Which Accessories First

[vetman2]

Looking at bay boats and the list of accessories keeps growing. I'm looking at priorities and which are most important to purchase with the boat. I plan to fish the flats, some freshwater river fishing and pulling the boys on a tube. Which is the best order in which to buy these extras?

Also, considering which of these I could install later and which would be easier to have installed right from the start by the dealer. Also some questions on some of the items as well.

In no particular order and any additions are welcomed.

GPS/Depth finder. This is a no brainer, but way too many choices. My 8 year old son has informed me it will be a Garmin. Considering the Garmin 94sv but do I need to go ahead and purchase additional mapping software? Grew up on the east coast do fishing out of Steinhatchee will be a new experience.


Trolling motor. Probably Riptide with I-pilot, but do I need a quick disconnect mount?

Power Pole Blade. 8' or 10'? Black or white color on a white boat?

Trim tabs

Atlas hydraulic jack plate

Battery charger or chargers. Will I need one for 12 volt and one for 24 volt?

[leonreno]

I would say charger and trim tabs would be last. May not need trim tabs and if you have a portable charger you can use that. But, you can buy one three bank charger to charger all of your batteries at once, even the 24v.

The gps/finder is a must, which one I have no idea, mines a Garmin from way back.

Wish I had a power pole, just too much for me, I use a shallow water anchor from TnA anchors, a poor mans power pole.

All can be added later, though power pole and tabs would not be hard but would be nice if done by manufacturer.

[fishinfool]

The quick disconnect mount on the trolling motor is a very nice option to have, especially if you will be using the boat for other than fishing. Having it installed by the dealer will make the placement in the most favorable spot.The power connection and internal boat wiring when installed by the dealer are usually better than the DIY method later.
When having any electrical work done, emphasize that you will be using the boat in saltwater and ask that they solder all the splices and connections. That will reduce corrosion and intermittent problems later on.
The jack plate will be much easier to have installed when the boat is being initially rigged out.
Next would be the power pole, (I would choose white), then the trim tabs, if needed.
As far as GPS/depth finder, that is going to be a personal preference item. One thing to keep in mind is if you plan to have it dash mounted or not. I would have the in dash mount done by the dealer. Of all the models out there, go to a marine retailer and ask if you can see one operating in the sunlight while wearing polarized glasses. Some displays can be very hard to see with them on.
That's my .02

[onefishtwofish]

I did not see Marine radio on there. I would make that electronic number one. Then GPS. I love my power pole, but had a stick it in my skiff and after getting used to it, it worked fine and quick. Not as nice mind you, but I would not hesitate to use that until the budget allows. You can use it for 2 years and probably sell it for half what you paid in one day.

I had the iPilot and did not like it. I now have a hand control with a foot switch and like it much better. But that is just a preference.

Agree on the 3 bank. Make sure there is a master off switch for the whole boat too.

I assume bilge pump is already on the boat. If not get one, or better yet, two.

For me, in order of importance (safety, comfort)

Marine radio
bilge pumps (probably already included)
GPS/finder
Trolling motor
Charger
trim tabs
power pole
jack plate

[DEMON]

I would go in the same order as OneFish

[hambric85]

Don't skimp on depth finder. I just installed a lowrance hds9 gen 3 on my bay. And Suzuki digital gauges as well. All on nmea system. That lets you keep a better track on that pricey thing behind you. Then you can never get enough rod holders, trim tabs, atlas jack, t top(I prefer the fly top so not to interfere with the console rod holders, lastly would be radar so don't skimp on the first purchase. BTW I love my new lowrance. Much better than the Garmin I had. This is if it already has onboard chargers and other little things.

Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

[Steve Stinson]

Best two options I ever put on a new Sea Pro SV2100 Bay were the trim tabs and a leaning post. Never regretted either purchase.

[DEMON]

x2 on the trim tabs. Turns a bay boat into a much better boat for the shallow waters around here. I'll never have another boat without them.

[JIm Smith]

lowrance, love trim tabs, and my talon