Oh, and congrats and have fun.

Lots of good ideas in there. I think the ones that would apply to me and my boat would be:

Smart tabs
---I have been thinking about those

child size vests, auto inflatable?
---Hmmm I was thinking of something like the Slippery brand. These are foam filled. I hadn't thought of inflatable?

Batteries – multiple. At minimum, one crank, one house (large deep cycle).
---I was thinking of doing this at a later date when my electronics start to increase


Must Have Fuel Flow Meters?
---Is this a gas guage?


Read a recent article about dealers putting boats on whatever the trailer manufacturer had cheap. Make sure they match.
---I'm actually gonna try to get the next trailer up, but we will see.

And at least a full tank or two of fuel.
---I REALLY like this idea. I can probably get them to fill it after all is said and done.

[Chip73]

I followed you over. You seemed to have a general idea of what is needed and what is required. As for PDF's I bought myself the cheapo one but for the kids I say spend the money and get the most comfortable, safe you can. There is nothing like kids that are miserable because of ill fitting PFD's, it makes it very hard for you and the wife and very hard to convince them to keep them on. I took my kids and allowed them to pick what they wanted and have no issues with them moaning and complaining and I make them wear there vest 100% of the time on the water because we have very strong current and crazy tides. I like the idea of not having to worry about one of my kids slipping out of the vest because it sucks and then drowning.

[phwrd]

I am always amazed of how much I learn from reading here on this site.

Fuel flow meter is a combo digital fuel gauge and real time consumption meter. The idea is to allow you to determine the best RPM for fuel flow.

While i don't yet have on the water experience with it (still rewiring), everything I have read is positive. And for the price, anything that I can do to save gas and help ensure that I don't run out is worth it.

Good Luck and good fun,

pat

[cbear34]

I believe for your children they are required to be worn at all times on the boat, at least in IL it's the law for under 12. It's only common sense, one bad wave and they could be overboard. Let them pick it out and make sure it is a type III. Then it is suitable for tubing.
Inflatable would be for you. I think inflatables only come in adult sizes. They were originally designed for competition fishing.
You would probably want some good bumpers also. Had mine out this past weekend and it got beat up pretty good against the pier. My 2 bumpers were not enough!

[ovrrdrive]

I started to say that trim tabs would be a total waste on a boat that size with the 3.0 in it, but if you plan on skiing a lot in it they might actually be beneficial to you because they'll let you plane at slower speeds. With your little kids when they start wakeboarding and kneeboarding you're going to have to go slow with them back there. As far as ride quality and planing though when not skiing, you won't need them at all. The 3.0 will do fine in all but the most extreme conditions for that (pulling a slalom skier up or bad weather conditions).

All you really need to get out there is a coast guard kit which they may or may not throw in and a cooler. I couldn't get my dealer to throw in the CG kit because he said he had already discounted too much off the boat so I had to pay $150 more for it, but it comes with everything in it to make the boat legal to run. It's easiest to just grab it all together and the cost from the dealer was inline with what I would have paid at Walmart to piece it out.

If your boat doesn't come with a radio that's pretty much a must have too.

As far as VHF, if you're running inland lakes and rivers I wouldn't worry about that right off the bat, but it is a nice safety feature to have on the boat.

You need a depth sounder or fish finder for sure to monitor water levels so you don't run aground. On my last boat I installed one of the $89 Hummingbirds from Walmart and it worked great for depth but didn't do much else. On my new boat I had them do a Lowrance 520c combination GPS/Fish finder and I love it. The GPS is such a nice convenience and safety device that I'll almost say a combo unit is a necessity if you can possibly swing it. Well worth the money at least in my eyes at $649.

Other than that, bring plenty of drinks and snacks and your gas card if you can't talk them into a full tank when you buy it.

[oops!]

did you read gary's review of the boat?.....good stuff

after you assemble the list here....(including the uscg's manditory items)

talk to the sales rep....its his job to make sure you are comfortable and prepaired to go in to the water

[hotwls13]

Great info guys.

As for the trim tabs, is there a difference in NEED between wakeboarding and skiing? My family and everyone I hang out with are new to boating (yep, I'm gonna be the friend with a boat). So, we plan to get a Tube of some sort (I really like the look of the sit down ones with backs on them cause I think the lady's and kids will enjoy that more) and we also plan to get a Wakeboard or two. Wakeboarding just looks fun to me. So is there a difference between trim tabs being needed for wakeboarding and skiing?

As for the Coast Guard kit $150 is what my guy quoted as well. I'll definitely get that.

My boat will have a 2-speaker stereo with MP3 plug. Once I quiet down the engine cover, I think it will be plenty for us (for now).

I will look into the depth/fish/gps and see what they carry and for how much.


I did read Gary's review of the 2009's. If I was just getting retail pricing, I would wait til the 09's come out and buy one of those. If nothing else, just for the curved windshield. That is the only thing I don't like about these boats is the boxy windshield. Not enough to force me to pay retail though. The boxy windshield is worth the $4000 I am saving.

[hotwls13]

Tell me if you guys think these prices sound about right. Remember this is at the Dealership store so prices are usually a bit more than you can get online.

Shopping List
1. Coast Guard Kit $150
2. Anchor $75
3. Vests for the 4 of us $300
4. Tube with rope $150
5. Cover $150
-(Just canvas cover for sitting on the side of my house)
6. Wakeboard $150

Total $975+tax

Wow, this stuff adds up fast!! I still haven't purchased any boat upgrades such as depth/fish/gps, trim tabs etc etc.

[Zero Balance]

I didn't see that killer stereo with tower speakers listed... add another $900...

[getinmerry]

Originally Posted by hotwls13

Tell me if you guys think these prices sound about right. Remember this is at the Dealership store so prices are usually a bit more than you can get online.

Shopping List
1. Coast Guard Kit $150
2. Anchor $75
3. Vests for the 4 of us $300
4. Tube with rope $150
5. Cover $150
-(Just canvas cover for sitting on the side of my house)
6. Wakeboard $150

Total $975+tax

Wow, this stuff adds up fast!! I still haven't purchased any boat upgrades such as depth/fish/gps, trim tabs etc etc.

Some of those prices are quite high. Look at WalMart for some of the things. Life vests in particular are way high- you can get a very good vest for $50 easily. The anchor my be kind of pricey too depending on what they're giving you.

Do your homework, and don't be afraid to shop around. Last year I bought a new Glastron and wanted to start with all brand new gear. The dealer had a similar package for $1100.00- I was able to save over $500.00 just by shopping around and got better quality gear than what the dealer was giving me.

Chuck

[Andy in NY]

I would go elsewhere for the life vests... $300 seems a bit steep for 4 jackets...

[Tredeb]

Not a purchase item, but as far as i'm concerned, it is a must do. You need to get everyone comfortable with floating in their life jackets (especially young kids) and boarding the boat without help. Anyone who is not wearing their lifejacket 100% of the time should be able to put it on in the water. This may seem like not a big deal, but if you are incapacitated and your kids can't put your ladder down on their own or your wife cannot board without you help(not as uncommon as you may think), a simple mishap may turn into a big deal in a hurry.

You don't have to make a big deal out of it, just make sure everyone is capable(including your 3 yr old) when you go out tubing for the first time.

And remember, it is not your wife's fault(even if it is) when things go wrong at the launch. It can be high stress the first few times and everyone has seen those guys flipping out. I used to have issues with my wife when I would repeat my launch/load checklist. Make sure she knows that you don't think she is stupid, you just want to make sure things, like plugs or tiedowns are not forgotten.

Happy boating

[hotwls13]

Those #'s were just created in my head. I haven't been to the dealers store yet to price these. Just ball-parking it.

I know when I was looking for a vest for my Jet-Ski, the good neoprene ones started at like $65 and went up from there.

I don't know that I even want neoprene as it was hot and heavy compared to the non-neoprene.

I like the Slippery brand of vests, what do you guys like?

Also, I will have the kids wearing vests at all times, but adults won't be wearing unless they are in the water.

[hotwls13]

Originally Posted by Tredeb

And remember, it is not your wife's fault(even if it is) when things go wrong at the launch. It can be high stress the first few times and everyone has seen those guys flipping out. I used to have issues with my wife when I would repeat my launch/load checklist. Make sure she knows that you don't think she is stupid, you just want to make sure things, like plugs or tiedowns are not forgotten.

Happy boating

Haha, I know what you mean. When we had our Jet-Ski, we were out for around the 3rd or 4th time and at a new boat launch. I pretty much had to do everything myself as far as launching up to that point. The ramp was really busy and me being new I was probably taking a little longer (though I was prepared and ready for launch). Anyway, after I got the ski off the trailer, my wife say's "I'll move the truck and trailer up out of the way". She was obviously feeling the pressure from the other impatient boaters. Problem was, she failed to notice the HUGE curb on the passenger side of the truck (this was the side she got out on and probably stepped onto that HUGE curb to get out. Anyway, she pulls the truck forward and almost immediately turns to the right. The back wheel of the truck goes up on this HUGE curb and she slams the brakes. Did i mention this curb was HUGE!!! Of course I semi lose it. Something to the efeect of "What the HELL are you doing?". As you can imagine, that comment didn't go over too well and I regret saying anything. Thankfully nothing was damaged and we had an OK day on the water (she was pissed at me most of the day). To this day she almost refuses to drive my truck at all, let alone pull a trailer out of the water.

I'll have to get her comfortable with doing one or the other or both eventually.

[OhWellcraft]

I think the vest $ is way high get a good one for the kids but don't go too nuts as they will probably grow out of them pretty quick. The anchor seems high depending on what type you go with. I didnt see a ski rope any where and does your boat have a center mount rope hook? if not might want to pick up a bridle. Orange flag is required, kids in jackets when on land before getting on dock. Check out the first aid kit you get with the cg kit might want to bolster it up a bit. Lots of sun block, the depth guage is awesome to have esp if you can swing a fish finder with a depth guage built in. Have a bunch of bow lines I like a couple on each side of the boat that way they are handy which ever side I come in on. Definately bumpers/fenders it is a new boat and you need to do everything possible to keep it that way. Possibly get some ducky or similar product to wipe boat down with after use. If you don't have a marine radio make sure your cell is fully charged and gets service where you boat. Always a good idea to toss out a jacket/vest and practice pulling the rope around to it, when a skier is in the water is not the time to learn. Above all be safe if in question AT ALL shut the motor off until you KNOW everything is clear then resume. Have fun congrats on the new boat......

[OhWellcraft]

I forgot on my above post to mention, I ALWAYS buy a few extra drain plugs they aren't that much money and can save a day boating. put one on or by the boat key to help remind you to put it in.