Boating Necessities / Must Haves?

[A-Jay]

28 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

I don't quite understand the concept of keeping this actually in the boat.  I mean if you're out on the lake and you bust a prop, you aren't changing it on the water.  You still have to go back in to physically change out the prop.

I carry an extra TM prop and a few shear pins, which are likely to need replacement if the prop does.

Never needed to but I'm not about to blow a days fishing and 2 hours on the road for something I can effect repairs on for $35 bucks in 10 minutes in the parking lot at the ramp.

A-Jay

 

[casts_by_fly]

9 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

Guess I never really considered the thought of going to shore.  Everything here is private property and I am not about to trespass.

 

My previous post I should have been more specific.  I could probably change out my trolling motor prop on the spot while out on the lake.  Even that would be tricky with front of the bow mount sitting at the very front V of the boat though.  The outboard prop, no chance.  I'd end up in the drink.  I know you're a tall guy @Deephaven but you aint that tall.

even in my kayak I have two spare props. I’ve got the weedless prop, the standard prop, and the rc plane prop which is a speed prop. If I guessed wrong on the conditions I’ll swap props on the water. That’s less critical for someone motoring around with a gas motor, but it’s a two minute job and makes a big difference to me. 
 

and if you shear a prop 10 miles from the ramp, private property or not I’m finding a safe place to put it on the shore to change it. If someone’s in their yard I’d ask to use their dock or yard but otherwise a stranded boat has to be given some leeway. 

[gimruis]

9 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

Never needed to but I'm not about to blow a days fishing and 2 hours on the road for something I can effect repairs on for $35 bucks in 10 minutes in the parking lot at the ramp.

 

Valid point.  I just have a hard time seeing myself leaning over the front edge of the boat's V and doing a balancing act while trying to change out a prop.  I prefer a slightly more stable platform.  I think I'd go back to the dock and do it as long as it was reasonably close.

 

5 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

private property or not I’m finding a safe place to put it on the shore to change it. If someone’s in their yard I’d ask to use their dock or yard but otherwise a stranded boat has to be given some leeway. 

 

This is where I disagree.  If there is someone present, I might ask.  If there's no one around, I am not trespassing.  I've run into near hostile situations on private property and no prop is worth replacing.  Breaking the law is not an excuse to change out a prop IMO

[Functional]

19 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

Valid point.  I just have a hard time seeing myself leaning over the front edge of the boat's V and doing a balancing act while trying to change out a prop.  I prefer a slightly more stable platform.  I think I'd go back to the dock and do it as long as it was reasonably close.

 

 

This is where I disagree.  If there is someone present, I might ask.  If there's no one around, I am not trespassing.  I've run into near hostile situations on private property and no prop is worth replacing.  Breaking the law is not an excuse to change out a prop IMO

@A-Jay might know better but I recall in a storm or emergency situation you are authorized to utilize the closest dock for shelter/etc. I'd imagine losing your main propulsion and needing to replace a prop to return home would qualify. 

 

I'll have to brush up on it but that is what I recall from the classes/trainings I've had to take. Overall, I'm with you, if I can avoid using someone's property I will but if I have to then so be it. 

[A-Jay]

11 minutes ago, Functional said:

@A-Jay might know better but I recall in a storm or emergency situation you are authorized to utilize the closest dock for shelter/etc. I'd imagine losing your main propulsion and needing to replace a prop to return home would qualify. 

 

I'll have to brush up on it but that is what I recall from the classes/trainings I've had to take. Overall, I'm with you, if I can avoid using someone's property I will but if I have to then so be it. 

Sounds right to me.

Perhaps just avoid this Guy . . . 

A-Jay

[gimruis]

Just now, A-Jay said:

Sounds right to me.

Perhaps just avoid this Guy . . . 

A-Jay

 

That's exactly what I'm talking about when I mentioned trespassing in my previous post.  Given the amount of flak we take simply legally fishing around docks, beaching a boat on the edge of someone's yard does not sound like a great idea.

[MN Fisher]

47 minutes ago, gimruis said:

I know you're a tall guy @Deephaven but you aint that tall.

Ya, he's about my height...maybe an inch or two taller....still shorter than my FIL or BIL.

[A-Jay]

9 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

That's exactly what I'm talking about when I mentioned trespassing in my previous post.  Given the amount of flak we take simply legally fishing around docks, beaching a boat on the edge of someone's yard does not sound like a great idea.

I'm fortunate in that this area is pretty quite,

especially when I'm on the water.

Also most folks up this way are fairly laid back. 

But I'll carry some cash just in case.

#moneytalks

🤑

A-Jay

 

[Deephaven]

34 minutes ago, gimruis said:

This is where I disagree.  If there is someone present, I might ask.  If there's no one around, I am not trespassing. 

It isn't trespassing in MN if you stay in the water.  Standing in 1' of water greatly eliminates the risk of dropping something although it can still happen.  Carry extra sheer pins/washers for that reason.

 

As for the trolling motor prop, I've changed/taken off to clean those many times on the water.  I like to fish slop which means it is par for the course.

 

3 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Ya, he's about my height...maybe an inch or two taller....still shorter than my FIL or BIL.

About?  I am 6'7"....you aren't short, but I am definitely not short

 

2 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I'm fortunate in that this area is pretty quite,

especially when I'm on the water.

Also most folks up this way are fairly laid back. 

But I'll carry some cash just in case.

#moneytalks

🤑

A-Jay

 

I also carry cash.  Not a bad thing if you need a tow or whatever happens.  Even here right in the city most folks are laid back if they have lake front.  Lots of $8M+ houses and even on those I've had nice conversations with dock owners.  A few fruitloops as with everywhere though.

 

[MN Fisher]

Just now, Deephaven said:

About?  I am 6'7"....you aren't short, but I am definitely not short

Maybe you were stooping that day you stopped over...I'm 6'1"

 

I'm still accurate about my relatives though...Father-in-law is 6'10", brother-in-law is 6'8"....tall family as Nora is 5'10" (tall for a woman).

[gimruis]

1 minute ago, Deephaven said:

It isn't trespassing in MN if you stay in the water.  Standing in 1' of water greatly eliminates the risk of dropping something although it can still happen.  Carry extra sheer pins/washers for that reason.

 

You guys sure do have a lot of answers today don't you lol

 

The water on Tonka is 41 degrees, I won't be standing in that anytime soon.  But your point is made.  Rubber boots or hip waders would solve that problem.

[MN Fisher]

Just now, gimruis said:

The water on Tonka is 41 degrees, I won't be standing in that anytime soon.  But your point is made.  Rubber boots or hip waders would solve that problem.

Hodgman has a over-the-shoe 'cheapie' hip and chest-waders...I use the hip-waders sometimes when launching/landing. Floppy, loose, but will keep the feet and legs dry...paid $19 to Amazon for mine.

 

Everyone is out of the hip-waders right now...but the chest version is still available for $25 or so

https://waders.com/products/hodgman-gamewade™-chest-packable-wader

 

 

[tcbass]

5 hours ago, jbmaine said:

One thing we find invaluable is a boarding ladder, connected to the stern. Have used it many times to get back in the boat. 

 

 

Agree.

 

Boat comes with one. My kids are 5 and 7 so I know a lot of swimming is in our future. 

 

 

And good for emergencies.

[12poundbass]

57 minutes ago, A-Jay said:

I'm fortunate in that this area is pretty quite,

especially when I'm on the water.

Also most folks up this way are fairly laid back. 

But I'll carry some cash just in case.

#moneytalks

🤑

A-Jay

 

Same here. I always hear horror stories about dock owners and lake house owners in other states being complete Karens. My experience has been the complete opposite! Maybe Michigan people are just chill and cool people? 😎

[tcbass]

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

 

Valid point.  I just have a hard time seeing myself leaning over the front edge of the boat's V and doing a balancing act while trying to change out a prop.  I prefer a slightly more stable platform.  I think I'd go back to the dock and do it as long as it was reasonably close.

 

 

This is where I disagree.  If there is someone present, I might ask.  If there's no one around, I am not trespassing.  I've run into near hostile situations on private property and no prop is worth replacing.  Breaking the law is not an excuse to change out a prop IMO

 

 

I remember on Lake Superior our outboard broke down and my dad had to take the prop off and put it back on in 4 foot swells. Fishing was flat and great until a storm picked up fast.

 

 

Come to find out fishing line had fouled the prop and it wouldn't work. 

 

 

I still remember my dad hanging over the back and my mom holding his legs. lol

[gimruis]

4 minutes ago, tcbass said:

I still remember my dad hanging over the back and my mom holding his legs. lol

 

Well there's one here that can claim they changed out a prop on the water without going to shore.

[Tackleholic]

1 hour ago, Functional said:

@A-Jay might know better but I recall in a storm or emergency situation you are authorized to utilize the closest dock for shelter/etc. I'd imagine losing your main propulsion and needing to replace a prop to return home would qualify. 

 

I'll have to brush up on it but that is what I recall from the classes/trainings I've had to take. Overall, I'm with you, if I can avoid using someone's property I will but if I have to then so be it. 

Works that way in Arkansas.

[MediumMouthBass]

Tons of really good info here, only thing i am going to add is for the medical side of things since numerous people have suggested tourniquets and med kits.

Lots of people across America have tourniquets, what most dont know is that the ones they have are poorly made copies and or knockoffs that will barely work and are a serious danger.

This is a very extremely important potentially life saving device, and there is a huge difference in its efficiency, quality, and ability to work properly.

The North American Rescue CAT (Combat Application Tourniquet) is one of the best you can get, used by police, military (conventional and SOF units), medical emergency response personnel along with civilians. Its not expensive either its really cheap $23-30. Do some research into this and maybe some classes on how to use it too. (And please dont buy them off Amazon, they wont be made by them even if there names on it). Boats are very fun but can become dangerous very quickly.

[Deephaven]

10 hours ago, gimruis said:

 

You guys sure do have a lot of answers today don't you lol

 

My boat is still in storage so I can't fish...

[Woody B]

I don't know any equipment to add to what's already been mentioned.  

 

However,  if you haven't had any get some first aid training.   All of the first aid equipment is useless if you don't know how to use it.   I take a course every year offered by a friend who's a firearm instructor, and first responder.  If you fish/boat alone you really need training to apply first aid to yourself.  A couple years while fishing alone he cut himself badly on the leg.  Due to his training, and the fact that he didn't panic he was able to apply a tourniquet and make it back to the landing to get more help.  He had barely nicked his femoral artery.   

 

Get training, and be prepared.   

[TnRiver46]

On 4/7/2024 at 6:45 PM, Catt said:

I clicked on this thread to see if Catt had posted a photo of a roll of TP. Not even kidding 😂 

 

wisdom 

[Catt]

2 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

I clicked on this thread to see if Catt had posted a photo of a roll of TP. Not even kidding 😂 

 

wisdom 

 

 

[airshot]

On 4/8/2024 at 12:27 PM, gimruis said:

 

I don't quite understand the concept of keeping this actually in the boat.  I mean if you're out on the lake and you bust a prop, you aren't changing it on the water.  You still have to go back in to physically change out the prop.

While not fun, I have changed many props on the water after damaging them where they don't function.  On small out boards I have unclamped them and brought them inside the boat.  On larger OB ,I have actually hung out over the stern and changed them. On my I/O, I actually climbed out and straddled the out drive tilted up and changed out the prop. As I said, not fun, make sure you wear a life jacket and remove all valuables from your person, but it can be done.  I hate to admit it, but I have done it many times. 

On 4/8/2024 at 12:39 PM, gimruis said:

 

Guess I never really considered the thought of going to shore.  Everything here is private property and I am not about to trespass.

 

My previous post I should have been more specific.  I could probably change out my trolling motor prop on the spot while out on the lake.  Even that would be tricky with front of the bow mount sitting at the very front V of the boat though.  The outboard prop, no chance.  I'd end up in the drink.  I know you're a tall guy @Deephaven but you aint that tall.

Using a shoreline to make an emergency repair is not a tresspass.  If you damage there shore then that is another issue.   There are rights of way regulations in place for emergencies.

On 4/8/2024 at 1:35 PM, gimruis said:

 

You guys sure do have a lot of answers today don't you lol

 

The water on Tonka is 41 degrees, I won't be standing in that anytime soon.  But your point is made.  Rubber boots or hip waders would solve that problem.

Cold, rain, and just plain miserable outside, so answering questions is something to do !!

[airshot]

Actuall, I have let others that have damaged props pull up along side and use my boat as a platform to change out their damaged props.  Always pays to carry a spare prop, key and nut.   Remember, prop nuts don't float, not even for a second !!

[gimruis]

18 minutes ago, airshot said:

Using a shoreline to make an emergency repair is not a tresspass.  If you damage there shore then that is another issue.   There are rights of way regulations in place for emergencies.

 

Changing out a prop is not an emergency.  You aren't going to convince me of that.

 

Besides, if you can change it on the water, you only reinforced that notion anyways.