Hi all,
So, tomorrow I pick up my new (to me) boat and set it into the water. I've rented a small slip at a launch on our lake (our cottage is on an Island). The boat is an 80's 14' Springbok with a 9.9HP Johnson.
Help me out here, what do I need on board in order to stay legal and safe? I've got a small safety kit which I got for free with a mag subscription which includes a bailer, whistle, flashlight and rope. In addition to that, I've got 2 life jackets on board (I know about having 1 per person). What else do I need (I'll deal with nice to have's later on)?
Also, I'm new to this, will I have to provide my own lines for tying to the slip? I'm pretty sure my small boat has no cleats, so I guess I'm just tying to those braces between the gunwales and the seats?
As for motor oil, can someone recommend a particular brand? I'll likely pick up a few bottles of it and keep it in the truck.
Any other advice to a new boat owner is muchly appreciated!!
Best,
Mark