Fenders and Anchors and Stuff onboard

[jfordbass]

Fenders: Wondering if I should bother with getting a set of fenders. I don't plan on tying up at a slip all that often, and my boat is used (some wear/tear) on the 'cap' bumper that runs around the boat. Plus, fenders 'take up space' which is so precious, and if I tie off nice and tight (4 cleats, 2 aft, 2 fore) for those rare times that I do put the boat in a slip overnight on, say, a camping trip that has a marina near the campground, then why bother with fenders at all? I dunno... perhaps I've answered my own question there(?)

Anchor: Perhaps an anchor would come in handy if my boat was immobile/disabled and I didn't want to drift around, but otherwise I won't just toss an anchor overboard and remain stationary, and instead will be moving around, troll motor, etc. fishing tournaments or whatever. Is an anchor considered a 'must' for a 'bass boat'? If so, what kind should I consider getting? There's the 'mushroom' type and the 'other type that looks like a claw (I forget what that style is called). Anyway, leaning toward a no on the anchor thing too unless someone can convince otherwise.

Stuff onboard: See this post I started a few weeks back. Received some GREAT feedback and now my boat is loaded up (but with some space to spare as many of these items are not too bulky!) and I feel that much more 'prepared' out there. http://www.bbcboards.net...age=1

James

[BP in ME]

Fenders earn their space on my boat. Wave and wake action beat the crap out of the gunwales even during short launching/take-out stays esp. since most floats are made for bigger, higher boats. Any space around the fuel compartment to squeeze in a couple?

The goose-neck style works better for most bass boats but they're even harder to pack.

[oldbasser1]

I carry the goose neck and 3 of the suction cup design.They don't take up much room and have saved my boat many times.

[magic]

You're gonna be loading and unloading, if you tie off to dock/ramp etc while doing this you need fenders.

[DJDeron]

Double check your state's boating requirements. Some state's require that you have an anchor on board.

[AmesHusker]

I would definately make sure you have some fenders on board. Here's a link to the ones I bought a couple years ago. They don't take up much room at all.
http://www.basspro.com/webapp/...0-3-9

The only time I really could use an anchor is when I take the wife/kids crappie or bluegill fishing. We do this fairly often, so I plan to buy one soon. Besides this, I really don't see a need for an anchor in a bassboat, but that's just my opinion.

[Palico]

A good anchor is considered a safety item. In a storm if you retret to a back cove it can keep you there, and as you said keep you put if you lose main power. The fluke style is much more appropreate for most bass boats. The mushroom is fine for quick stop and go but usually will not hold a typical bass boat in much current or wind.

As already posted, check your state laws as well it may be required to have one onboard. If you don't plan on using it just put it in a out of the way location

[HankBass]

Get some fenders/bumpers
I don't have a lot of experience
but what i found is that i can't tie a boat up tight enough when the wind begins to blow and the dock starts rising and falling along with the boat pitching. . .
the big cylinders will take up space but those flat ones look good. I have some with suction cups.