What equipment/tools should I carry on my boat?

[solar7647]

Re: What equipment/tools should I carry on my boat?

I may venture out here next season and try my hand at Lake Erie.

A good ship to shore is a must, a compass and an up-to-date chart of at least the Eastern Basin of the lake are a must to! I would also do some research and talk to local Lake boaters to get tips. Things on lake Erie can change quick fast and in a hurry and you dont want to be surprised and unprepared, I have been out there and have it go from dead calm to 3ft breakers in a blink of an eye. The Boat US membership is a very good idea too, you get out there and run out of gas or break down a stiff wind can push you for miles.

I dont wont to sound over cautious but Lake Eris is greatly effected by wind because of its shallow depths and can get pretty harry if you dont know what to do.


some handy web sites about Lake Erie
info
http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/geosurvey/tabid/7829/Default.aspx

interactive charts
http://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/greatlakes/lakeerie_cdrom/html/e_gmorph.htm#a789

lake fishing reports
http://www.walleye.com/fishingreports.htm

 

[keninaz]

Re: What equipment/tools should I carry on my boat?

I have found over the years that a good basic tool kit is handy at times. You never know what will need tightening at a given time. A couple of sized crescent wrenches and some water pump (slip jaw) pliers are really handy too.
Just a hint, don't just store them check them and put a little oil or WD 40 of them as they will rust around water!
Also, growing up around bigger water like I did (Pacific Ocean) I like a marine radio, both a fixed install and a handi talkie with a spare set of batteries which I kept in a plastic bag and I kept on me when out very far. If my main batteries went dead or I fell overboard I wanted to get help rather than trying to swim for it in that cold water. Do not depend on a cell phone if you are out over the horizon! There are no cell towers out there in big water, but there may be another boat that can hear your radio!
I also liked the idea of having one of the shot shell style flare guns handy in the boat. They can be seen for miles and miles.
Just some thoughts on my experiences. :facepalm:

 

[Chris-R]

Re: What equipment/tools should I carry on my boat?

My tools include a VHF radio and a cell phone so I can call for a tow if needed. It also includes flares so I can get help at night. I also have a toolbox with a bunch of stuff but I consider my primary boat tools to be items needed to get professional help (my wife says I need such help even on land).

 

[LadyFish]

Re: What equipment/tools should I carry on my boat?

I have a special thread on "ditty or boat bags" in the Safety Section. Check it out.

 

[5150abf]

Re: What equipment/tools should I carry on my boat?

I carry the basic tools, screw drivers, pliers zip ties and a plug wrench but normally if something breaks on the water there is a part involved and a full Snap On tool set won't help you ro it is something way to involved to do on the water so just the basics.