How many rods is considered a good amount to carry onto the boat as a non-boater and if only a few what Rods would you take?

5top water, spinner bait, crank bait, jig-n-craw, & plastics either Texas/wacky/weightless/dropshot/Carolina rig

I take 8-10, and use a Bac Rac for the two to four I settle on.

http://www.bac-rac.com/

In two years, no boater has ever had a complaint.  The key is to keep the back of the boat organized, and be able to jet in about 30 seconds at a moments notice.