Today I got me a 16' pelican canoe. I was wondering, what are some basic necessities I should carry on board besides the obvious life jackets and oars?

a good water whistle definitely to stay within the law. then you need a white 360 light if gunna be out late or early. flash lights are not legal substitute for 360 light. red and green navigation lights are not required at current time.

Is the whistle for tryin to get someones attention if I'm in trouble or something? And do I needa get the canoe registered?

only need it registered if you put a motor on it. And yes the whistle if a safety whistle in case you need help. I would also recommend a spare oar. you lose the one you are using it will come in handy

they sell collapsible oars at academy and everywhere, they arnt the best but it makes storing a spare very easy, have though about buying one for my yak, but I usually just throw in my finace's if im going out alone, if you are with other yaks or canoes in a group its best if at least one person brings a spare. Also the 360 light is nice to have but if i remeber correctly you only have to have a flashlight if you are a non motor powered vessel, unless they changed it this year.

>>>>>>>>>>>HERE WE GO!!!

Ok cool thanks alot guys, can't wait to get on the water.

I'll be getting a (new to me) used canoe soon. Think it's a Mad River 16 Adventure. I'll be mounting a trolling motor on it so I'll have to get it registered. Does anyone know what all I would need from the seller to not have a problem getting it registered?

Also, do y'all think it'll be easier to row it with a kayak paddle when I'm on it by myself?

Im not to familiar with canoes, but as i understand it, it is very hard to use a kayak paddle because the walls of the canoe stay to high out of the water and either causes you to not be able to reach the water with the blade, to have to lean with every stroke, or a bad case of knuckle bashing on the sides

My suggestion would be to check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife office you plan to register it at, the web site says what you need but each office has it's own personalities so I would suggest going to them to find out what they require so you can get it done the first time.

It can be done with practice, you usually need a longer shaft than with a kayak though.

You will need a Manufacturers Statement of Origin for the most direct/quickest titling route. Not many have them for paddle craft.

If that is not an easy option, you will need a bill of sale and a simple signed statement of why the previous owner did not have a title. Just the simple fact that it was not required is sufficient.

Go to your local TPW office in person and they will hand you all the proper forms to fill out and get signed.

return them in person for local review and if correct, they send them to Austin for research, review and approval. Normal time start to finish is 2-3 months if you just start AT TPW and do what they say. I have heard of quicker, but I have never got one done in less than 2 months without a MSO.

Get the name and phone number of the person that helped you the first time you went in and only deal with that same person if possible.

Do it by mail and can take forever, or longer.

Good luck, Phill

I am confused about the whistle - does the law require it for kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized watercraft? I know that when I rent a kayak or canoe the guy just gives me a life jacket but no whistle.