what are your Must have’s if getting a new / Newer boat

I may start doing a little looking around for a newer boat. No way I’m going to spend the $’s on a new one, but a upgrade from the 2002 is probably in order. A few things I’ve said I will have to have, or add rather quickly after getting a newer boat are:

A spot lock trolling motor. This is something I could never be without again.
Better and current graphs. After being a life long Lowerance user I’m going to switch to Hummingbird units on the newer boat. Nothing Crazy Large or High end but larger and better quality than I currently have ( Not real hard )
A Drotto type of boat latch. Buddy has one and it sure works slick.
Trailer Boat Buckle tie downs.
I curious to hear some of your must have items ?

Jump seats. Not having 2 additional seats adds so much room to the dance floor when fishing 3/4 people.

I have most of those on my current boat, I don’t have the Drotto and I’m still up in the air if I need/want it. My next addition is likely to be some trailer steps.

No carpet! Go with the vinyl/polymer no maintenance hard surface and never go back to marine carpet again.

All things that you mentioned are musts. Not sure your style of fishing and if having all your electronics linked is a big deal? However, on graphs look at Garmin, a little more bang for your buck, and super easy interface to work with.

Steps for entering your boat while on the trailer. Not getting any younger and is super nice.

Lithium batteries for troller and a dedicated Lithium for the graphs, worth the extra money. there are good lithiums for close to the price of a good AGM or lead acid.

Built in coolers are a really convienent option in many boats.

Ryan Speers wrote:

I have most of those on my current boat, I don’t have the Drotto and I’m still up in the air if I need/want it. My next addition is likely to be some trailer steps.

You may not NEED it, but you will not be disappointed if you get one. I will never not have one any longer.

Lithium batteries, easy on board charging for them, a sweet just encase deck box would be awesome too. More of a musky want.

I am waiting for the call saying to come pickup my boat. It has almost everything I could want. Two things it doesn’t have that I have purchased ready to install when I get it, are a troll master, and a boat 2 trailer latch. I have had both the drotto and the boat 2 trailer, and IMO the boat 2 trailer is a better heavier built unit and the surface is softer so it doesn’t scuff the gelcoat. They are cheaper too. I would also second if you’re thinking humminbird look at garmin first. I had both on my last two boats, and I think garmin is now better than bird in every facet except maybe mapping, but that is still a maybe.

If you launch a boat by yourself you will love the drotto. I can’t believe I waited till this year to buy one. Definitely one of the smartest buys I have had.
As already mentioned a stand alone battery for your electronics and the boat with a master power switch to kill power to everything. Keep your big engine on it’s own starting battery.
There are plenty of people on here that own LiTime batteries and not one negative comment yet. Oh and they are cheaper than an AGM blue top batteries.

fishthumper wrote:

I curious to hear some of your must have items ?

Time to use it.

Must Haves for Me on any boat going forward:

Spot Lock Trolling Motor – It just changes the way people fish for the better and makes boat conrol so much easier

Bunk Trailer – Fewer moving parts, often gives you better storage clearance in garages with boat sitting lower on the trailer, in some instances eliminates the need or major advantages of the drotto

Vinyl Flooring – Cleanup ability and durability are unmatched

Decent Sized Electronics – Nobody is getting younger, and the more pixels you have the easier it is to interpret what you are looking at. If you aren’t going with FFS, I’d recommend shopping slightly used Helix 9, 10, 12s.

Storage Plan/Access Nearby – It seems crazy how many people will drop huge money on a boat with no place to store it between outings or for the winter. I can’t imagine how many fewer times I’d go on the water in a year if I didn’t have the boat ready to roll at my house uncovered, charged, and so on as most of my fishing is done on a whim when the moment catches me right and I have time.