I recently purchased a 24 foot fishing pontoon (Premier Explorer) with 135 HP. I am new to boating and my dealer gave me a $600 in-store credit to use on accessories for my boat. I am overwhelmed with the amount of stuff to put on the boat.

My boat already comes rigged with the following:

-55# Minn Kota trolling motor w/ battery

-Rod locker

-Lowrance x52 on helm (this can be upgraded)

-Fish Eagle 320 (they are mounting a unit I used on my canoe to the front of the boat) - this can't be upgraded

-Aerated livewell

Here are things I am contemplating on purchasing / upgrading:

-Lowrance H20 Handheld GPS or upgrading the x52 on the helm to a GPS / Depthfinder combo

-Deckmate anchor system with 25 lb richter anchor

-Onboard charger for trolling motor battery (or should I just use my old portable charger and skip this upgrade)

-Hour meter for my engine (necessary?)

-Fenders / Bumpers (anyone got a recommendation for pontoon boats)

I am sure I am missing some stuff. What do you guys recommend doing for a new rig setup (which of the above should I do or not do). Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-LB

On a 24 foot Toon,

First of all I think that I would want more than a 55# Minn Kota trolling motor with one battery.

Maybe a second anchor? I have two anchors on all my boats (Odd?)

On board charger for trolling motor battery ????? If the old portable one still works why waste upgrade money to replace it. Lets face it. On board or portable, they both do the same thing, recharge your battery.  

Spare tire??? The Boss just got a new bass rocket without a spare tire..

Spare Tire?? Don't quite follow.

Also, you think a 70# trolling motor would be sufficient?

Thanks for the help.

Spare Tire?? Don't quite follow.

Also, you think a 70# trolling motor would be sufficient?

Thanks for the help.

Spare tire, are you are going to trailer the boat any? GET A SPARE.

Buy the largest # trolling motor you can afford. The wind plays havoc with a toon.

Thanks.  I was guessing that.  I won't need a spare tire because I won't be trailering it.  It would have been at top of my list if I was.

I am going to upgrade my trolling motor and probably get an anchor system for the front.

upgrade the x52 on the helm to a GPS / Depthfinder combo. Getting to your favorite hole and finding new ones is key! I'm a map nut besides, but seeing drop-offs on screen is huge I'd think! I just picked one up and can't wait to start playing around with it.

other upgrades that come to mind:

vhf radio, tunes, rod holders, spot light, tackle storage, aerator, I agree with the second anchor (pref a different type so your prepared for multiple scenerios) paddles/dock hook, toys, TOYS, TOYS!

The madness never ends! Enjoy it!

I also have 2 anchors. I put out the second anchor when anchoring overnight to keep the boat from turning in the wind  on one anchor line. One anchor off the bow, one off the stern. Now about VHF radio. I wouldn't leave shore without one. You have emergency chanel 16 at your fingertips. Also my buddy also has VHF on his boat and we can communicate anywhere on a lake at any time. Our canyon lakes have sporadic at best to no service at all for cell phones so VHF is the way to go . I also mounted a pair of 4" motorcycle headlights on my bow for night time navigation. Makes moving around at night much less stressful.     Happy fishing.

~B.A.S.S.~N.A.F.C.~BoatU.S.~N.R.A.~A.M.A.~

another vote for upgrading the trolling motor.  pontoons boats have a lot more above the water to catch the wind than a bass boat.  If you can aford it i would get a 101lb.

if the old battery charger is fine than just laeve it onboard for convienence.  but if you do get the 101 trolling motor you will probably need more bateries and another charger.

i use 2 anchors also.  preventing the boat from swaying in the breeze alows you to read the botom conture, structure, and cover quicker.