"new" boat - what all do I need to buy?

[tlatoani]

Hi everyone, With the help of the board I picked up an 05 XLV in December. I'm slowly working on the things that I think I will need for the spring. What am I missing? I have 2 wakeboards, a surfboard, and a few skis. The boat came with a few vests, lines, and bumpers. Of course I have a cooler, towels, sunscreen, etc...

Here is what I have come up with so far:
1) tool kit
2) anchor and line
3) filet knife/dive mask
4) flares
5) first aid kit
6) spare impeller/belt
7) jumper pack (or 2nd battery setup)
perfectpass (wakeboard pro or stargazer)
9)tube/rope (for the kids obviously :P)
10)kid skis and wakeboard
11) more vests
12) flashlight(s)
13) surf rope
14) ski/wakeboard rope
15) bimini (eventually)
16) SPARE BOAT KEYS (boat only came with 1)
17) tie up lines (check what came with boat)
1 bumpers (check what came with boat)
19) float cushion (required one)
20) fresh air exhaust
21) rafts (for partying of course)
22) spare prop

thanks for any input! Funny how those 8's turn into

[yearround]

i like to keep about a gallon worth of water bottles and some other snacks granola bars, etc. would also suggest a few trash bags, maybe even some toilet paper?

[zegm]

Ah, since I don't know what part of the country you live in this might change, but I would move Bimini way to the top of the list. The addition of that on our boat more than doubled our time on the water. I got tired of being "fried" after a day on the lake!

[llxlv]

Yeah the bimini is mandatory out here in Nevada. Could not go without it.

[phenom_1819]

Sounds like you've got it pretty well covered. A couple thoughts.

With all the safety gear you've thought of (and I'm impressed!), it is worth your while to add one more thing to your list -- a non-stretch wakeboard rope. A waterski and wakeboard rope are not the same thing (waterski is stretchy, wakeboard is not). A stretch rope should NEVER be used from the tower, as recoil can bring the rope right back into the boat and cause injury to your passengers (this happened to a friend three years ago using a waterski line from his tower -- a girl in the boat got in the way of the handle and ended up with several broken bones in her face...).

If you plan on taking your boat to shore, invest in an Anchor Buddy. It is a bungee cord that straps to your anchor and bow hook so that you can pull your boat into shore without the hull ever touching the sand. They cost $20 or so and it is one of my favorite boat toys.

I always carry a couple extra stern drain plugs. If you don't use them yourself, you may be able to save someone else's day.

Also, be sure to leave some towels in your tow rig with a couple bottles mixed 50/50 with water and vinegar for wiping down. By having a few bottles, you can get others to help out and speed up the process (don't forget the trailer too).

Congrats on your new boat!

[zegm]

Yeah a cheap waterski rope is stretchy but a real one is NOT!

[Sled491]

What a list, but I'm sure you'll adjust as you see what is needed and not as the summer and your experience go by. One note and I'm surprised no one had mentioned this yet, but if your gonna carry a spare prop your gonna need a prop puller and maybe soem knukle bandages

Congrats on the boat and welcome

[Mikey]

Only thing i can think of not mentioned is matches/lighter or flint in case it gets wet and a wiener marshmellow roaster. we often find a beach and have a small fire for lunch /area and conditions allowing.

[bambam26]

Cal, what is the 50/50 water vinager for? Water spots? If so doesnt the vinager hurt the paint?

[tazz3069]

The vinager takes off the wax.