I'll add mine to the forum.     I just got a 2002 Nitro NX 882 w/ 150 hp Merc XR6.  (Same one I had posted about earlier).  I am very happy to finally have my first boat.  I have a couple questions, I'll just put them all in one post to save room.

1)  Cleaning carpet - I have read that a solution of distilled white vinegar and water will clean the carpets right up.  Please share your tips/methods on cleaning the capet in a bass boat?  Can I take it to the car wash and just spray it down there?

2)  I read a reccomendation about using rod socks to prevent tangles when you store your rods in the rod locker.  I was thinking I'd just wrap the line around a guide a couple times (picked up this tip on a Jimmy Houston show).  Anyone use the rod socks and think they're great?

3) If you were going to put together a small toolkit for emergencies, what would you include?  I have some tools in the truck for on the road emergencies, but I want to put together a small toolkit for on the water.

Thanks.

jeffp12,

congrats on the new purchase good luck with it.

I'll answer your questions in order.

1. I use to go to the car wash to clean the carpet in my boat. It is an excellent way to get the gunk out of the carpet. I have since purchased $99.00 1200 PSI, the same as a car wash, electric power washer from lowes. It saves a drive to car wash and money. I have also found other uses for it. Cleaning the pop-up, side walk, the house etc... For stubborn stains, like gas or two cycle oil, do not ask, I use a waterless hand cleaner like goop and a scrub brush then hit it with the power washer.

2. I only have three rods in my rod locker, they do not get tangled so I can not offer anything here.

3. For your toolbox I would recommend the following. This is what I have.

Spare spark plugs and tools needed to change them. Spare prop and tools to change it.  Two pints of 2 cycle oil. Just incase I am out longer than I plan and get gas on the water. I have two portable 6 gal tanks. Extra fuses for trolling motor and other electrical items on the boat. Bilge pump, livewell pump etc... Extra prop and shear ping for trolling motor and tools to change them. I do not need them, my motor is only pull start, but you might, jumper cables or one of those porable jumper boxes.

Please do not forget the other safety items that are not in a tool box. Fire extinguisher, flares, if you need them, pfds and a first aid kit.

That should be about it. I am sure others can recommend more.

Paul

I just picked up some rod socks and tried them last week. They worked well and I'll be picking up a dozen or so to cover all my rods.  

I dont even own a boat and ALL my rods are kept in rod socks!

Thank you all for the replies.