Gettin A Boat, Got Some Questions.

[Dapper Dan Man]

Ok, so I'm aquiring a boat from an uncle of mine because he doesen't go fishing anymore and I've never owned a boat before. I know that it must be titled and registered but is there anything else that I must do to put in at any of the lakes in the branson area? Some friends of mine told me that you will have to get permits for each lake that i will be fishing in (Taneycomo, Bull shoals, Table Rock, ETC.) Thanks in advance for the help

[Dutch]

Title and registration are all you need. Your friends must have been talking about the launch pass which you have to have for most ramps on Corps of Engineers Lakes or pay a daily launch fee.

[jeb]

Also make sure you have all the required safety equipment. Throwable life preserver/cushion, life jackets, horn, fire extinguisher, etc. Each state seems to have different rules. Some states require an anchor to be on board, for example.

[grizwilson]

If you fish fellows lake will need a permit from CU

[Gary Lange]

You should also go over the boat and check all the Pumps, Livewells and drain out and replace all the old fuel if it has been setting for a while. Have a good Marine Repair Shop check the motor over and make sure it is ready for use again. I use HydroTec in Nixa, Mo. and they are tops in Customer Service and repairs are done right. You want to have a good experience with this new to you boat so make sure it is ready for the water. The Titles for the Motor, Hull and Trailer are just a small part as is the registration. I would get the Corp of Eng. yearly permit also as it is good all over the country wherever you have a Corp lake. Good luck with this new to you boat and always where a life jacket when the big motor is running and the kill switch should be connected to you while running. Safety First.

[GloryDaze]

You've heard the old saying about what boat sands for: B.O.A.T = Bust Out Another Thousand!!

Or the other: "best two days I owned my boat, the day I got it and the day I sold it"

Honestly, after the experience I had with my boat- a 18' runabout Four Winns, these were both true. But then again I pobably shoveled too much out to buy it, which was why I had trouble swallowing all the expenses that went into it.

Wow, do I sound a little bitter or what? That's why now I only have boats that I can paddle and have no moving parts.

[Dutch]

I would get the Corp of Eng. yearly permit also as it is good all over the country wherever you have a Corp lake.

Unless you go to Texas. There are several places where you have to buy a day pass eventhough you have a corps permit on the mirror. But wait is Texas even in this country.

[Stoneroller]

besides checking all the above mentioned things, probably the most important thing you need to check and the thing checked least often are the cables that go to your battery(s) they can slowly corrode up inside the insulation and next thing you know, you are miles from help, a storm is rolling in, and all you hear when you turn the start key is a 'click,click,click,click' so make sure you go over the electrical system too and potentially save yourself from a stranding.

[flytyer57]

The most important thing that nobody mentioned is "Don't Forget The Drain Plug!!!"

[Stoneroller]

and an extra drain plug. i've seen a few dropped overboard while trying to get them in the boat, which was forgotten before parking the truck and trailer... d'oh! luckily it's never been me who has dropped it.