Financing Your Bass Boat Accessories

Popular Bass Boat Accessories and How to Finance Them

A new bass boat wouldn’t be complete without the accessories that go with it. Equipping your vessel with high-grade tools is a great way to help upgrade your fishing and boating experience. This includes:

• Trolling motors
• Fish finders
• Anchors
• bKeel guards
• Jack plates and more

12 popular bass boat accessories

We talked to fishing experts to help you decide on your must-haves for your next trip to the water. Before you make your first cast, here are the basic accessories they recommend.

1. Trolling motors

According to Tyler Brady, editor in chief of A Fellow Fisherman, a trolling motor is one of the best ways to lower the noise level of your boat.

“A trolling motor is much quieter than an outboard engine and will make trolling more effective, as your motor will not scare away fish and will provide a slow and steady roll," Brady said. “I recommend buying a trolling motor with a remote and lanyard so you can be in control wherever you are on board.”

Russ Eagan, editor of All Fishing Gear, says that trolling motors can also allow for more precise turns and maneuvers.

“They're great if you're weaving your way through a lake with standing timber all around or in any other scenario where you want to stay on a specific course," Eagan said. “They can help you navigate rough waters or tight spaces, which can be a lifesaver in certain situations."

Eagan added that trolling motors can also help you cover more ground while fishing.

The size of the motor you need depends on the size and weight of your boat. Generally speaking, the larger the motor, the higher the cost. You'll also need to purchase batteries and other items related to motor functioning.

2. Fish finders

Along with depth finders and other navigational tools, fish finders—also known as underwater viewing systems—can make fishing easier and more efficient. They can also help keep you and your investment safe because sonar identifies underwater objects that could potentially damage your bass boat.

3. Anchors

Power pole anchors can save you time on the water and help protect your back from unnecessary muscle strain. For example, you can connect a shallow water anchor to a smartphone and lower it with the press of a button.

4. Sun-protective and waterproof clothing

You should end a day on the lake feeling relaxed and refreshed, not covered in painful sunburns. Bass boats offer no shade, so help prevent harmful burns with waterproof, sun-protective clothing that has UV protection built into the fabric.

Combine this protective clothing with a good waterproof sunscreen to help keep your skin safe.

5. Keel guards

Keel guards are often-overlooked accessories that can protect your bass boat from scuffs from boat ramps and dings from rocks and other underwater objects. A set of keel guards can extend the life of your bass boat and provide another layer of protection against common hazards.

6. Jack plates

Jack plates raise your bass boat's propeller to its maximum height, which can reduce drag, improve speed and generate better fuel economy—all things that improve your boat's performance. Stretching your fuel has the added benefit of keeping you out on the water for longer periods of time and, hopefully, bringing in more fish.

7. Corrosion- and rust-protectant spray

When used in conjunction with a boat cover, corrosion- and rust-protectant spray can prevent corrosion on the metal components of your bass boat. It is used to protect aluminum, copper, stainless steel and chrome, and some are considered safe for use on electrical components.

8. Key floats, waterproof phone cases and device chargers

Drop your keys in the lake and you'll probably never see them again. Key floats help prevent what could be a costly mistake. If your keys fall off the boat, they’ll stay safe inside of an easy-to-spot floating device.Other bass boat accessories include a waterproof case for your smartphone and an onboard battery charger. If you want to avoid being stranded on the lake with no battery life left on your phone, be sure to keep an extra charger on board.

9. Boat covers

A high-quality boat cover is helpful for protecting your bass boat's finish and decking from the elements. The sun can damage a boat's exterior just as much as inclement weather, if not more, and a boat cover can help guard against fading as well as storm damage. A boat cover will also help extend the life of your bass boat. “Sunlight and UV rays destroy plastic, and if you leave your boat uncovered, you will start to see damaged and weakened plastic fittings and rod holders," Eagan said.

10. Boat dock lines

Boat dock lines are another helpful bass boat accessory, according to Eagan. “These lines can help secure your boat to a dock or other structure, which can help keep it from moving around and potentially getting damaged,” Eagan said.

11. GPS unit

Although a fish finder locates fish, a GPS unit is helpful for finding precise locations, mapping out routes, avoiding other boats and notifying emergency services in case of an incident. Identifying exactly where you and your bass boat are on the water can sometimes be challenging on a large body of water without a GPS unit.

12. Paddles or oars

Both oars and paddles can be used to move boats through water and keep them away from rocks and other obstructions. Some states require boats to keep either oars or paddles onboard in case the motor fails. Emergency models with telescoping handles are easy to store and find online.The main difference between the two is that oars are single-bladed and move the boat away from the direction the rower is facing, while paddles may be single- or double-bladed and move the boat in the same direction as the rower. Both paddles and oars can be used for bass boats.

Financing bass boat accessories

The costs of bass boat ownership can add up quickly, but we have some options to help you finance the accessories that are the best fit for your needs.

If you plan on purchasing a few things from the list, you might consider financing them with a Synchrony installment loan, which offers flexible terms, allowing you to pay back the loan over time and make convenient monthly payments.*

You can use the Synchrony Outdoors credit card at enrolled powersports retailers to get the parts, gear, accessories and even fuel you need to maintain your boat (or other powersports vehicle).**

Whatever the weather and whatever the gear, the Synchrony Outdoors credit card can help you kickstart your great escape. Activate your adventure and apply today.*

^*Offer subject to credit approval by Synchrony Bank.

^**Subject to credit approval. See Synchrony Outdoors | MySynchrony for details.