The Anglers All Boathouse is heading into its third summer, we’re more dialed in than ever, and ready to outfit all of those water-based adventures.

Since launching the Boathouse, our goal has been to supply the Front Range with the very best in boats, accessories, and outdoor gear. We wanted to provide a space where anglers can check out fully assembled rafts, float tubes, kayaks and paddle boards.

This season, we’ve taken things up a notch and added some great new gear. Whether you’re a seasoned river rat or just picked up your first raft or kayak, we’ve got everything you need to make the most of your time on the water.

From top-of-the-line inflatable watercraft from Bōte, to rugged transport systems from Yakima, to all the camping essentials from brands like Stanley, VSSL and Nalgene, our shelves are stocked and the crew is ready to help you gear up. If you're looking to rig your boat, pack your cooler, or build the ultimate weekend setup, the Boathouse is your one-stop shop for turning good plans into great adventures.

So, you’ve got a boat. Now equip it for adventure!

One of the most fun things about buying a new boat is personalizing it and making it your own. From the “must have” items like safety equipment, to the “nice to have” items to fit your style of fishing, there are many ways to equip a boat.

We spent some time chatting with Anglers All Boathouse manager, Johnnie Trujillo, and he offered some great recommendations in each category. Johnnie also noted that many of these suggestions will apply to any type of boat – from a float tube, to a multi-person watercraft.

MUST HAVE ITEMS

The first thing that Johnnie mentioned is the importance of having the proper (and often required) safety equipment for your boat. 

“It is essential to have your boat river ready before you begin any trip,” Johnnie began. “Staying safe on the water is important and don’t take that lightly.”

He said that some of the essentials include a rescue throw bag and PFD or life jacket. 

“Make sure you have at least one PFD for each seat in the boat,” he explained. “You might invite a friend or two and need one for them. When purchasing extra life jackets, get a mid-size one that can fit a range of people.”

Next up, make sure you have a spare oar on bigger boats like full sized framed rafts and drift boats. According to Johnnie, that’s an essential item that a lot of people don’t think about. Some rivers even require you to have one on the boat. On your float tubes whether it is a model with oars or not, kick fins would be a must-have item. And for the stand up paddle boarders in your group, make sure they have a leash. 

“Having a spare oar is huge because if you have five miles left to paddle and you lose one or break one, it’s important to have a spare. It can mean the difference between getting off the water safely and on time, or rolling in way past dark.”

Then, don’t go anywhere without a patch kit, and on longer trips you might even consider carrying extra components like replacement handles, U-bolts, and valves. All boats come with a small patch kit. But that kit is only good for minor repairs. You should really have something that can cover a wider range of repairs. 

“Remember that the more remote you are, the more you’ll want to carry with you,” Johnnie added. “If you’re floating a popular stretch of river, there might be plenty of boats who can help you out. But on some waters, you might be entirely on your own. If you need help or have questions about repair kits, just stop by or call us at the shop.”

Another must have item on your boat is a safety whistle. If anyone on your boat takes a swim, a whistle is the universal signal that a person is in the water. Any other boats who know river etiquette will look for someone swimming if you blow the whistle. That’s something every boat needs to have. 

One thing some boaters don’t think about is packing up and carrying a pump with you at all times. A great way to top off the raft at the boat ramp is with an electric pump, but that won’t do you much good down river. Make sure you have a good hand pump stashed on the boat at all times. 

Then finally, Johnnie recommends always carrying a rescue knife. Having a knife is essential in case anything gets hung up in an anchor rope or a piece of webbing, and you need to cut it loose. This is especially important when a person is involved. 

If you have any questions about these “must have” items to get your boat ready for the water, stop by the Anglers All Boathouse. Or give us a call at 303-794-1104. 

NICE TO HAVE ITEMS

Next up are the “nice to have” items on your boat. These aren’t as critical as the safety and repair items mentioned above. But they can surely add to your experience on the water. 

“The first thing on my nice to have list would be an anchor,” Johnnie said. “It’s not essential but it really is a great item to have. Add to that a swivel pulley. These little contraptions keep the anchor rope from twisting, and make it much easier to pull the anchor when ready to move downstream.

Johnnie says that a bowline is another great piece of equipment to have on board. While you could use your throw bag to tie off your boat, having a dedicated bowline is ideal. Plus, you could then use your throw bag to tie off the stern if needed. 

The next items on our list would be a dry box and a cooler. Then you may also want to add fly rod holders. And Johnnie recommends an assortment of straps for securing items to the boat. If you plan to do any longer floats or camping especially, straps can really be useful. 

“Next, I’d recommend some drop bags for organization,” Johnnie told us. “These mesh bags keep gear like extra life jackets tucked away and organized, rather than having things laying out on the floor of the boat. 

Eventually you might want speakers to play some tunes on the river. That can be a nice thing to have on a float trip. Just remember to use those speakers wisely – don’t go blasting music in the wrong situation or when it would be considered bad etiquette.

Another piece of gear to consider is water filtration options, especially on longer floats. Grayl makes a very cool filter press bottle that is compact and easy to use. And Katadyn offers great solutions for safe water filtration around camp. 

If you like floating with a boat dog on board, do not forget a life jacket for them too! And a water bowl for time in camp. Shop dog gear here. 

CLEANING AND REPAIR

Lastly, you’ll want to add some items to your kit that will allow you to clean your raft and keep it running smoothly for a long time. 

“I recommend the NRS Boat Cleaner, and then 303, which is a UV protectant that comes in a spray bottle,” Johnnie said. “Just spray it on and wipe it down with a rag. This should be done about once or twice a year, and it keeps your boat from degrading from UV exposure. Even if you store your boat in a garage, your boat still takes a lot of UV abuse on the water, so don’t neglect it.” 

“In addition to the repair kit you keep with you on the water, eventually you’ll want to build up a larger assortment of repair supplies at home,” Johnnie told us. “This might include tools and spare parts, like extra valves.”

And finally, he says that packing a Jacks Collapsible Bucket on board is something he never forgets. These buckets can be used to haul gear, stash trash, do the dishes, or to fill with water to keep the boat cool. When that rubber gets hot in the sun, splash it down. Johnnie says you can also use a squirt gun to spray mud or sand off the boat before you take it out and put it back on the trailer. That way, it doesn’t dry on the boat and will be easier to clean up later. 

Contact Us With Questions

Have questions or need help finding the right equipment to get your boat ready for the water? Please come see us at the Anglers All Boathouse in Littleton. Or give us a call at 303-794-1104 and we’ll help answer any questions.