3 Comments

• #1 by Boatin' in VA! on December 22nd, 2009

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  You’ve got to provide more info on what type of water you’d be using her on (river, lake, pond, etc) and what you plan on doing with her (fishing or cruising) for "factual" answers to be posted. Please edit your question and folks will be happy to offer up answers such as…

  You’re definitely going to need an anchor!

  Lights have to be powered so you’re going to need a battery for whatever you put aboard.

  More to come once more is known…

  Wordweaver_three gave some very good info in the response given. The only thing that I’d like to add would be if you are serious about taking it into the ocean you should give it serious thought and maybe consider buying something bigger and more stable. I just don’t think you’ll be comfortable out there in her for very long at all.
  References :
  20+ yrs of boating…

• #2 by wordweaver_three on December 22nd, 2009

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  You only need a light if you are planning on using the boat at night. You’ll notice that PWC don’t have lights, that’s why it’s illegal to run them at night. If you are going to use it at night you can buy clamp on bow and stern lights that run on batteries. Like these:

  http://www.iboats.com/Battery_Powered_Bow_Lights/dm/view_id.362675

  If you’re planning on using an electric trolling motor on the boat you could wire in permanent lights and attach them to the motor’s power source.

  Other things you will want to consider would be a small anchor, an emergency kit with a flair gun, and a life preserver that you’ll actually wear. It’s a very small boat, so anything you can do to keep it organized would be helpful (rod holders, small storage box). An aftermarket boat seat with a backrest would improve your comfort.

  *edit*

  I’ll have to agree with Boatin’. That is a very small craft for the ocean, the boat pictured is generally intended for ponds and small lakes. Even moderate seas are likely to overtake it. I’m guessing that you’re looking for an inexpensive and lightweight option, something that you can put on top of a car? A kayak might be a better option. In either case the addition to a hand pump to remove any water that you take on would be advisable.
  References :

• #3 by jtexas on December 22nd, 2009

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  Add to the above:
  * a sound signalling device. A whistle would do, but an aerosol air horn would be better. (USCG requirement).
  * fresh water.
  * first aid kit.
  * sunscreen.
  * GPS receiver.
  * weather radio.
  * some type of two-way radio.
  * I’d seriously consider packing something to use as a shade — walmarts sells an "emergency blanket" (actually a full-sized sheet of mylar) that fits in your shirt pocket for a couple bucks — it works, too.
  * make sure your anchor will hold on the kind of bottom you’ll be boating in, and you’ll need rode (anchor line plus chain) with a scope (ratio of rode length to depth) of at least 5, maybe 7. don’t overlook this important piece of safety equipment, in case you find yourself being driven by a wind on to a rocky shore or out to sea.

  If the boat is human-powered, minimum lighting requirement is a flashlight or lantern — the red/green nav & white all-around are only required for powered vessels.

  To my knowlege, of everything mentioned, only the light, horn and PFD are USCG requirements. Everything else is highly recommended.
  References :