Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy out

Pony Racer

Member
Aug 13, 2015
167
Ct
Boat Info
2005 Sea Ray 390 Sundancer
Engines
Twin 8.1 S-HO 496's, v-drives
hello all,

New to Owning a boat, but not new to boating, my entire life I've been on boats (mostly family, some friends) pretty much every weekend all season long in Long Island Sound.

so i have some questions, as there are times throughout the years i have just taken advantage of the fact "it just being there" now that time is mine for it to "just be there"

As of Oct 7,2015 my wife and i have put a down payment on our first boat a loaded 2005 390 Sundancer
there are a few things coming with the boat. but what i need to know are what are ALL necessities..

here is my basic boating weekend.. Docked, rafted, rafted with beach right behind boat.
out of all the boats my friends have the our 390 will be the biggest or second biggest that "tie up" 95% of the time..

what size lines (I'm assuming 5/8" and 25'), and how many should i have? should i have other lengths?
I'm thinking 4 at dock that stay there permanently,
How many more should i have?

Fenders Size and how many?
there are 3 coming with the boat, but they are mix matched sizes (colors), enough to get me through docking but not rafting,
i want all new ones and correct and same size for our boat..

LED lighting, eventually i will change all interior and exterior lighting to LED.
my concerns right off the bat are upgrading the nav lights first to all LED, im sure someone has done it, what is needed?

Life Jackets, Im thinking just basic Jackets (SHTF scenario) most boating will be close to shore or on rivers how many is a good amount to have at all time
i know the rules but should there be a bunch extra, a friends boat can hold 20 people most times he has no more than 6-8 people, he has something like 30 jackets on board at all times.. (2) 10 packs enough?

what are some other "basic things" that should be on the boat at all times,
anything and everything you can think of :smt100

I'm going to make a shopping list and ask for some if it at Christmas (my family never knows what to get me)

some other things i have thought of to help the list out:

boat hook
grille
extra fire extinguisher
"stern" anchor ( to toss to shore, what size?)


thanks again for the help in advance!
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

The number of dock lines depends on the setup at your dock. 4 would work if the 2 bow lines can double as spring lines. If not then you will need 1 or 2 spring lines. I would go with the 5/8" lines at 25' length. You might get away with 15' on the stern depending on how you tie up. The cost differential isn't that great and having uniformity is preferable. I have a set that stays on the dock and an identical set that I carry with me for docking away from the marina and raftups.

Fender size i would go with the 8"x20" all the same color.

Number of life jackets depends on your use. We have a combination of ski vests, basic life jackets and inflatable fanny pack vests. Probably 15 in all. Extras are stored in the dock box and some at home. Storage space on a boat is limited so no reason to carry 20 jackets on board if you only regularly us 6. Just make sure you enough for all passengers when you out.

Yes, to the portable fire extinguisher and boat hook.

Stern anchor used as a spare I would go with a Fortress 11. Breaks down and stows in a bag.

Other things to consider: Hand held VHF, LED flashlights, tool box, spare parts,
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

On determining the number of dock lines, that will depend on your slip setup. I have my boat (15'5" beam) in a slip that's 20' wide so I can center the boat in the slip and keep it away from the finger docks. That keeps it from rubbing on the dock and/or fenders. Dock line selection also will depend somewhat on prevailing winds and currents.

I use 5/8" lines on the upwind (stbd) side of the boat with one on my midship cleat, one on a cleat forward of that, and one on the stern cleat. I also have a 1/2" line from each of the stern cleats back to the dock. On the port side of the boat I have one 1/2" line from the bow cleat down to the dock, one 58" forward spring line on the next cleat back (it's forward of the midship cleat), one 5/8" aft spring line on the midship cleat and one 1/2" line from the dock to the aft cleat. So the boat is secured from side to side and also forward to back. It basically stays centered in the slip all the time.

In the slip I don't use inflatable fenders. I use these
js_view_photo37.jpg
fenders from Holmes Industries and have lined the slip on both sides and the stern end of the slip. They're available from http://www.holmesms.com/ Holmes Industries. These save having to get the fenders out and put them away again every time we use the boat.

As far as PFD's, one per customer. Figure out the largest group you'll ever have on board and make sure you have enough.

Congrats on the new boat. Now go have fun with it. Oh, and take a Safe Boating Course to make sure you are doing things correctly.
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

All the above plus I carry these also, there was a thread recently about this with some good ideas.

http://clubsearay.com/showthread.php/75368-Spare-Parts-List-for-Emer-Repairs?p=855398#post855398

All size's clamps
All size's cork & rubber plugs
1 roll of 1", 2" & 4" & 2 packs of 4" square FiberFix repair tape (this tape works on any kind of leak I've used it at home on a broken pipe)
Spare set of Nav lights
Complete set of different size's electrical connectors
Several rolls of electrical tape
Digital RMS Meter
IR temp gun
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

In the slip I don't use inflatable fenders. I use these fenders from Holmes Industries and have lined the slip on both sides and the stern end of the slip. They're available from http://www.holmesms.com/ Holmes Industries. These save having to get the fenders out and put them away again every time we use the boat.

Our marina is just installing these bumpers, I was going to purchase the Nomar bumpers if they didn't install them before the winter winds.

http://www.dockbuilders.com/dock-bumpers-fenders.htm
 
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Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

welcome aboard and good luck with your new boat

you need to hook up with John his name is CT sea ray he is close to you and makes trip from long island to CT all the time
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

If you and your wife haven't ever done it, or it's been a while, then take a boating course ASAP.
As others have said, your slip will determine how many lines you need there. Those will likely stay in place all season.
As far as fenders are concerned, I think that 4 of appropriate size are the bare minimum. I keep 6 aboard, and if I had a 390 I would have 6 too. They come in really handy when rafting up with boats on both sides. You'd be surprised at how many people either don't have any, or have what amounts to the size of a small baloon on a huge boat.
I keep 8 extra dock lines on the boat, and have them stashed in different corners for ready access.
A spare anchor and rode is always a good idea in case you want to use a second anchor, or the first one fails.
I second the lightweight Fortress. That's what I have as my backup. Mine is sized big enough to be the primary for my boat if it had to be. I have a good storage spot for it, so it's assembled and ready to go. They are lightweight to handle, and hold really well.
A basic tool box, along with the other mechancal things others have mentioned, always comes in handy and will likely get you home in a pinch.
Make sure the flashlight batteries are good, and check them every once in a while.
Nasty (but clean) bilge pants (cheap sweat pants are good for this) and tee shirt, packed away somewhere comes in handy. It always seemed that when I had a mechanical issue it was when we were either coming or going out to dinner with the boat. No sense in ruining good clothes.
Dishwashing liquid is great for cleaning greasey hands if you have to get dirty, plus you can use it to wash the dishes.
A decent first aid kit along with some sunblock, some aloe, and bug spray always come in handy. At least a couple of times a season someone is looking for a bandaid or aspirin, or starts getting a little bit too much sun, and the bugs always come out in the afternoon.
I'm not generally a hat guy, so I keep one on the boat for the long days in the sun. I hate wearing it, but it really helps.
Get either Boat US or Seatow towing coverage, and program their number in to your cellphone. Hopefully you'll never need them.
Enough life jackets for the number of people that realistically might be on the boat are a must, as is the other required safety equipment. The basic life jackets are good enough for other occasional passengers, but I have more comfortable ones aboard for myself, my wife, and my teenage kids because we are the ones who are on the boat 90% of the time, and I like to go out in to the ocean. When we go out in the ocean, I make everyone put a life jacket on. We might only be 2 or 3 miles offshore, but that's a long swim in the surf.
If in the bay, we can basically walk ashore from most places.
You will probably be in the sound most of the time, and the conditions might warrant wearing a life jacket there at times too. Make sure it's a comfortable one.
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

Don't forget a good variety of liquor!
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

Hi I use my boat just as you are saying, rafted up in groups and spend the weekend. My boat for the last 10 years is a 300 dancer and I'm looking to move up to a 400BD. My thoughts on fenders has always been to have the largest you can bring. I use Taylor 10x26 and haven't had any damage to mine or others boats when rafted. There has been weather and wake when I have kept an eye on them because things were getting close. Fleece covers are nice to have to protect yours or your friends colored hull and no squeaking at night. I carry 2 rear anchors because you will be surprised how many boats you will end up holding.

Congratulations on finding the one you have wanted! It's hard to imagine what people do that don't boat, 25 years and still loving it!
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

Hello Pony Racer, Welcome to CSR.

I had a 2005 390 four four years and now a 2008 40DA. I know, ?, I can't talk about it on social media so don't ask.

These boats are wonderful. Here are my suggestions:

1. six dock lines dedicated to the home dock. (5/8)
2. eight lines for traveling in the transom locker. Most at 25' some shorter
3. minimum of four fenders 8 x 20 I believe.
4. two throwable pfd's
5. portable vhf

I have converted all cockpit and exterior lights to LED. Be careful with the nav lights as you need to make sure that they are the 2NM Coast Guard Approved type. There are several led bulbs that will go in there, they are not all alike or approved. I have not done the interior lights yet as I still have spare incandescent bulb to use up.

You will find (if you want) that 12 of the standard block looking (don't know name) pfd's fit in the locker under the helm seat very nicely and are a very quick access. Our ditch bag (make one) is kept in the transom locker to allow quick ingress to the dink if needed. A very sharp knife is attached to the outside of the ditch bag to allow cutting of our dink davit lines if necessary.

Many of the other posts above have other suggestions as well, things like the tools (I have found that a rechargeable drill and bit kit are nice to have on board), fire extinguishers, LIQUOR, etc are all good suggestions.

Being that you are going to usually be the biggest boat in the party you can't skimp on the number of life jackets. You will find that your boat is the one that everyone gravitates to. Therefore, YOU are responsible for all of them and must have enough PFD's on YOUR boat for all of them. The Coasties and Fuzz (haven't used that word in a while) can and will bust you on this one.

I hope this helps, let us know if you need more info, we are all willing to help.

Gary
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

Favorite boat store gift card for any holiday are always welcome!
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

awesome advice all keep it coming..
im taking notes..

and alcohol will always be available ;)
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

And, don't forget the EPIRB especially if you're going off shore. Congrats on the new toy and enjoy!
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

Get the lines and fenders you wish you had when a bad storm hits...

MM
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

Just to add to the already extensive list:
1. Extra Towels for those sudden rainstorms.
2. Extra Rags - you always use them for something.
3. Cleaning supplies - boat soap, sponges, simple green, deck brush, etc
4. A good First Aid kit -
5. OTC medicines - Aspirin, Tylenol, Antacid, etc
6. Raingear
7. Dive mask - good for checking out the running gear.
8. Sharp knife - keep it handy incase you need to cut a line quickly
9. Tool kit with extra parts
10. All the required CG equipment.
11. Handheld / rechargeable spotlight
12. Bottles of fresh water
13. Spare keys
14. Extra fuel cover key
15. BEER...Lots of BEER

Congrats on the new boat.
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

thanks for the advice of the boating safety coarse..
i might have misrepresented a little by saying i have just been on boats,
i have been navigating, piloting, driving boats since i was about 6 and doing it alone since i was 16, now 42, and finally able to purchase my own, i was responsible for driving all my families boats when i was on them because i had the most experience on the waters.
i have had my boating license which is required in ct since that time, coast guard safety coarse in 98 and 07, i had to get a new one that covered jet-skis about 4 years ago,
nothing wrong with a refresher which is why i take an online coarse every 5 years or so..
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

If you wear glasses, keep an old pair on the boat.

Umbrellas and disposable rain jackets (like the ones from baseball games).

Hide spare boat keys and some cash or an extra credit card (but let me know where in case you forget).

Rescue tape.

Benadryl.

Copies of your towing card and insurance declarations page and registration.

-Rocco-
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

Gary is correct

Set up you "home slip" with the lines just right to keep the boat in the same position each time you dock, tn carry "travel lines" but 2 lines (spring) should be at least 3/4 the length of the boat. and 4 fenders carried. more on your slip tie to the dock. Don't forget chafe guards for the slip lines. You may have to look on line for custom lines as 25' seems to be the average you will see in WM.

This is what I carried when I had my 390DA all 5/8"
2 x 15' (for the time you have a close cleat in a transient slip
4 x 25'
2 x 35' spring lines

For my 540DA 2x25 4x35 2x55

Enjoy the boat the 390DA with diesels was a great boat.

Rich
 
Re: Basic set up (lines, fenders, etc), what should be on the boat? help a new guy ou

My former marina specified minimum size and minimum number of dock lines--sounds like everyone's recommendations are pretty solid, but might not hurt to check before purchasing.

Don't know what you and your family like entertainment wise, but the most popular "gear" we have is a mini disco ball with its own LEDs that we hang from the radar arch and plug into a converter in the 12v outlet on the dash. Another boat in our lake family has a portable laser light show box, so when everybody's rafted in the cove at night we have fun lighting in a couple of different spots, some of which is shooting off the trees and water. Once in a while the lights will prompt loud music and possibly even some dancing, but most often they're just for the atmosphere.

Enjoy Christmas!!!!
 
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