Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

madolive3

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 2, 2011
Messages
120
Going to get my project 74 glastron bayflight wet tomorrow. It will be my first time launching a boat.
I feel I should see how it floats and runs thru the water now before I sink any more $ into it.
I have my 78 Johnson 115 running well in the tank, and now I will doing the final idle setting with the boat on the water. Steering, fuel system all of the electrical and gauges, it's all my work. The boat had nothing when I got her it was just an old shell.
The Motor I found on Craigs list up in the desert outside of Virginia City NV, hadn't been run in ten years but it was clean and had nice even compression.
So it is time to find out if I bought a boat or a submarine. This is going to be a blast. I'll post some video. Wish me luck and any suggestions would be appreciated..,... Ohh, it's supposed to be windy too, what fun.
 

tx1961whaler

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 31, 2008
Messages
5,197
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Good Luck!
Don't forget to put in the plug, or it will become a submarine.
I'm always more impressed with an old boat (or car) that the owner put personal effort in rather than something that was just bought from a store.
 

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
14,785
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Just because it's your first time launching ... plug goes without sayin' as mentioned above, but make sure you tie off a good line to the bow. I've seen a couple of guys have to go swimming because the shoved off ... with one on board :rolleyes:

Have a great time and put some pictures of "the splash" up.
 

KDAVID1

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Aug 13, 2011
Messages
501
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Don't forget to go over your check list-from back down the ramp, launching, to taking off--do it twice. The more you go over it the more comfortable you will be. Good luck and be safe.
 

fishrdan

Admiral
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
6,989
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Ohh, it's supposed to be windy too, what fun.

First time launching/retrieving, first time boating (?), first time running the boat,, and it's going to be windy?

Make sure to motor into the wind, into the waves, so if something happens you will get blown back to the marina. Have fun and make sure to verify everything is running A'OK before leaving the marina.

Oh yeah, an anchor and plenty of anchor line would be useful if the OB hickups and you're stuck without power, and getting blown into shore.
 

mxcobra

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 27, 2011
Messages
526
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

:eek:Go early before the boat ramp is full , it'll be less stress full this way
 

BonairII

Commander
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
2,727
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Youtube has a few good videos on how to launch a boat. They're worth watching.
 

UncleWillie

Captain
Joined
Oct 18, 2011
Messages
3,995
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Be sure to have all the required equipment on board. Wear your PFD!
It would be a bummer to meet the Local LEO just as you clear the no wake zone.
You'll need your Boaters education Certificate if you are under 30 years old.

DO NOT take the family out on the maiden voyage! One fully qualified helper, Max! :eek:

If you do not have an escort vessel, Talk up the Maiden Voyage event with the guy in line behind you.
Ask if they wouldn't mind shadowing you for the first few minutes.
Most should be happy to do it just to be there for the event.

Be prepaired for the worst, But expect the Best! :D
 

madolive3

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 2, 2011
Messages
120
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Thanks for the fast replies. Not going very far from the dock, just going to set the idle and run the motor a bit. Funny about the upwind post as I have already thought about that. if the motor quits I can drift back. If the motor was running good as I expect it will,, I was going to see what my top end is with my GPS, I installed two power ports just for this occasion, but with the wind and the chop I expect to have to wait on that.
I have been reading hundreds of posts here and learning, also spending alot of time on youtube learning what to do and what not to do. Just the same I'm sure the learning curve will be a sharp one. I'll follow up tomorrow after the event. Thanks again.
 

Alumarine

Captain
Joined
Feb 22, 2005
Messages
3,684
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Good luck. Make sure you have a working bilge pump.
 

SteveMcD

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 21, 2011
Messages
182
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Hope I'm not too late. Launching a boat for the first time is an auspicious occasion. I got my boat when Dad passed away. On my first launch, I sprayed a can of his beer on the bow, and prayed " God bless the Mickey Too and all who sail aboard her". She's made it back to the dock under her own power every time, no matter what. Maybe a little prayer CAN go a long way. A capable assistant is a very good idea. I needed mine. After I reset the points and restarted the engine, I didn't want to go back. Eventually, the fuel gauge dictated otherwise. I'll bet you are stoked. Welcome to the club.
 

madolive3

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 2, 2011
Messages
120
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Too windy today, I'll have to wait until monday for my launch. Thanks for all the help.
 

Pontoon24

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Mar 6, 2010
Messages
88
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

First time I launched I forgot to take off the strap that held the boat down to the trailer. Once backed down the ramp, I undid the winch and the boat slid a couple of inches tightening the strap so hard I couldn't get it off. I had to pull back up the ramp, winch the boat back snug to the bow roller and then remove the strap. I did remember the plug though. Even then, a few minutes into the cruise without watching the pee hole and I had a ruined motor. That was almost 30 years ago, I'm just a little smarter now.
 

90stingray

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Oct 26, 2010
Messages
1,162
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Where you located? We were under a wind advisory all day here in Kansas!
 

swick

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 15, 2009
Messages
282
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

I cannot emphasize enough, bring oars! And yes, plug, unstrap, have a working bildge pump, a horn, signaling device etc. I've had my fun learning over the past few years with the fixer-upper engine I bought. Trailering and un-trailering gets easier every time, you learn do and don't and tricks all the time. Just pay attention and use your thinker, and when you think you are doing it all right, thats the time to double and triple check yourself. The days when you are on the water and everything goes perfect are the days that make it all worth it, but I've had plenty of the cursing and screaming days too. My latest challenge is simply finding the right bait to get some fish onboard! Oh, always fully charge the batteries at least 24 hrs ahead of time, and your cell phone, and a flashight. I always bring a small tool box with all the essentials, and someone always knows where I'm heading. Lots of other stuff I'm forgetting too, use your tinker. Have fun and best of luck!
 

BonairII

Commander
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
2,727
Re: Noob going to launch for the first time tomorrow.

Here's my 2 cents....

Do a majority of your checklist at home(safety gear, plug,fuel,keys etc etc).

At launch site remember to take off transom straps(trim motor up) and have mooring ropes and bumpers ready to go.

When it's your turn to launch....just relax and back in slowly.

Don't get yourself tied up in knots about launching....it's really a simple thing. Going slow and being vigilant is the most important thing.
 
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